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.
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 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:
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!
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This post was included in the following linkups: Friday Favorites, #FFavorites, Fitness Friday, Friday Five, Weekly Wrap Up, FYI Friday
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
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 😀
“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! 🙂
Skye recently posted…10 Spooky and Monster Books for Kids That Adults Can Love Too (Even After Halloween)
Great tips! We really enjoy doing link ups as well.
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…What are the Best Fuels for You?
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 .
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 😳
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
Thinking out loud Thursday is the best when my random thoughts are stopping me from writing a coherent post lol. Thanks for hosting, Jen!
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
Great tips! Thanks so much 🙂 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}
Thinking out Loud Thursday is the best when you’re ‘brain dead’ after a long day. Try it out!
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
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!
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
Woah, that’s a lot of writing productivity! Good for you 😀
I don’t think I’ve ever just sat and written for that long!
Great tips!
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
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).
Watching tv might actually help spark some ideas depending on what you’re watching. Give it a try!
Great tips
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
Time seems to be the best remedy for writer’s block. Great tips!
jill conyers recently posted…5 Things Friday
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. 🙂 Have agreat weekend!
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment recently posted…10/10: Fridayâs Favorite Things
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
I never thought of timing my writing but it’s definitely worth a try! Thanks for the tip 🙂
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
writers block stinks! thanks for sharing yoru tips! 🙂
rachel recently posted…Amazing Women Everywhere
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
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!
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
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
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
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!
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.
Great tips! 😀 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! 😛
Farrah recently posted…How your past shapes your future
These are great tips!!! I’m constantly getting inspired from others – pinterest can be great too!!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted…Quinoa Black Bean Burgers
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
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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. 🙂 Have agreat weekend!
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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. 🙂 Have agreat weekend!
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