The first week of January is the most depressing week of the year. For me. I’m sure there are some people who are thrilled to jump into a new year. I’m not one of those people, which is probably why I always (and only) have a drink on New Year’s Eve (this year it was Seagram’s Berry Wine Cooler).
But I usually have a pretty good idea where I’m going, at least with my writing.
Not this year.
Not at all.
Seriously, people, I am wide open to suggestions from you, the readers. I feel like 2011 opened me up, ripped everything out of me, and I’m like, uh, I have a blog? What’s a keyboard? Fortunately, I do know what a pen, journal, and a Bible are…
Admittedly, I became fairly delinquent in promised book and music reviews (as the piles around my desk would suggest.) Sometimes I just don’t want to read anything but my Bible or devotional books (Jesus Calling is a favorite) or listen to anything but Bebo Norman (and the other artists I hold close). Naturally, this makes it difficult to review the latest and greatest when I’m stuck in a nostalgic past. As I’ve mentioned before, I was reviewing books and albums and whatever else just to get free stuff, and it amounted to nothingness. I mean, some of the products were excellent, others subpar, but I didn’t do it for the love of the craft. Lack of passion will really suck the life out of anything.
Now it’s 2012. I’m listening to Jesus Calling: Songs Inspired By (right this very moment.) I just started to read One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp, but I might read something else. I’m not really committed to anything at present.
I am passionate about writing and reading and taking pictures…but I am more interested in being still, listening to God, and pursuing things that will make me well (physically, emotionally, spiritually). Sometimes choosing what is better is choosing not to blog and not to write. Yes, it’s crazy talk for a writer! My identity as a Child of God trumps writer every time.
Recently, in Jesus Calling, I read that others may not understand times when God’s children draw close to Him—to listen, to love, and to find rest. It may seem that we’re simply lazy because blogs aren’t updated, Twitter accounts are silent, and emails are returned in a few days instead of a few hours. But I’m CHOOSING what is better for me.
And in choosing what’s best for me, I want to nurture my readers as well. Tell me, what do you like to read? What do you want to see more of? Less of? Clearly, Friday Faves is a keeper, and you do seem to like my photography and personal posts. Music reviews or book reviews? Do you generally like them or do you only want me to talk about books I choose to read? (Even if that means buying them myself?)
Please leave me some helpful commentary. Or, if you’re shy, shoot me an email. Friday Faves will return next week. Probably.
She is Beloved 
You know, maybe this is lame advice, but I’m most interested in reading something I can tell you’re genuinely passionate about. I don’t care where the material or inspiration came from, I just care that I can tell you’re loving the experience of writing about it.
And I think it’s okay to say, hey, nothing is really floating my boat right now. I’m going to take some time. I’m going to figure it out. I’m going get it back and when I do you’ll know it.
I second what Tricia said. Write about what you are passionate about. If you can, and feel like you are able to share, tell us what God is telling you. Tell us how you listen for His voice. Write about what’s best for you. Or, as you said, if what’s best for you is to not write, then don’t.
Well, I feel pretty passionate about those Seagram’s Wine coolers… 🙂
Thank you for your comments, Trish & Stephanie.
I am definitely going to continue to write about topics about which I’m passionate like music, mental health, pop culture, God, and so forth.
I guess what I really want to know is what formats you like this information in…like Take 5’s? Or do you prefer devotionals to go with the songs? As far as review–in-depth or brief? More or less? (Like I could do more reviews but only have a paragraph for each album…)
See what I mean?
Or what books or musicians do you want to see me review or interview? Dying to know what happened to your fave band from your teens? Any tantalizing topics you think I’d be great at tackling?