Blogger's Block: What To Do When You Ran Out Of Ideas
It happens to all of us long-time bloggers: sometimes it seems like there's nothing
left to write about! You can't think of anything that's interesting enough, you can't muster the enthusiasm to research new topics, or you just feel burnt out. Well, first of all, remember to be kind to yourself, because the only one who's judging you so harshly is yourself. Your readers aren't sitting around being critical of every word you write the way you are.
Besides, Blogger's Block usually happens when we start thinking too narrowly about the blog or our topic. So the best way to break out of it is to just break out of your usual ways of coming up with topics. The following are some ideas to get you thinking... outside the same old box blog!
Get Inspired
So you're doing something other than blogging, right? You probably have other passions besides blogging. It could be a book you're reading, or a great movie you just saw, or a great conversation, or even just a great workout in your own garden. No matter what it is, you can find inspiration in it and connect it to your blog. Don't let "what if it doesn't make sense?" stop you - start writing, making connections and initiating big ideas. When you're inspired, you have the power to inspire your readers, too!
Get Graphic
Look for interesting images, whether online or with your own camera. Images are a great way to start telling a story, and even if that story doesn't make it to your blog, it can help you sort out ideas and hit on something new that you've never thought quite that way before. And of course images are a great way to improve the look of your blog and engage your visitors right away.
Get Personal
We blog readers love personal stories, and we're very accepting of all kinds of stories - those with morals, those with lessons, sad stories, funny stories, stories without an end, even - as long as they are true. If you're honest with your readers, you can even make a great blog post on how you're stuck for ideas! Don't overuse this one, though, or your readers might get weary of your self-absorption.
Get Nostalgic
Look through old entries. Is there anything you'd want to add to them, given your experiences in the interim? Can you update an old list or make it clearer? Can you find some small seed of an idea that deserves its own blog post? If you look through your own past blog posts, at the very least you will find confidence in the realization that you've written before, you've written well, and you can write again!
Ask for Help
Well, if nothing else works, why not ask your readers what they'd like you to write about? Your blog isn't about you, after all - it's about your readers. Invite questions and suggestions from your readers and give them credit - knowing that your readers actually care about and rely on your expertise will motivate you to work harder and give them the best possible reading experience you can. And of course, your readers will appreciate you even more!
So don't let blogger's block get you down - though you didn't write today, well, tomorrow's another day. Don't censor yourself and don't judge yourself harshly... your readers are your best critics and you will find them to be kind and appreciative of everything you share, as long as it's informative, interesting and honest.
by: Pilar Torres Wahlberg
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