Diary of an ExSloth

Tales of Food, Fitness & Healthy Living

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Work With Me
  • Blog
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Index
      • All Recipes
      • Breakfast
      • Desserts
      • Drinks
      • Lunch + Dinner
      • Snacks
    • Recipe Roundups
    • Tea Reviews
  • Health
    • Healthy Eating Tips
      • Healthy Baking Substitutions
    • Healthy Living Tips
  • Fitness
    • Fitness Tips
    • Workouts
  • Lifestyle
    • Blogging
    • Favourite Things
    • Quotes + Inspiration
  • Start Here

Frustrated Blogger: 5 Tips for Overcoming Writer’s Block

10 October, 2014 by Giselle Rochford 50 Comments

Hey Friends! How’s it goin?

Recently I’ve been having a little trouble putting pen to paper fingers to keyboard when writing my posts. I love blogging and I honestly feel like it’s what I’m meant to be doing right now. But sometimes, like with all other things in life, I have off days. Sometimes, I feel like I have absolutely nothing of consequence to say, and it makes it really hard to get a post with quality content published.  

5 Tips to help Blogggers Overcome Writer's Block via @ExSloth | ExSloth.com

Last night, I started Googling tips for overcoming writer’s block but quickly realised that nothing was really specific to bloggers. Sure, brainstorming, keeping a post idea list and coming up with themes is useful, but those are just arbitrary tips in my opinion. I couldn’t find a real guide for bloggers wanting to get out of a writing slump. So, I decided to cure my writer’s block by writing about writer’s block. Ironic, I know.

5 tips to help you overcome writer’s block #thebloglife #fitfluential

Click To Tweet

5 Tips for Bloggers Dealing with Writer’s Block

1. Check Linkups

Many of the linkups in the blogging world have optional topics for the current week’s post. When I can’t figure out what to write about, I look at some of the topics for those linkups and write a post about one that interests me. Removing brainstorming from the equation and makes it a lot easier to produce content since the content is all you have to focus on. Plus, linkups are a great way to get free exposure for your blog and interact with other bloggers. Two birds, one stone. 

2. Do a Roundup

Roundups are great because they can be about anything, from things on your Fall bucket list to a collection of your favourite granola recipes. You can limit the roundup to your own posts or include links to other blogs and sites, but once everything you’re listing goes together, you can make it work. Yes, you’ll still have to write a couple paragraphs for the post, but you’re not starting from scratch, which makes writing easier.

3. Share some Link Love

Link love type posts are pretty popular in the blogging community. They’re similar to roundups but the topics can be varied and you don’t need as many words. It’s basically just a list of links to interesting articles from around the web, with an optional one-liner of your thoughts tacked on. Some of my favourites are Link Love on Running with Spoons, Bean Bytes on The Lean Green Bean and Sunday Funday on Skinny Fitalicious.

4. Think out Loud

Another great idea from Amanda of Running with Spoons is her Thinking out Loud Thursday series, which I’ve actually never done on a Thursday 😳 It’s where I got the inspiration for my Wednesday rant a couple months ago and my brain dump on Monday. What I love about thinking out loud is that I don’t have to make everything too coherent. Each of my points will make sense (theoretically), but the post in it’s entirety doesn’t have to be about one thing. May sound strange, but it works.

5. Update old posts

I have a lot of posts I plan to update in the near future. Some of them are recipes that need picture updates, some are nutrition or fitness tips that can have some tips added. Sift through your old posts and see if there’s any you want to update or maybe expand in another post or series of some posts. Your archives are a treasure trove of inspiration for future posts and you shouldn’t neglect them. 

Bonus Tips:

  • Hit the gym for inspiration. You may come up with a new workout to share or randomly think of a fitness related topic to talk about
  • Spend some time experimenting in the kitchen. You might just create something amazing, and then you’ll have a recipe to share
  • Scour magazines in your niche. Magazines are also a great place to get topic ideas. Just the article titles can spark some creativity.

Plus, don’t forget to sign up for the FREE Blog Well Summit (affiliate link) for even more blogging tips from the experts.

