Let’s face it… if you keep to a regular blogging schedule at all you know that blogging can be hard work at times!
Don’t get me wrong … I LOVE to blog! I love meeting new people and I love coming up with creative content, but there are just those days or weeks when I go through a brain fog and have a hard time coming up with creative content… Do you ever get that way? I’ve written down some thoughts on this matter and with no further ado… here are the 5 things NOT TO do and 5 Things TO DO when you just don’t feel like writing!
NOT TO DO!
# 5. Visit sites like Pinterest… you might think that this would be a good idea, but IT IS NOT! LOL You will get sucked in and before you know it you look up and its past midnight! You may or may not have pinned 1000+ items all the while not accomplishing anything. (not that I ever did that “clears throat”) moving on…
# 4. Do nothing: this of course will get you no where either. Unless you are in serious need for vegging out… then it might be worth your time. (might be) ;P
# 3. Give Up: So you are having a writing block… I hear ya. I quit blogging because of this very reason last year and still regret doing that. Live and learn… I am just keeping it real! If you do need to quit for personal reasons then let your readers know what is going on. (vacations are perfectly acceptable and recommended btw!)
# 2. Spend all your time on facebook: Just like Pinterest… you will get nothing accomplished… other than knowing what everyone had for dinner tonight! (not that I ever do that either)
1. Pout and eat a carton of ice cream. Just don’t do it!
DO THIS!
5. Ask someone else to guest post on your blog. If you know them well they might be willing to share a post with your readers. Of course it is courtesy to return the favor when at all possible!
4. Take a picture. They say a picture is worth 1000 words… That could not be more truthful. I mean look at Pinterest. Do you actually read about everything that you pin? Just make a post with some interesting pictures!
3. Read a book and write a review of it- this is sort of self- explanatory, but if you are really in need of some content a good book review just might get you there!
2. Find something that you love (other than your normal content) and write about it. So let’s say that your site is about dogs… since that subject may be limited explain to your readers that you also love (fill in the blank) and want to start writing about that too. I’ve done this several times. I went from making soap to making everything else and more…lol!
1. Go out and live your life. Chances are that you will find plenty of content by just living, going and doing! No one likes to read the daily stories of a hermit… I mean how interesting is that? Make an effort to be who you want to be and then the content will come!
Hopefully I have encouraged you to not give up on the dreams for your blog… and remember it’s a marathon- not a sprint! 
What are some things that help or discourage you from reaching your goals?
Have you ever had writers block while blogging? Share your experiences here!
Thanks for the post! I am beginning to climb myself out of a blogging black hole …. And it is hard work!
Such a great post! I find myself not wanting to blog sometimes but have to remember that there are things I can do to make it seem like I’m blogging, only not really.
There’s just days when you need a break. It’s understandable. I’ve learned to make back up posts and leave the blogging giveaways for night time additions.
These are some great suggestions. I made the decision a long time ago that I blog on my own time schedule…and that I don’t worry whether or not someone decides I’m not their cup of tea.
It took a lot of pressure off, and I enjoy blogging more. It’s been such a blessing to me in many ways, and I’m grateful for the friends I’ve made and the things I’ve learned.
Nice suggestions…. especially about pinterest…
I’ve learned that I need a blogiday from time to time. My readers understand, and the week or 2 that I take off is spent AWAY from the computer completely so that by the time I come back and not just ready, I’m ANXIOUS!
What a great post! I love both lists….and there are thousands of other places besides Pinterest that will suck you in, but I hear you! Recently I began blogging a series that has me writing every day….I had NO idea. Like Chris, I blog only when the Spirit moves me, literally!
Keep writing. I’ll be reading.
Peace and good.
This is such a great post! I definitely need to get a little more organized!
Allyson
http://cupcakescandycanes.blogspot.com
Oh my goodness, Pinterest can be a time killer for sure.
Thanks for giving a a do and don’t list.
Stopping by from the 100 comment event!
As Told By Lisa
What a great post. As a blogger, I will think of an idea for a post, then as I sit down to write it, I suddenly can’t think of where to take it… so I stall… I know all too well the lure of Pinterest, when after having looked through every imaginable Pin, I use further delay tactics such as deciding to re-categorize an entire board. I think looking at Pinterest does something to your brain chemistry… putting you into some altered state where time ceases to exist until you look up and realize that you’ve accomplished nothing and now you’re running behind.
