How To Apologize For A Writing Hiatus
March 6, 2009 by Jason
Photo courtesy of ODHD
“I’m sorry I haven’t posted in a while.” In a (hopefully) creative twist, I’m using that overused apology to my own readers as a way of showing what not to do when you’ve been away from the keyboard. In reality, I’m just looking for a way to spin my own apology to you for my absence! Either way, I hope to get across both points in this post.
How To Say I’m Sorry Without Saying I’m Sorry
Sounds like a riddle, I know, but there really is a more elegant way to return from absences on your blog than an apology. Some bloggers like to jump right in with their next post, while others feel a need for an “apology” post, which is one of my biggest pet peeves in the world of blogging. I would rather hear about what’s been happening in your life than you wasting a paragraph or two to tell me you are sorry for being away and promise to write more – just write more; I’ll be waiting for you.
I think as bloggers we underestimate the loyalty of our readers and overestimate our own self-importance. After all, I recognize that the 150 of you that subscribe here have other things on your feed reader to read, and other things to do than read a blog about blogging.
However, I also recognize that at least some of you are fans (I hope), and are willing to hang around for a while waiting for my next post. In fact, some argue a little time away makes the heart grow fonder. I don’t know about that, but I do admit to a twinge of excitement when I see one of my favorite bloggers has posted after some time away.
The Best Approach
Over the last couple years I have had the most success sharing a bit of my personal life with readers, regardless of the blog’s primary niche. It never hurts to work in a personal story or two to let readers know what is happening in your life, and it is usually rather easy to weave the story into your something that relates to your topic.
When I’ve deviated from my blogging schedule, I dedicate my return post to updating readers with what’s been going on offline. Maybe I was hammering out a freelance project. Maybe I was sick, or I took a great vacation (share pictures), or I just needed a break. Whatever the reason for your hiatus, keep things positive and be open with readers. Over time, they will feel like they know you, and this bond is what keeps them coming back to your blog.
One word of caution – avoid saying I’m sorry. Don’t spend the entire post apologizing, instead devote the words to updating readers and building anticipation for the next post or two. I have a blogging friend who took a week off for a family vacation to a beautiful spot. When he got home he promised to share photos of his trip throughout the week. I was glued to the blog for the next several days waiting to see evidence of his journey.
So Why Was I Away?
Those who follow FrugalDad.com may know that my mom is recovering from a cerebral aneurysm and stroke. She had a setback about a month ago and has been hospitalized since. Between working full-time, writing for Frugal Dad part-time, and caring for her the rest of the time, I’ve been away from Side Hustle Blogging longer than I like. My mom is doing better and we hope to have her home in a couple weeks. As things calm down I’ll resume a more normal schedule here. In the meantime, thanks for sticking around!
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Very clever post Jason, I enjoyed your approach to this sometimes clumsey topic.
However, on a much more important note, I’m glad to hear that your mother is doing better. I trust that trend will continue.
@Do You Dave Ramsey: Thanks! We’re certainly hoping the trend of healing continues for my mom. She’s been through so much these last seven months, and deserves a few breaks to go her way for a change. Things are looking up!
I hope your mom continues to improve.
Sorry to hear about your mom’s setback but am praying she is improving. My best to your mom, you, and your family…
[...] I thought I would throw this post into the mix; Jason at Side Hustle Blogging put out a post about How to Apologize for a Writing Hiatus with a pretty interesting take on it. I think my problem is I just don’t have a proper [...]
I think you’ll have some “lurkers” like me here regardless of how often you post. Your older content is great and it takes time to read through it all.
Yep, agree with the other comments. I enjoy your blogs, and look forward to your work when you get back.
Blogging is asynchronous by design, and folks who forget that lose out.
Hang in there, and prayers for you and your family.
Hope your mom continues to improve – i know it’s been tough on her and you guys.
Personally I find it annoying when bloggers apologize for not writing, I don’t want to hear it. Really they’ve got nothing to apologize for. Either talk about what’s going on in your life (as you do) or just jump right back into it!
There’s one podcast I listen to that every episode starts with “sorry for not doing a new episode for so long, i promise not to wait so long next time” or something along those lines. It bugged me so much I emailed the host to mention it.