I’m not immune to writer’s block and I definitely have those times where my creative mojo is at a stand still, but having two consistently published blogs means that I don’t have the luxury of taking a day off very often. If I do, my blogs suffer and since I’m establishing myself as a professional blogger, it’s important that I’m writing consistently. Since this is the case for many bloggers, we often feel the need to write…a lot…and the question remains, how can I overcome writer’s block?
Some quick and easy tips for overcoming writer’s block!
1. Read other blogs. Reading blogs in your niche is one of the best ways to discover creative material. Revisit your favorite blogs and interesting posts around the web. Is there an aspect of a topic they didn’t cover that you could discuss? Did they ask any questions or leave an open response? Here’s your chance to follow up or give your take on topic. Tip: Always be sure to add credit back links to your inspiration sources!
2. Watch the news. TV, radio and social media are excellent sources of inspiration. Look around on Twitter, Facebook, CNN or YouTube until you find something that sparks your interest. Write a post about your thoughts, share some relevant news or a brief intro and commentary with links to interesting resources related to the topic. This is extra helpful, since writing about popular search topics, like news stories, is sure to give you a boost in traffic.
3. Talk about yourself. One thing that I’ve noticed about myself is that I don’t talk about me that often. My personal life, my family or my failures and successes. Because of this, readers often see posts about my personal life as a refreshing respite from the usual. Once in a while, write about yourself and let your readers reach out to the human side of your blog and make that personal connection.
4. Focus on your passion. One thing that always helps me when I’m facing a road block is a re-evaluation of why I write. I ask myself, why did I start blogging? What topics are most important to me and why? How can I best get my voice out there on a certain topic and how can I help my readers? These are all great questions and they’re something that we all need to come back to time and again, as we get busy with life and lose site of our goals. Take time to draw up an outline of topics that you most want to focus on and try to stick to them and offer up your most passionate ideas to your audience.
5. Start a series. Another great idea! Series are a great way to showcase a topic that you love and also gives you a break from the constant brainstorming. Come up with one idea and then pick that apart it 3 to 5 “episodes”, each with it’s own sub-genre. Not only does this demonstrate your expertise on a topic, but it’s also great for SEO because it raises your keyword density and search engine rank.
6. Start microblogging. The great thing about microblogging is that it’s simple and instantaneous. It’s more about free-thinking than planned writing and that’s often a welcomed break when you’re stressing so much over what to write, that you can’t put two thoughts together. Give your readers a break and treat them to a quick little snack post that will inspire their own thoughts on a particular topic.
7. Alternate your media. When you’re feeling burnt out on writing, try a different form of media and give yourself a break from the traditional. Create a video, podcast or photo collage and give yourself a chance to think outside the box. Is writing all that you can do or would you rather express yourself in another way? If you’re dying to test out another media style on your blog, take the leap and try something new. Your readers will welcome the variety and you’ll be challenging yourself to push your limits and may just discover new talents that can improve your blog!
8. Share your favorite links. Readers love lists! Take advantage of this by building lists of your favorite resources, related to your niche. Do you have a favorite books list? Favorite blogs? Top 10 posts about multilingual parenting? Your five favorite funny videos? Whatever lists you can come up with that fit your blog niche, share them! Guaranteed, someone will be interested!
9. Veg out! When all else fails and you just can’t make it happen, take some time off. Take a half day, a whole day, a week…whatever you need and DO NOT touch the computer AT ALL during that time. In order to truly give yourself a break and come back refreshed, you HAVE TO STEP AWAY and prevent yourself from thinking about your blog again until you’ve enjoy some time off.
I hope this list will help to bring you some inspiration on those days when writing seems like a far-fetched goal. If you have any other tips for overcoming writer’s block, please share them with us! :)
ezzylanguzzi says
Another great post, Chantilly! I'm printing this out and putting it up in my office. I was on the fence about blogging when I first started, then I found my bloggy voice when I connected with other like-minded mujeres, like you, and everything changed. The challenge has been trying to keep up with it, when there are so many real demands off-line. The last few months were crazy, burnt myself to a mental crisp trying to keep up with family, school, jobs, internships … blog. I think when blogging becomes a burden, we need to reevaluate and come up with a realistic doable schedule. Otherwise nothing gets done. I'm guilty of this! Thank you for writing this … you inspired me to be a better writer. Happy New Year, Amiga. <3
biculturalmom says
@ezzylanguzzi Thanks amiga!! I know I've been missing you since you started back at school, but I'm so excited for you! I don't blame you for putting your blog on the back burner a little, family, school and work and definitely top priorities! Happy New Year amiga…looking forward to a 2012 filled with amazing accomplishments! :)
Maria Wen Adcock says
Great tips…thanks a lot and have a very Happy New Year!
biculturalmom says
@Maria Wen Adcock Thanks Maria! Happy New Year! :)
All really great tips, Chantilly! After my grandmother's passing, I just didn't have that desire I once had to write and blog for Motherhood in Mexico. Cooking and food is easier for me, so my Cocina blog wasn't too affected. The one thing that helped me want to start blogging again, was reading through my old posts and rediscover why I enjoy blogging so much. I even came up with a couple of future blog posts to write. And well, things happen around here on a daily basis that just need to be blogged about. :)
Happy New Year, Chantilly!
biculturalmom says
@Leslie_Limon Aww, that's hard. I think that when there are emotional times in the family like that, it can be really hard to find delight in things like blogging. When people talk about a mourning period, it's really more than a social construction…our whole lives are deeply affected by that void and the emotional burden can definitely be a challenge. I'm glad that you were able to enjoy your writing again and regain that appreciation for you blog. :) We definitely put a lot of ourselves into it, not to mention that it's such a great place to vent or leave our worries and hopes.
Happy New Year amiga!! <3 Thanks for stopping in. :)