7 Things You Can Do When You’re Stuck and Can’t Think of One Thing to Blog About
Sometimes you just can’t blog anymore, and yet you know it’s a good way to connect with people and to build a support network. You’re a writer and if you need anything, it’s a support network. Agents are helpful. Publishers are helpful. But a lot of getting the word out is up to you, and blogging has been one of the social medias that has been an effective tool.
Then it happens. You can’t think of one thing to blog about. Now what? Where’s the inspiration going to come from. Help!
One thing about being in the blogging world, there always seems to be help out there when you need it. I was searching for that lost inspiration when Verbosity Review came to the rescue. She actually posted 7 Ways to Keep Blogging When Inspiration Leaves You.
What? Had she read my mind? I took her post to heart and followed her advice:
- I sat down and thought about all the things that inspire me. (Yoga for one, so off I went to a Zen retreat. I’m recharged and want to share that experience.)
- I pulled out an old notebook and flipped through what I’d written—I had a blogging journal already, and that was one of her suggestions. (There’s stuff in there I’d forgotten!)
- I tucked a pen and paper into my bag before I took off to shop for food, and guess what, I found something near the dairy section that I made a note of. I love Strauss Creamery milk. It comes in a bottle. A real glass bottle. I remembered my grandmother telling about the old days when glass containers were all that was available. My grandmother didn’t have to think about recycling milk cartons. All she had to do was wash it out, place it a wire basket on the back step with a note to the milkman to leave another quart of milk. I wanted to tell about that in a future post.
- I went to bed that night and did a brainstorming session, scribbling whatever popped into my head. (There was more in there than I’d imagined.)
- I took a short break from blogging. I don’t have to blog each Monday or each day. I can not blog and be just fine.
- I decided to post something different. Good suggestion. Posting the same thing all the time leads to tedium.
Hers was a guest post! Absolutely a perfect way to find the inspiration I’d lost.
Quote of the Week: “Creativity is just connecting things.” Steve Jobs
Have you ever just run dry of what to write or blog about? Do you have little tricks that set you free again and stir the creative juices?
Kathleen Valentine says
Sometimes I think I'm my own worst enemy. I have so many ideas banging around in my head that they wear me out so I just go do something else. That is not helpful!
@Kathleen01930 Blog
Denise Covey says
Nah, there's always lots to blog about, just not enough time to write posts/comment as much as I'd like. So I'm cruisy…like the 7 tips Clem…:-)
sage says
Many times the well has run dry but other times I am so busy that I just don't want to spend any more time behind the computer.
Sherry Ellis says
I bet a lot of bloggers can relate to this, especially if they've been blogging for many years.
Medeia Sharif says
Sometimes I have a random post if I'm feeling stuck. I'll go off topic from reading and writing. Also, posting book reviews is a good way for me to have a post ready when I don't feel like blogging.
Crystal Collier says
A million years ago (also known as five), I came up with memes that serve as my guide. I used to post 3 times a week with deep thought Mondays, book promo Wednesdays, and funny Fridays. Since dropping back to once a week, I rotate the deep thoughts and funnies in combination with a regular promo. Having a theme makes it easier too. I TRY to tie something into the book I'll be promoting, but sometimes current events or holidays dictate the direction of the blog. I think having a theme helps a ton.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Themes are a great way to stay on track with enthusiasm. I like your schedule, too!
Christine Rains says
I don't usually run out of things to say, but I worry sometimes that I'm being repetitive!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'm getting worried about that in my writing. What if I'm creating the same thing again and again? Good gravy.
Loni Townsend says
Sometimes I just forget it's Wednesday and then I don't post! Most of the time, I have something to talk about, whether it's on topic or not. If I don't have anything, then I typically skip the week. Glad you found some inspiration!
Libby Heily Author says
I have to take a break from blogging from time to time, mostly just to catch up on writing. But I started to keep a list a blog topics. Sometimes a break and brainstorming are the best solutions.
