This is a guest post by Tara Alley who is a freelance writer and spends her time promoting CoffeeHomeDirect. Tara, through this post is sharing tips that will help us to face the situation when you really want to blog something but aren’t able to do so due to writers block. I am sure these tips will be helpful for you.
We’ve all been there. Your last post was 12 days ago. Your e-mail inbox is flooded, and your readers are getting anxious. But you, you’ve got zero inspiration and no motivation. Excellent combo!
No, not really. Okay, but the good news is that sometimes, sometimes some of the most awesome blogs stem from a mind that’s running on empty.
It sounds crazy, right? Sure. But, if you think about it, if you don’t have an idea, then that means that whatever you do manage to come up with is going to be entirely, completely new. Forget the repetitive nature that so often accompanies well established blogs.
You may be a tad bit off topic, maybe just bizarre, but chances are, if you’ve got a good set of readers, they’re going to, at the very least, enjoy seeing this new side of you. So, stop running from the computer and hiding from WordPress. You’ve got a blog to write! With or without inspiration! That’s coming, trust me.
In case you’re dreading something super painful, I’ve got some step-by-steps to walk you through this.
1. Go For A New Topic
Obviously, you’re burnt out. If you just can’t blog about another way to make eco-friendly-whole-wheat banana-bread cookies or the latest way to increase your business productivity by ten-fold, then this is your golden opportunity to make a little side step. It doesn’t have to be drastic, but it does have to be different.
You can go for something in the same field, but perhaps change up your tone. This can make for something really fun and exciting. Post it as a guest blogger and adopt an entirely new voice if that makes it easier. Or, go for a new topic completely. If you blog about real-estate trends four days a week, surprise your readers with your latest favorite restaurant or the newest coffee shop that got you excited. You will probably discover that a break from the norm is not only refreshing for you, but for your readers too.
2. Get Out And Write Somewhere New
Chances are good that you have a place you usually post from. Whether that’s at your home desk, your office, or a laptop on the couch, you may just need a change of scenery. Head for somewhere where there’s some life happening. Go hit up a trendy gathering spot or maybe an outside park if you’re living where the weather permits.
3. Do An Interview
Convinced you’ll never be able to come up with something on your own? Find someone else in your field and do a low-key interview. You’ll likely be excited about what they have to say and often, you’ll find renewed inspiration to once again dig a little deeper into your particular subject. It’s invigorating to be around others with similar passions, so don’t let the opportunity pass you by.
4. Seek Out Real-Time Options
Go type your subject (food, technology, writing, etc.) into Twitter and see what’s the buzz. You should be able to find something that gives you a new perspective, or maybe even irritates you enough you come up with an argument. Take every advantage of the new real-time searches available. You’ll be current and you’ll keep your readers current.
5. Put Yourself In Your Readers’ Shoes
What do you imagine they enjoy seeing the most from you? If you were them, what would you want to read next? You can also be totally honest with them and write an entire blog post on your admitted lack of inspiration. Ask them what they’re excited or perplexed about lately. I’d be willing to bet that their comments will be enough to get you going on the next post around.
6. When All Else Fails, TAKE A BREAK
If you try everything you can think of and everything everyone else can think of with no success, then you should definitely take a break. Posting uninspired post after uninspired post will do little more than upset you and possibly drive away some readers. Write a post saying “Stay Tuned” and then escape into a world where blogging doesn’t exist and your mind has a chance to restore a little bit. Then get back at it with a vengeance when the next moment of brilliance comes upon you!
I am sure that these tips will really help you out from the situation when your mind is stuck at a point and is not spitting any new ideas. If you’ve got something more to add or say then do comment below. I would love to hear you.
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All wonderful tips. My problem isn’t finding ideas it’s finding time. I have a checklist of things to blog about so one of these days I need to just sit down and start writing.
Nice article and I completely agree that sometime you just have to take a break and do something different. If you run a blog, maybe take a break and do some site maintenance or research some new topics to discuss.
Interview works perfect when we have no topic to write in. it somehow inspire.
Very good tips. Before I read this post when I didn’t had inspiration I just take a break! But now I will use the first five tips as well.
I like the point you made you you mentioned this “sometimes some of the most awesome blogs stem from a mind that’s running on empty.” That really does mean that whatever you come up with will be new and fresh. I think the best advice you gave here is number 6, Take A Break.
I take a break whenever I feel like I’ve got nothing to blog about and it usually helps me to find some inspiration, or come up with something new when I get away for a bit. Thanks for sharing your insights Tara.
i also go away from my niche when i really feel boring or stagnated in one field….
diverting your mind is surely not that bad option
I agree, especially with the second and fourth tip. Sitting in a new place, or even outside might be refreshing to your mind. Google Buzz could also give a helping hand in getting new ideas.
New Ideas are beneficial so new ideas must be worked on if success is to be achieved
New Ideas are very important instead of Blogging on the routine niche the Bloggers should spread their Blog to other new topics as well
Great tips. I agree with you that sometimes we just need to take a break if there is nothing to write. Haha… I do that always!