I’ve been using the photo tip myself lately. Also, since I carry my phone with me all the time, I often take all sorts of random pictures, so if I can’t find an inspiring new photo, I’ll sift through ones I’ve taken recently and often inspiration will spark
Thanks for the suggestions, I am a new blogger and haven’t hit that writer’s block YET. But I have worried about because I love to blog and don’t wish for it to be a trial:)
Writers’ block definitely comes for all of us, I think. I like to get ideas from magazines sometimes for new blog posts.
Thanks for the reminders that there are things we can do when we get stuck in our blogging. Loved your Do Nots!
I love that we live in a generation where we can share our thoughts, and read the inspiration of others. Sometimes I wonder if writer’s block is a real thing, or just something that was started by someone who just didn’t want to finish their homework.
Enjoyed your ideas. Keep sharing!
ONWARD!
Pout and eat a carton of ice cream sounds great any time. lol. But guest posts are great. We do them weekly on our blog. They get a lot of reads. It brings a fresh perspective/voice to your blog. Keeping a schedule can be hard but I like to do series which makes it easier to find things to write about pertaining to that topic of the series.
It seems this post is just made for me and I’m taking the tips more seriously. Thank you.
Great post! I, also, found I shouldn’t go blog hopping while I’m trying to come up with content. Four hours and 50 blogs later I’ve gotten nothing done.
Sometimes to help I do a blog hop. Usually they come with a topic so I don’t have to come up with one myself. It helps me move past the current thought process I’m stuck in and look at things a different way. I, also, go through my pictures like you suggest and come up with a short Picture and Caption post.
Great post! I am a teacher outside of the home and it is really hard to make time for
I write so many
everything! Blogging is usually the thing that is put last on my schedule.
post in my head..but have very little time to actually put my thought down. It can be hard at
times to even come up with ideas.
I love your suggestions!
Oh, Pinterest can be a huge time suck for me. I try to use it for a reward after doing something to my blog. I am someone who really needs to be on a set schedule to do things to my blog so I try to set time limits to get things done. It’s hard because I’m easily distracted, but I’m getting better. Great post!
I TOTALLY agree with you on the Pinterest and Facebook things! They are really addicting and take up a LOT of time! I decided to make a schedule out when I get on the computer so that I do the same things and move on. Usually the first thing I do it check e-mail, check my social media (facebook/twitter/google+/pinterest), blog, then surf the net and other blogs. Now, I wish it always went that smoothly, but it doesn’t, with two girls under 3 yrs., sometimes there are a couple hours between each item on my to do list! Thanks for the Dos and Don’ts I loved your suggestions!
Nice tips! I’m working on regularly blogging and really am loving seeing everyone’s blogs. I enjoyed reading your post. Keep up the good work and keep blogging!
I definitely have the issue with not posting just for the sake of a new post. I try to keep it limited to something I really want to share. It is difficult, especially when work is busy to post regularly. LOVE your blog design btw!
Now I have to go find out what Pinterest is. You have my curiosity up. If those are picture of you, my dear, you’re absolutely lovely. Love the humor, too. Take care. Deb
Writers block is a bummer sometimes. It helps me to go to other sites to see what other people are writing about. That usually gives me some ideas of my own. Other times I just go for the carton of ice cream
. Oh, and stay away from Reddit too. That is a huge rabbit hole that I can rarely escape without having spent more than an hour reading everyone’s comments. I’m serious. Don’t do it!
some very good suggestions you have for new bloggers
Pinterest is wayyyy to addicting!
Great post! Thanks for sharing!
And I’ve found a forum called The Blog Dare, with prompts for each day of the year! It helps give me a bit more focus when I’m lacking!
Since I don’t rely on my blog to make $$, I feel less pressure to blog other than the fact that I like to frequently blog. I made a resolution to blog every day, but some days, I allow myself to skip because I don’t ever want it to be a chore. Thanks for your tips NOT to browse pinterest or facebook. When I have writer’s block, I think about things going on in life right now that I can write about. I also keep an ongoing list somewhere of blogging ideas so hopefully I never run out of ideas. I also take pics, like you suggest, to inspire me.