Want more posts about blogging? Try these:

5 Tips to Grow your blog without breaking the bank via @ExSloth | ExSloth.com
5 FREE Tips for Growing your Blog
Blog To-Do-List | @ExSloth
5 Things on my Blogging to-do list

My 5 Favourite Healthy Living Blogs
Blogging changed my life | ExSloth.com
5 Ways Blogging Changed my Life

What about you?

How do you deal with writer’s block? Any other tips for bloggers with writer’s block? 

Share in the comments below!
signature 4_5_14

 

 

 

Get Social with me on:
Facebook –  Diary of an Ex-Sloth
Twitter – @ExSloth
Pinterest – @ExSloth
Instagram – @ExSloth
Google+ – +GiselleRochford
Bloglovin – Diary of an ExSloth

This post was included in the following linkups: Friday Favorites, #FFavorites, Fitness Friday, Friday Five, Weekly Wrap Up, FYI Friday

If you enjoyed this post, you'll love these

  • How I gained 20+ pounds in a year while eating a healthy whole foods diet (weight gain) via @ExSloth | ExSloth.comI gained 20+ pounds on a healthy whole foods diet
  • 3 easy tips for eating more fruits & veggies3 easy tips for eating more fruits & veggies
  • 5 things to try before quitting the gym5 things to try before quitting the gym
  • 5 Tips for Prepping for a Virtual Blog Conference via @ExSloth | ExSloth.com5 Tips for Preparing for a Virtual Blog Conference

Filed Under: Blogging

« Vegan Pumpkin Spice Baked Donuts
5 Tips for Preparing for a Virtual Blog Conference »

Comments

  1. Erin @ The Almond Eater says

    10 October, 2014 at 8:30 am

    Writer’s block is the worst and it happens to me a lot…. I find that I’m most creative in the mornings so if I don’t have time to write a post then, I usually just end up rambling… typical. It happens to the best of us! Have a great weekend Giselle!
    Erin @ The Almond Eater recently posted…Healthy Autumn Chicken Salad Sandwich

    Reply
    • Giselle Rochford says

      11 October, 2014 at 10:30 am

      I’m the same with being most able to write in the mornings but I usually only have time to write at night. I need to start making time in the morning to get it done!
      And enjoy your weekend too πŸ˜€

      Reply
  2. Skye says

    10 October, 2014 at 8:43 am

    “I decided to cure my writer’s block by writing about writer’s block.” And hey look, it worked, and probably will help others too! πŸ™‚
    Skye recently posted…10 Spooky and Monster Books for Kids That Adults Can Love Too (Even After Halloween)

    Reply
  3. Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says

    10 October, 2014 at 9:32 am

    Great tips! We really enjoy doing link ups as well.
    Lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…What are the Best Fuels for You?

    Reply
  4. Amanda @ .running with spoons.com says

    10 October, 2014 at 9:43 am

    Oh girl… I feel ya on the dratted writer’s block — I seem to have come down with a severe case of it myself. These are all really, really grey tips, and another thing I’d add to the list is to step away from the computer for a few hours and go out there and LIVE. I find that that, more than anything else, helps inspire me and clear my head enough to get the words flowing.
    Amanda @ .running with spoons.com recently posted…. soft and chewy pumpkin granola bars .

    Reply
    • Giselle Rochford says

      11 October, 2014 at 10:34 am

      Very true. When I have time and am not working on a post that needs to be up in 5 hours, I usually take a break and do something else and it always helps. But these help when I still can’t write a thing and I’m pressed for time – which is almost always since I’m a master procrastinator 😳

      Reply
  5. Jen @ Pretty Little Grub says

    10 October, 2014 at 10:03 am

    Great tips for writers block! I love Thinking out Loud Thursday for that reason. I always participate it makes an “easy” blogging day. Link-ups are a great idea too. I never thought of using them when I had writers block. Thanks for linking up with me today!
    Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…FYI Friday – Preventing the Thanksgiving bulge

    Reply
    • Giselle Rochford says

      11 October, 2014 at 10:36 am

      Thinking out loud Thursday is the best when my random thoughts are stopping me from writing a coherent post lol. Thanks for hosting, Jen!

