As a blogger, dealing with writer’s block is something I’ve had to do in the past and something I’m sure I will have to deal with in the future. It can be hard thinking of things to post and so I thought I’d share some of my tips for dealing with writer’s block.
- Write down everything. I have the wordpress app on my phone and usually have pen and paper with me and so no matter where I am, if I get an idea for a blog post, I write it down. Honestly, just have one or two words can be really helpful in starting a blog post. The hardest part about writing is facing that blank page – having something down is a huge help!
- Have themed days. Blogger Tip Tuesdays, Wedding Wednesdays, the Friday Five. The only of these themes I do each week is the Friday Five, but it’s great to have a few themed days to help structure my blog posts. By doing a themed day, you aren’t necessarily committing to writing on that theme each week (there are plenty of weeks I don’t do Blogger Tip Tuesdays or Wedding Wednesdays but having that option is great), but it can be helpful in jogging the brain!
- Don’t be afraid to use prompts. The SITS girls, an amazing community of female bloggers, posts writing prompts for each month and there are always some great ideas there. Check out September’s writing prompts here for some cool ideas of things to blog about.
- Solve a problem. That is always my strategy for Blogger Tip Tuesdays. I think about a question I have or had or something that was hard for me and then I write about it. Whether it be how to start a blog, how I utilize Twitter to help grow my blog, how I’ve been able to grow my blog or how to increase your blog traffic, the topics are all things I’ve dealt with and thought I’d share my thoughts.
- Share about yourself. Regardless of what you blog about, your readers will want to know more about you. Some of my best received posts have been when I’ve shared ten facts about me or any kind of “get to know me” post. Being honest and real with your readers is always a win and an easy way to do that is share some things they may not know.
What do you do when you are experiencing writer’s block?
I’m having writers block big time right now, not really sure why. Feeling unmotivated, but that may also tie in to my motivation about feeling unmotivated to train right now. I hope I get my running AND blogging mojo back!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…So you want to be a Superhero: Skoop Supergreens Review
i think your mojo is about to come back in a BIG way, lady! see you sunday π
Once again, all great tips Courtney! Like you, whenever I have an idea I write it down immediately. I later make sure that all of my ideas make it onto my Google calendar, which is where I keep track of all of my blog post ideas. After races, I start to make bullet points of ideas that I want to include in my recaps. Since I find that it takes me a couple of days to pull all of my ideas together, being able to always go back and edit my list is super helpful, especially when I go to to write the post itself.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…2014 Rock βnβ Roll Virginia Beach Expo
when i’m running a race, i’m usually drafting a blog post in my head, lol. it helps to pass the time! π
I’ve never heard of SITS until you and Amanda mentioned it – looks really useful! I wish I had more time this morning to explore π
Jennifer recently posted…Damascus Freedom 5K Race Recap
SITS is really great!
Great tips again Courtney. I had forgotten about the SITS ladies. Thanks!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…A Mezze Trio of Veggie Dips
happy to help! π
Thanks for tips. I’m a fairly new blogger, and coming up with ideas is sometimes hard. I also don’t like when I reading and people post the same boring post week after week, so in the mean time I aim to post at least once a week, and if there’s something momentum to me I’ll share.
LaToya recently posted…Throwback Thursday: My First Race!
welcome to blogging! thanks for stopping by π
Thanks for these great tips! I had no idea that there were places for prompts online. That’s definitely something I will check out. And I love the bit about solving a problem. That really makes sense.
Chaitali recently posted…Tasty Tuesday – Plantain Moqueca
glad this was helpful! hope you are having a great week!
Courtney, I’m with you…I keep a small notebook with me at almost all times, and I write down anything I think of that strikes my fancy! I have some built-in things, like you mentioned with your Wedding Wednesdays, in that I have book reviews to post and training updates, but I try to incorporate other things I think of, as well. Thanks so much for sharing the SITS page – what a great resource! Hope you have a great day!
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Ten Underrated Authors I’ve Discovered
SITS is awesome – I love the great tips they provide!
I come up with the most RANDOM ideas for blog posts…. ALL OF A SUDDEN. I might stress for like 1 second about what I might write about, but then I calm down and something smacks me right in the face. Typically this happens when I am going to sleep at night or when I wake up in the AM. Always have to have a piece of paper and pen next to me!!! My brain goes 843848 miles a minutes!
GiGi Eats recently posted…Tara Reid Eats Too Many Creamsicles
lol – i hear you! what’s great is that your personality shines through in your blog and videos so i totally am not surprised to hear you say that π
Great tips, Courtney! Thanks for sharing!
susan @2chixrun26.com recently posted…Iβve Been Waiting for You, September
Great tips, Courtney! One thing that helps me get through a block is joining a link-up like your Friday Five link-ups, or Tara’s Weekend Update link-ups on Mondays.
Molly @alsoranagain.com recently posted…Two Weeks in One Post
Awesome tips. I love your themed posts.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Loving Lately β September
Thanks Abby!
Great tips! I enjoy linking up with your Friday five posts when I can! It helps me. So thank you!!
Jess@Flying Feet in Faith recently posted…Tempo Tuesday: FOCUS. Rawr!
Thanks for reading! π
lol, I always come up with blog posts while running! and then I forget the awesomely crafted sentences when I’m done. HA! though I’ve been known to stop running to text myself an idea. Great post!
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Gear Check: Hydration Vest Review!