Where Do I Go From Here?

Eight.

That is the number of blog posts I've done in the past month. Eight. That has got to be the lowest blog post output I've had since I started blogging nearly 3 years ago. Shoot, the saddest part is that I'm counting CB's donut post as one of those eight, so technically I guess it is seven. My lack of posts has nothing to do with my love for blogging, I am still absolutely in love with this blog.

I'm not sure if there is one main reason why people quit blogging, but I can't imagine that those people are in the same boat that I'm in. I would think the reason most people quit is because they just don't care for the blogging world anymore. They are either over the negativity that sometimes surrounds it, or maybe they don't like the way blogging has changed over the years, or they have a million other things going on and don't have the time and energy that blogging requires. 

None of those scenarios pertain to me. I don't mind the negative, I don't mind the changes that have developed in the blogging world over these past three years and I still have and want to devote the time it takes to run this blog. Blogging is, and I hope will always be my favorite hobby. I'm proud of what I've created in this space and I want to continue to maintain and grow Venus Trapped in Mars. 

So what's the problem then???

Well, I am just at a complete and total loss on what to write about. Blogging has for sure changed, and I remember the days when I would write a post as simple as listing some things that annoyed me and it would get 75 comments in a few hours. I can't put my finger on why, but those posts just don't seem to be popular anymore.  Blogging is going in more of a direction where it now feels like you need to list secrets, share a recipe or give a tutorial to have a successful blog post. If your post topic is something someone would pin, then you're on the right track. As an example, no one would pin The 28 things I'd Rather Do Than Attend My High School Reunion, but that kind of post is what I've been doing for the past 3 years, and that is the post I'm most comfortable with writing. 

I feel like I haven't made anyone laugh in a very long time, and I hate that. Nothing about hashtags, or fashion poses for lifestyle bloggers is humorous.... BUT.... it does gain followers.

So where do I go from here? What should I write about? Do I change with the blog world, or do I stick to what I've been doing for the past three years? Is it possible to do a little of everything and still keep readers? 

It's for sure a dilemma. I think existing readers, those of you who have been around for a long time, enjoy MY posts, the posts that are silly, funny and sometimes very heart-felt and serious. In order to grow and attract new readers though, I HAVE to get their attention with posts that are helpful and likely to be liked on Bloglovin or repinned on Pinterest. Can I write those popular posts that attract new readers, like my hashtag posts that are so popular, but also throw in a mix of things that will make you laugh? 

I think so..... well at least I sure hope so, because that will be my goal going forward! For tomorrow's post I'm going to brainstorm WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE, and hopefully get your opinion and insight for the NEXT 3 years of Venus Trapped in Mars!

Also,  on an unrelated note, if anyone sees a black and red bag weighing 51.5 pounds floating around either the Chicago airport or the Dallas airport, if you could let American Airlines know because they can't seem to find my luggage anywhere........