Nicola says
The perfect timing for this post, Lee!!! I've been all 'post' dried up and didn't post last week because I thought I had nothing interesting to say. But like you, I reflected on what had I actually done this week that made me happy. I met a friend and we had a great lunch with lots of laughter. So, that was this week's blog post practically written. You are not alone and I am so glad I know now that I'm not alone either. Thanks so much for sharing!!
Kelly Steel says
Awesome ideas and I concur!
Shooting Stars Mag says
Oh gosh, it really IS difficult to always have something you want to talk/blog about. I like these ideas of coming up with new posts! 🙂 And taking a break is great sometimes.
-Lauren
Liz A. says
I don't really worry about finding things to blog about. I have a schedule set up just for that purpose. But my writing on the other hand… (That's my topic at Unicorn Bell this week.)
Alexa from Summer Snowflakes says
Hey, thanks so much for sharing Kelsey's post! Glad it could inspire you! 😀
Alexa
thessalexa.blogspot.com
verbosityreviews.com
C. Lee McKenzie says
Of course.
Juneta Key says
I've been stuck lately but I should not be as I have an Author Spotlight. Great post enjoyed the suggestions.
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit
C. Lee McKenzie says
You do great posts!
Juneta Key says
Thank you. forgot I posted twice here.
Chrys Fey says
I'm fortunate because each year I create an outline of posts for my blog and write them in advance. I already know what I'll be doing with my blog next year and the year after. It's the drive to blog that's pulling me down. Next year I'll be blogging one day less each week, hoping to restore my blogging energy.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Wow. That's amazing. I plan ahead for a lot things, but not that far in advance. No wonder your posts are excellent.
emaginette says
I keep a running list of ideas to pull from, match one with my mood of the week and off I go. I didn't always have to use a list, but after years of blogging keeping things fresh isn't easy.
Anna from elements of emaginette
C. Lee McKenzie says
That's a great way to keep things fresh. Mood+list. Thanks.
Kalpanaa M says
Wonderful suggestions all of them. And I can't wait to hear about your yoga retreat so write that one as soon as you can please.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Yes. I'm putting that together. I had a perfect time on that retreat.
Mason Canyon says
It's funny, sometimes my problem is not having enough days in the month to get everything I want posted for that month. But I'm fortunate to have such wonderful authors (such as yourself) that have great books coming out so that gives me a lot to write about. I do like posting about different things from time to time. Great tips to keep in mind.
C. Lee McKenzie says
You do a super job supporting authors and I appreciate that as I know others do.
DEZMOND says
as you know I blog every day for seven years now 🙂 Sometimes Hollywood doesn't have materials, which is usually four out of seven days, so I always have to have some hidden stash to use. It is interesting that the posts I come up with myself attract the most attention.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I think that's very interesting. So I guess it says that your take on things is more interesting than those guys in Hollywood. Great.
J.H. Moncrieff says
Since I switched the brand of my blog to things that will appeal to my readers, the problem is never WHAT to blog about, but how long it takes. Some posts require so much research that even beginning the process is daunting for me.
It was definitely nice to have five weeks off!
C. Lee McKenzie says
You've done a great job on your blog. I know it's extremely popular because of your topics, so the work you have to do is definitely worthwhile.
dolorah says
Lol, I get lots of writing ideas. Not so much for blogging. Thanks for sharing your tips 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
These ideas really came from Verbosity, and I just adapted them to suit me. Hope you can use some of them.
Peaches Ledwidge says
Excellent post. I always have something to blog about, but I don't always have the desire to blog. Most times, when I start a blog post, I get one or two blogs out of it, especially when my writing strays from the main ideas. I sometimes save the extra (stray) material for other posts. I also keep a list of blog titles and I try to write a line or two to remind me of the story I want to share.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'm thinking that desire + interesting topic is the combination that works. Without one, it's hard to put a post together.
Tara Tyler R says
very inspirational!
i sometimes come up with a post and don't like it and have to scramble to find something else to write about! but i also have a folder of ideas that sparks ideas – and guest posts are wonderful for win-win situations.
and i cut back to once a week, really glad i did!
happy summer solstice!!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I hear what you're saying about writing a post and then shaking your head. That's the worst, but it happens. At least you keep going.