      Reply
  6. Erin says

    10 October, 2014 at 10:44 am

    Thanks for posting this! Writer’s block is something all bloggers are going to deal with eventually, so it’s awesome that you’re posting tips!
    Erin recently posted…Fashion Classics

    Reply
  7. Nicole @ Squash on Squash says

    10 October, 2014 at 10:59 am

    Great tips! Thanks so much πŸ™‚ Some days I’m just brain-dead after class/work/practice etc, and can’t bother to do anything. I’ll have to use some of these tips in the future!
    Nicole @ Squash on Squash recently posted…Prison Break Has Taken Over My Life + {Friday Favourites}

    Reply
    • Giselle Rochford says

      11 October, 2014 at 10:37 am

      Thinking out Loud Thursday is the best when you’re ‘brain dead’ after a long day. Try it out!

      Reply
  8. Renee @ Bendiful Blog says

    10 October, 2014 at 12:09 pm

    I find a good old fashioned walk to be the best way to beat writers blog. I don’t want to re-hash other peoples ideas I want my own fresh ones and for me nature is inspiring.
    Renee @ Bendiful Blog recently posted…The Risk of Restless

    Reply
    • Giselle Rochford says

      11 October, 2014 at 10:39 am

      True. When I have time, I get out there and do something to take my mind off my writer’s block. But sometimes, when I’ve left my writing to the last minute, I need some fast inspiration, and these help!

      Reply
  9. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says

    10 October, 2014 at 1:03 pm

    Great tips lady! Writer’s block happens to me like last weekend when I actually had time to write. I stepped away from the computer and suddenly Sunday it was pouring out of me all day. Seriously 9 hours of writing.
    Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious recently posted…Cookie Dough Baked Oatmeal

    Reply
    • Giselle Rochford says

      11 October, 2014 at 10:41 am

      Woah, that’s a lot of writing productivity! Good for you πŸ˜€
      I don’t think I’ve ever just sat and written for that long!

      Reply
  10. Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says

    10 October, 2014 at 1:12 pm

    Great tips!

    Reply
  11. Tracy says

    10 October, 2014 at 3:23 pm

    The Link Love is a great idea! It’s not as popular in my niche, so it’s definitely something I’d like to try!
    Tracy recently posted…Keep That Lower Leg Steady

    Reply
  12. Tiffany Khyla says

    10 October, 2014 at 4:03 pm

    This is so helpful! I’ve definitely been feeling a bit of writers block lately. All I want to do is watch TV!
    Tiffany Khyla recently posted…Enter to Win by Kirsten Jany (Book Review).

    Reply
    • Giselle Rochford says

      11 October, 2014 at 10:42 am

      Watching tv might actually help spark some ideas depending on what you’re watching. Give it a try!

      Reply
  13. Charlotte says

    10 October, 2014 at 5:36 pm

    Great tips

    Reply
  14. Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine says

    10 October, 2014 at 6:30 pm

    I feel the same way at times! I just try not to force it. Sometimes I sit down and I write a super long post without even thinking. So when I sit down and can’t think of a thing, I just walk away, and come back after doing something else. Usually a walk, or cooking something, or a yoga class, will allow time for thoughts to come back!
    Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine recently posted…Muscle Building Non-Dairy Chocolate Milk + Easy Ways to Increase Protein Intake

    Reply
  15. jill conyers says

    10 October, 2014 at 7:41 pm

    Time seems to be the best remedy for writer’s block. Great tips!
    jill conyers recently posted…5 Things Friday

    Reply
  16. Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says

    11 October, 2014 at 8:44 am

    Writer’s block totally happens. I find that it helps me if I I give myself plenty of time on a post. If I have time pressure it magnifies my block. πŸ™‚ Have agreat weekend!
    Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment recently posted…10/10: FridayҀ™s Favorite Things