Blogging is hard work, but well worth it. Especially when you are writing about your passion and have found your niche.
Very good tips! Your blog is so cute! I often go through this when blogging. I have used several of your ideas already in writing book reviews or just coming up with something fresh. I have 3 young kids so often have funny stories to share just with that! Thanks for sharing your insight.
Very good tips!! Sometimes I have a block on what to blog about, other times I have too much in my head and can’t seem to find the time to sit down and actually write a post and edit photos etc!!! I need a little motivation!
P.S. Love your creativitiy on your blog! Wanted to stop by and say hi and I am now following you:) Thanks for your comment on my post for Blogelina
great tips! and such truth {about pinterest & FB & stuff!!} the “experts” say that you have to “pick a subject” and stick with it in order to have a successful blog . . . {or something like that}, and because I was interested in monotizing my blog, I felt that I should find my “niche” and go with it. Suddenly though, I was very discouraged and did not feel like blogging. For me blogging is a telling of daily things, or whatever inspires me at the moment, including my “niche” which happens to be (mostly) healthy eating. so anyway, my point is, popularity or no, money or no money, I love to write and just want to have this little “hole in the wall” where I can do just that. When I made up my mind about that, the creative juices started flowing again.
I love this post! So right on! I’ve had to halt myself from perusing Pinterest – all you end up doing is wasting time finding new things to add to your “to do” list rather than living life & getting anything done!
Living life – I like that one! That always helps me. Books keep coming in the mail to be reviewed, too, so when in doubt, there’s always a book that needs to be shared.
I’m so glad that I’m not the only who has struggled with being a consistent blogger! Thank you for your tips! I know all to well what it’s like to get sucked into Facebook and Pinterest. LOL! I feel encouraged and inspired now that I’ve read this blog post! Thanks!
I have had writers block but the worst is when I have soooo much I want to say and can’t figure out which thing to choose from. I go through that a lot.
These are tips I could’ve used over the past several months. I think my biggest problem is getting mush brain staying cooped up in my bedroom where my laptop and desk are.
I like your last tip best of all, so I will be getting out there and living life!
LOL I write book reviews for my blog so I guess I should never feel like not blogging.
But that wouldn’t be the case. I agree that getting on a social networking site has to come after the post is complete. They are the land of no return. Love your post.
I love your lists – they are both VERY true! I have often felt burnt out when blogging. When that happens a take a day or two off for myself to clear my head, and I try to go out and come inspired! I also do free writing, with pen and paper for 15 minutes each day. I just write whatever pops into my head and I have unintentionally come up with some really fantastic posts and ideas this way.
Such great advice. I really need to start doing more photo posts. I love Wordless Wednesday for those.
I have absolutely loved reading your post. It was great! I love the tips.
I agree that blogging can be hard work. I never realized just how much effort goes into blogging until I started my own blog. My biggest problem is finding time to blog since I also work full-time away from home.
I never understood how much work a blog took until I had a new baby and starting slacking on posting, linking, commenting, etc. and saw how much my traffic fell off… I also don’t have any time for adding or updating anything. It seems like everywhere I turn there’s something new to do!! Thanks for your tips to stay inspired.
I Like your ideas. My Blog is on coupons and how to save money so I really dont get writers block because there are always new coupons to post.
SO true about Pinterest. I pin things that I know I will never make or cook or bake. Your things to do is great and something I will bookmark.
Great post! I especially like that you started off with what NOT to do. People have told me about pinterest, but I won’t even venture there. I’m tired of all the time sucking sites. Your blog is absolutely lovely. I’m a new follower and came through blogelina.
Beautiful site! Thanks for such great ideas. I guess the best thing we can do is just don’t quit!
Thanks for that–you’re too funny! I can totally relate to the Pinterest and Facebook thing–ultimate timesuck! It’s fun though.
I don’t really have anything to add but thank you for making me feel better about my blog at least. Often I feel like I”m not posting enough or the right type of thing. You’ve made me see that I’m doing just fine and that I should just keep plugging along. Now, if I could just get readers to respond to what I write…
Christy
http://www.alivinghomeschool.com
I like “go out and live your life”, Thats the best way to get content.