Lynda Dietz says
This was a great post! Funny how those things turn out. One thing that struck me was your love for glass-bottled milk. Our family is the same way. We get our milk from a local dairy, in glass bottles, and the moment we tried it we never went back. In fact, if we're out of milk before the week is over, we just wait instead of buying any at the store to tide us over. I also grew up with a milkman who delivered to our porch every Monday, and I have fond memories of the foil-topped bottles.
I can't wait to hear all your other ideas as the weeks go by. Glad you were inspired!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I wish we had a milk delivery. I'd love that. Glad you have the service from a local dairy.
Kelly Hashway/Ashelyn Drake says
Great suggestions. I'm planning a blogging break for a week next month. I think breaks are good.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Indeed.
klahanie says
Even though I've been sporadic in my blogging for the past 18 months or so, I do know there is no such thing as blogger's block because all you have to do is just type away in a random way stating you've got nothing to blog about which, of course, means you have the topic of not having a topic to blog about and then you dazzle whoever may stumble upon your blog when they realise you've done a run-on sentence and that the run-on sentence uses the conjunction word, "and", way to much, which, in its own way, can be a topic.
The only brainstorm I had was a light drizzle…
Now for, "I Have Nothing To Blog About", Blog Hop. You're very welcome.
And yep and finally and whatever, I'm still your starstruckest fan, superstar author, Lee!
Gary
C. Lee McKenzie says
And what would I do if you didn't get those light drizzles? They are so appreciated and enjoyed.
Birgit says
I can always talk about stuff which is usually movies and stars to my cards but I could even talk about our exciting Friday night when we shaved our cat's, Mia, ass…what a thrill😊
C. Lee McKenzie says
Oh, I missed that post! That must have been one exciting night.
DMS says
There was a short period of time when there was a milkman who delivered milk in bottles in my hometown. This was in the 1980s and we had a little refrigerator type box where the new bottles were delivered. What in interesting memory this post stirred up! 🙂
~Jess
C. Lee McKenzie says
I love to buy milk in glass containers. They make perfect sense. Buy. Use. Return. Use again.
Jemi Fraser says
I've never pressured myself to keep to a blogging schedule, so that helps a bit. It can be tough, but I love your hints!!! 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
I dropped from three, then to two, and finally to one time a week. Otherwise, I had no time to write or do much else.
Lexa Cain says
I only blog once a week, and just list a few good things that happened, yet I have to scrounge for ideas every week! These are good tips. Thanks!
C. Lee McKenzie says
You give a lot of space to people offering free books. I like that idea.
Elephant's Child says
Sometimes I do get stuck in same old, same old. Except that even the same old has differences if I remember to open my eyes, heart, mind. Which I need to remember better. Tattoo it behind my eyes?
C. Lee McKenzie says
Opening those inroads will certainly make a difference.
Cherie Reich says
That's why I write to a theme (IWSG, bookworm news, etc.). It makes it easier to find something to blog about. 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
Very true. Themes are excellent ways to keep going.
Karen Lange says
Yes, I've found myself there many times over the years. Or I have ideas, but am lacking in energy to expand and write them. Or I'm just plain grouchy and don't want to. lol Thankfully the latter doesn't happen often. Appreciate you sharing your insight and challenges. 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
I hear you on all counts.
Beverly Stowe McClure says
Thanks for the great advice. How did you know my mind is blank? Well, that's not unusual. I do need some new ideas for posts. You've helped a lot.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hard to believe you'd ever go blank! 🙂
Suzanne Furness says
I definitely find it hard sometimes to find interesting topics to blog about, you have some great suggestions here, Lee. Photos are often a good prompt for me.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Photos are excellent. Great to suggest that.
Patricia Lynne says
I've run out of ideas from time to time, but fortunately, I had posts scheduled and by the time they were posted, I had new ideas. =)
C. Lee McKenzie says
I always am grateful when those new ideas pop up.
H.R. Sinclair, Southpaw says
Lovely tips. I do keep a blogging notebook (really it's a word document).