    Reply
  17. MB says

    11 October, 2014 at 10:03 am

    Definitely trying some of these tips — I’m going to bookmark this post. One thing I really think helps me is doing writing prompts and also the 5-minute writing in regard to a word or just stream-of-consciousness. I’ve discovered that by timing them, every other thought disappears, and I’m basically forced to concentrate on that one thing.
    MB recently posted…Caring Too Much

    Reply
    • Giselle Rochford says

      11 October, 2014 at 2:19 pm

      I never thought of timing my writing but it’s definitely worth a try! Thanks for the tip πŸ™‚

      Reply
  18. normaleverydaylife says

    11 October, 2014 at 6:25 pm

    Great ideas and tips! I enjoy round up posts, but have never posted one myself. I think I might try that this week! #saturdaysharefest
    normaleverydaylife recently posted…Deciding What to Keep and What to Let Go

    Reply
  19. Ray says

    11 October, 2014 at 9:22 pm

    Ooooo, love it and saving this for when it hits me. I took time off this summer and wrote in my idea book. This is what will get me through winter I hope. I lost a dear friend, and could not write no matter what. Then I wrote about her, that got me back to the table….

    Thanks for sharing, visiting from SitsGirls.
    Ray recently posted…10 Quotes

    Reply
  20. Matilda says

    13 October, 2014 at 8:09 pm

    I’m so glad you put ‘update old posts” i thought I was the only crazy that did that. I do it because wow some of them are badly written or have no pictures.
    But that’s the great thing about blogging, the more you do it the more you learn and you can share with others out there.
    Matilda recently posted…Running is my Triumph

    Reply
  21. Chris says

    15 October, 2014 at 1:29 pm

    Definitely like Tip #3! I’ve done that a couple times now. I love paying it forward to bloggers and startups that I like and want to share with others. I know they appreciate it and maybe it buys me some good karma in case I ever need some love thrown my way! =) Plus… hey it gets a post published and hopefuly generates fresh ideas to beat writer’s block!
    Chris recently posted…Celebrate The Grind

    Reply
  22. Kristina Walters says

    16 October, 2014 at 12:41 pm

    I thought I submitted a comment yesterday but I guess it didn’t through. Thanks for the tips! I am having some major writer’s block lately and I need to shake some ideas loose! I will give these a try!
    Kristina Walters recently posted…Questions About Beachbody Coaching

    Reply
  23. Ange @ Cowgirl Runs says

    30 April, 2015 at 12:13 pm

    Great tips! I really love link ups like The Fit Dish where a topic is given for inspiration. I find it really helps if I’m not sure what to talk about.
    Ange @ Cowgirl Runs recently posted…Runners be cray

    Reply
  24. Coach Henness says

    30 April, 2015 at 1:17 pm

    Yes to the think out loud bit! I know some bloggers compose posts through some kind of verbal dictation software (kind of scares me because Lord knows what I’d end up posting) but that definitely works!
    Coach Henness recently posted…Giving One Extra Degree

    Reply
  25. rachel says

    30 April, 2015 at 1:50 pm

    writers block stinks! thanks for sharing yoru tips! πŸ™‚
    rachel recently posted…Amazing Women Everywhere

    Reply
  26. AJ @ NutriFitMama says

    30 April, 2015 at 2:02 pm

    These are great tips- I do a lot of what you have posted whenever I have the infamous Writer’s Block!
    AJ @ NutriFitMama recently posted…Making it through the week- Thinking out loud Thursday

    Reply
  27. Kate @KateMovingForward says

    30 April, 2015 at 3:04 pm

    Love that tip to look back at old posts…that’s where I get some great ideas OR I may just end up editing and refreshing an old post and then re-sharing it on social media. If I don’t have something good to say then I don’t feel bad about passing on blogging for the day.
    Kate @KateMovingForward recently posted…Celebrate Your Superpower with the Avengers!