I love your pictures and going out and living your life is great advice for coming up with blog content! That has always worked for me!
I like your last advice – go out and live your life. I have been guilty of blogging SOOOoooo much that I literally didn’t have TIME to live my life – I was just getting things done so I could sit and blog for 4 hours every night. Not cool. I have started to have a more manageable schedule!
Great tips! I started out blogging 7 days a week thinking I had to do so for it to be successful as a career but it only ended up burning me out. Now I take at least one weekend day off and other days off when I feel like I need to. I enjoy life and blogging a lot more that way! One tip I can share for combating writer’s block is to always have a notebook or something you can jot down ideas in. I’ll often think of things I want to write about when I’m not at the computer, especially when getting ready to fall asleep and I use one of these ideas when I’m stuck.
I procrastinate and that will sometimes delay my blog posts… very frustrating! I love to write and my blog is my outlet for all things LIFE. But sometimes, I just want to put it off until the next day, like it is a chore or something. The social media sites are time suckers and great pro-procrastination tools- I’ve learned to just turn them off… after about a day or so.
Since writing is my career, I am all too familiar with the dreaded writers block! Sometimes it helps to hit the restart button. Regardless of the time of day, I’ll go for a brisk walk or jog. Come home and hop in the shower. Drink a huge class of water (hydration goes a long way toward sharper thinking), and nestle into my desk with a fresh cup of hot coffee. Then I’m ready for my new workday…even if it is 8:00pm!
Happy blogging!
I hate when I get writers block! I’ve started keeping a notebook with possible post ideas so when I have a time when nothings coming to mind, I open that notebook and use an idea or two. It’s really helped me stay on track!
I always get distracted by my FB, twitter and now Pinterest. Some days I have a thousand topics I can think of, but the tough part is writing then actual content. But yipe as bloggers, we have a real life instead of just a virtual life, so live it up!
Good reminder – I’ve started a list of what to do when I don’t feel like blogging – these will definitely be added! I figure better to be prepared than to just quit! (which I too have done in the past).
Love the lists! I took an extended break from my blog last year, and I’m slowly getting back to it.
How terrifically encouraging. After reading so very many blogs the last few days, I feel like I don’t have the brain power to write an interesting post
I think I need to have more days of where I take photography and post it, because sometimes I just don’t feel like hunting, searching, creating an idea to post about. That is simple and to the point!
Thanks!
Great tips (lol at the Pinterest, while eating ice cream for me hehe)
We a;; get the brain fog, and I find that just getting away from the work and enjoying life is the best creative refill you can give yourself.
This post was spot on! I have those moments that I think what in the hell was I thinking to start blogging, but just like you I love it!
You are so right, step away from Pinterest, Facebook, & Twitter. Enjoy life and that will help you to get the creative juices flowing again.
Thanks for this great post!
Pamela
Still Dating My Spouse
http://www.stilldatingmyspouse.com
Visiting from the 100 comment blog hop.
Great post! Some good ideas, although, I think the ice cream can only help! By the way aren’t #’s 2, 4 ,5 on the NOT to do list all the same thing? hehehe
Love the contrast between the don’ts and the do’s. Very true, though – if you just live life, you’ll find lots to blog about!
This is a great list of tips, especially the Pinterest/Facebook ones! I know if I go on Facebook I’m going to end up on Pinterest since my friends all have their Facebook and Pinterest accounts linked to one another.
Thanks for this list! I am new to blogging but I am SURE this will come in handy soon! Thanks for keeping it real, I like it. I am looking forward to more posts from you!
I love these tips! I agree with the thing about Pinterest and Facebook. There’s just too much there that can distract you from doing what you need to do!
I find it comical when people think blogging is easy – it is so.much.work! But we love it right!?
So I full heartedly agree. As far as pinterest goes, I actually try to schedule “focused pinteresting”. I don’t just get on to browse the main page, but I specifically type in words like “logos”, “printables”, “font”, “design” or browse the art and design sections – I find it a great way as an artist to find things that are relevant to my career path and a way to find “inspiration” for new designs , even if it is just a fabulous color set. BUT, if you don’t have the restraint to not look at all the other fabulous and very distracting pins, then I full heartedly agree…and I always have to give myself a time limit even when I get on to look for design inspiration, because even then, I could spend hours looking at amazing designs, pretty swatches and “how on earth did they come up with that” logos!
Great post with wonderful practical advice on what to do and what not to do in blogging.
Writer’s block is never a problem for me…but time crunch is…I just run out of time with work and home responsiblities…and if you get a lot of comments…you need to reply to them…and visit the bloggers who commented…and that takes a LOT of time. But, the connections are wonderful!!!
I’m here from the 100 comment event…please stop by my blog: http://www.viviankirkfield.wordpress.com
Since I’ve only been blogging a couple weeks I haven’t run across this yet. I have tons I’m anxious to share about ling healthfully and cheaply. I just have to figure out how the technical part of blogging so I can get to the fun stuff.
These are great lists! I am so guilty of the first things, but find the things to do, extremely movitating.
This is a great post. Haha – I’ve done the #1 thing NOT to do. I’ve even done it when I knew what content I wanted to write on. Sometimes Pinterest is my procrastination stop. *guilty look* Ah well, sometimes I just go with less sleep and still get the post done! I think it’s nice to have a blogging schedule. If I didn’t have that to stick to, I might get into wasting time easier. Thanks for sharing! I’m going to check out the rest of your blog. Love the way it looks!
I experience writer’s block from time to time. One thing I do is try to keep a running list of topics to write about. There are times when I am super creative and the ideas are flowing and I can call upon those ideas during those dry spells. I also read other blogs for inspiration, do Q and A posts, ask my readers what they want to know. I also have a blogging schedule so there are certain days where I know I am doing certain things (like menu plan Monday, share recipes on Thursday, Weigh-in Wednesday, Week-in-Review Saturday). Also, it’s okay to give yourself permission to not post for a day, but I agree, if you are going to be gone for more than a couple of days from your regular posting schedule be sure to let your readers know. I do have to say, though, that I get plenty of blogging inspiration from Pinterest. It can be a big time suck but I get lots of tips and ideas on there. Another great tip I heard (can’t remember where) is to take title of magazine or newspaper articles and subsitute words applying to your niche. SO for example, a magazine article might say, “Top 10 Beauty Secrets of the Stars”-you could use that as an idea springboard for your blog and create a post titles “Top 10 Weight-Loss Secrets of the Stars” (for me in my weight-loss niche). Really, you can use just about anything as a springboard for inspiration. I agree with what you said too, about living your life. People read blogs for information, yes, but really they want to connect with the author and really feel like they know you, so if all else fails, just share your life with your readers. Even if it’s not in your niche, sometimes those can be your most popular posts because they let people see a more real/human side of you. For example, my niche is weight-loss but I write lots about my family, different interests I have and other things happening in my world besides my weight-loss efforts. Just the other day I wrote an entire post on how my husband rocks lol! Readers love that kind of thing, that personal touch.
Nice post! This is what I’m trying to figure out myself.
Grest post! {Convicting!}
hee, hee.)
Facebook . . . Yes . . Too much.
Email . . . Too much.
Pintrest . . . I’ve managed to stay away so far (though I do have an account, and get emails saying people are following me and my boards . , which have nothing on them! I guess you could say i’m just helping to keep some addictions at bay for people!
I need to make a schedule and stick to it more consistently. I was doing well last fall, but then got off schedule in December due to a contest I was in that was taking so much time. Need to get back to being mre disciplined. Right now it’s not for lack of ideas . . . But which ideas to actually focus on!
Thanks for posting!
These are great suggestions… I know what you mean about Facebook. There have been several times when I have an idea for a post and I start reading Facebook and before I know it, it is 2 hours later and I haven’t wrote a thing. Great idea also about doing a post with pictures. I have taken so many pictures to use in a post and haven’t done it. Mercy I sound like I haven’t done anything on my blog. I have ‘shinny object syndrome’. I will start doing a post (I have many unfinished post) and the next thing I know I am reading post on blogs, and then I see something on Amazon that I like. Before I know it I am on Twitter and nothing is done! I need a schedule! Thanks again for the tips.