C. Lee McKenzie says
It does help jog the old brain to have notes.
Chemist Ken says
Sometimes, I'm fresh out of ideas, so I sit back and think about what's bothered me that week. Usually that's enough for me to come up with an idea.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I know. Our lives are full of things to post about.
Yvonne Ventresca says
Very timely post for me, Lee. I always find it tougher to blog in the summer, for some reason.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'm with you on this one, YV. It's too lovely outside to be inside at a computer.
Annalisa Crawford says
I love the pen and paper idea. I sometimes take photos to give me something to blog about, or I just do it somewhat haphazardly.
Glass milk bottles, and indeed milkmen, were a big part of my childhood.
I guess cartons came to the UK a lot later than the US, because I hope I'm not the same age as anyone's grandmother just yet!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Smiling! I'm quite sure you're not in my grandmother's age category.
Bish Denham says
Oh I definitely wonder sometimes how much longer I can keep on blogging. What more can I say? But somehow ideas keep coming.
C. Lee McKenzie says
As long as they keep coming, that's all that counts.
lorilmaclaughlin.com says
Sometimes the well does run dry or the blogging enthusiasm just isn't there. Thanks for sharing all those great ideas for recharging and reigniting the blogging spark!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Hope they give a boost when the well does go a bit dry in the enthusiasm department.
Pat Hatt says
Being 343 posts ahead or so, I don't have any problem coming up with something haha of course it helps when you are crazy and can go on about anything and everything.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Insanity is a positive in this blogging world. I meet the most interesting and insane people when I'm out here.
Juneta Key says
I try to always do IWSG and one new post a month, so I commit to two, however, I have an Author Spotlight and a blog hop 4 months of the years, and Camp NaNo in April and July and the big one in November, so my blog is active. I don't worry about posting really if I miss one. I like to blog some but do not consider myself a blogger really.
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit
C. Lee McKenzie says
It seems as if you have tons of blogging going on!
Juneta Key says
LOL, some months I have more Author Spotlights than others and those months get more post. The ebb comes and goes. I commit to two a month and everything else is just lucky, lol.
Dianne K. Salerni says
All excellent suggestions. When I'm stuck, I often go back through my 5 years of old blog posts and look for one that can be revised, updated, expanded, etc.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I'm thinking about dredging up early posts to show a before and after.
Hilary Melton-Butcher says
Hi Lee – I struggle with too many things to write about – but I enjoy the posting and the ideas … sometimes they hang around for months/years and then get bundled together …
Good to see you when you do post … cheers Hilary
C. Lee McKenzie says
That can be the opposite problem. What to choose from when there are so many ideas.
nashvillecats2 says
A few years ago a got stuck on what poem I could write.
I ended up writing about a common garden green pea.
Most interesting post of yours Lee.
Yvonne.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Love those green peas! I can imagine that poem already.
L. Diane Wolfe says
I love those ideas. After 11 years of blogging, I sometimes feel like I've said all I could about book publishing and promoting.
C. Lee McKenzie says
You have so much good advice to offer.
Heather R. Holden says
I have a hard time blogging sometimes, too. There are even times where I'll actually have an idea for a post, but just lack the motivation to type it up at all. These are great tips to help get through the blogging doldrums!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I totally understand what you've just written.
Tamara Narayan says
I haven't run out of ideas yet. Between books, movies, my family, writing, and blog hops, there seems to be plenty of material. Then again, I have been limiting my blogging to blog hops which come with their own agendas. That's probably what keeps me going most of all. The hard part is dedicating time to commenting. I always wonder if I should have spent that time writing.
C. Lee McKenzie says
It's a huge trade off, isn't it?
Natalie Aguirre says
Since I am featuring authors and agents and books, I can always come up with a post. But I don't always feel like blogging either. And it's okay to not blog sometimes and take a break.
Would love to hear about your yoga. I need to get back into my hatha yoga.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Yoga does save me many times.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
Some days I may not be inspired, but fortunately something is always happening in the world of entertainment that gives me blogging fodder.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I guess there's never a dearth of entertainment.