    Reply
  28. Nicole @ Fitful Focus says

    30 April, 2015 at 4:11 pm

    These are great tips! I love the idea of a round up and finding new link ups!
    Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…That Time I Signed Up For The Dopey Challenge On A Whim

    Reply
  29. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    30 April, 2015 at 4:16 pm

    Linkups are great for helping move past writer’s block. My favorite is the Friday Five linkup with the DC Trifecta.
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…2015 Manassas Runway 10k Recap

    Reply
  30. Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

    30 April, 2015 at 4:51 pm

    good tips. i find that reading a lot (not just blogs but books and magazines and newspapers) often sparks something. i also write down every little idea i have and build on it!
    Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC recently posted…The ONE Simple Thing Every Blogger Should Do

    Reply
  31. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    30 April, 2015 at 4:56 pm

    I have been having writer’s block since I got back from Paris. Linkups have definitely helped me! Great post!
    Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…My #REALCHAMPIONS and how they have helped with my running journey!

    Reply
  32. Carmy says

    30 April, 2015 at 5:20 pm

    I find link ups always help! Writing prompts are the best (but can be hard to come by for fitness related posts)
    Carmy recently posted…PRs are Personal for a Reason.

    Reply
  33. Farrah says

    30 April, 2015 at 5:27 pm

    Great tips! πŸ˜€ I actually have issues with having wayyy too many ideas and wanting to write/post them all at once because I’d love to have a discussion on em’, but on the plus side, I guess I can space the non-time-sensitive ones out! πŸ˜›
    Farrah recently posted…How your past shapes your future

    Reply
  34. Sam @ PancakeWarriors says

    30 April, 2015 at 11:20 pm

    These are great tips!!! I’m constantly getting inspired from others – pinterest can be great too!!
    Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…Quinoa Black Bean Burgers

    Reply
  35. Patty @ Reach Your Peak says

    1 May, 2015 at 8:15 pm

    Great tips – I hadn’t thought of checking link-ups! Something that helps me too is to read magazines, usually I can find a topic inspiration from there, or if you see something interesting you can also write an opinion piece on it.
    Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…Will I Ever BQ? Questions For Fellow Runners

    Reply
  36. Elisabeth says

    24 August, 2020 at 11:59 am

    Each of us has a period when you don’t know what to write next. You don’t know how to put your thoughts together and tell a memorable story. It’s especially frustrating when you’re faced with writing an essay. However, I was very helped with this https://cheappaperwriting.com/. I couldn’t have done better

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. . link love 10/12 . - . running with spoons . says:
    12 October, 2014 at 7:31 am

    […] Writer’s Block and the Frustrated Blogger via Diary of an ExSloth. (I sense a theme here…) More great tips to overcome the funk, specific to bloggers! […]

    Reply
  2. Sunday Funday 10/12/14, I'm Gonna Be All Right - Skinny Fitalicious says:
    12 October, 2014 at 7:32 am

    […] Writer’s Block and the Frustrated Blogger via Diary of an Ex Sloth – It’s so frustrating when you can’t think of what to write. These tips help & I confess I’ve used them from time to time. […]

    Reply
  3. Bean Bytes says:
    13 October, 2014 at 12:01 am

    […] bloggers: Writers Block For Frustrated Bloggers via Diary of an Ex-Sloth How To Survive Your First Year As A Blogger via The Yogi […]

    Reply
  4. Creative Inspiration To-Do List » Lavender and Honey says:
    13 October, 2014 at 7:00 am

    […] out of my brain and into words more difficult. Thankfully Michelle from Vitamin Sunshine linked to this article on overcoming writers block for bloggers, and I was also inspired by this post on Ashley […]

    Reply
  5. Link Love 5/2 - Cowgirl Runs says:
    7 May, 2015 at 5:40 pm

    […] Another one for bloggers if you’ve ever suffered from writer’s block. […]

    Reply
  6. How to rediscover your creative spark - Diary of an ExSloth says:
    16 November, 2015 at 1:08 pm

    […] written before about how to avoid writers’ block, which can be a huge issue for any blogger. But, writing isn’t my only creative outlet. And […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

new reader sidebar

Thinking of going dairy free? Get the Guide!

GET ACCESS TO THE RESOURCE LIBRARY

with free cheat sheets, workbooks & mini eBooks (like that one↑)

recipe redux
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy and Disclaimers
  • Work With Me
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2023 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress