5 Ways My Blogging Habits Have Changed Over Time

When I started book blogging, I was just excited to talk about the books I loved. I had no real structure, no system, just vibes. Fast forward a few years—and a few hundred reviews—and I’ve definitely changed how I blog. Not because what I did was bad, but because I figured out what works better for me and hopefully makes my content more useful for you.

Here are five ways my blogging habits have evolved:

1. I’m Much Pickier About What I Read

In the beginning, I said yes to everything. If it sounded remotely interesting, it went on my TBR. Now? I vet books more carefully. I read reviews, I check if the tropes are my thing, and I ask myself if I actually want to read it—or if I just feel pressured into it (if it's a really hyped up book that shows up on every bookstagrammer's feed). Life’s too short for books I’m not excited about. Also, I no longer fear missing out. I've read many books long after their hyped died down and the world hasn't ended. Yet.

Because I'm a mood reader and I exclusively read for pleasure, it's hard for me to read something (and enjoy it) if there too much pressure. Although, if it made it to my TBR, it's definitely my cup of tea, but if I'm not in the mood for tea right now, I'll have it later. Sometimes, it may take a year or two to get to a book, but that's only because my tbr is endless and I add new books almost daily.

I make an exception for ARCs. If I request an ARC, I will read and review it on time.

2. I Have Zero Guilt About DNF-ing

DNF used to feel like failure. Now, it feels like self-respect. If a book doesn’t work for me—or I’m not in the mood for that kind of story—I stop reading. No drama, no guilt. Just moving on to something that fits my vibe better.

I still see a lot of readers talking on social media about feeling guilty about DNF-ing a book. Or saying they simply can't. They must finish what they started. I'm happy I don't suffer from this compulsion. Like I've said many times before, I read for pleasure. Not every book is for everyone and that's okay. I move on to the next.

3. I Don’t Summarize the Plot Anymore

I used to start every review with a summary of the book. Can't say why, but I must have seen other book bloggers doing it and I thought that's the way to go. There's no need for it. I realized... that’s what the blurb is for. If someone’s reading my review, they probably already know what the book is about. Now I skip the recap and focus on what I liked (or didn’t), and why.

4. I Added an “At a Glance” Section to My Reviews

We’re all busy. So I started adding a quick “At a Glance” section at the top of each review with key info: what I loved, tropes, vibes, what to expect, etc. That way, readers can tell right away if the book’s in their lane—or if they even care enough to scroll down and read the full review.

5. I List Themes and Tropes—Not Just My Feelings

My early reviews focused a lot on how a book made me feel. That’s great in theory, but not always helpful for other readers who don’t share my taste. Now, I also include tropes and themes so people can make their own call. You might love a story that annoyed me—or vice versa—and that’s totally valid.

Blogging, like reading, is a journey. What worked for me years ago doesn’t work now—and I’m okay with that. The goal is the same: to help readers find books they’ll love. I just do it a little differently these days.

Final Thoughts

The way I blog now is more intentional, more streamlined, and honestly, less exhausting. I don’t feel the need to follow a rigid format or please everyone. I focus on being helpful, honest, and real. And if that means DNF-ing a hyped book or skipping a summary because it adds nothing, so be it. Blogging should enhance my reading life, not turn it into a chore.

If you’re a fellow blogger feeling stuck or burnt out, maybe it’s time to tweak your own habits. There’s no one right way to do this. Just find the version that works for you.