10 Tips to Overcoming Writer's Block

For the month of April, every Tuesday I am sharing tips for bloggers.  I've certainly gone through some blogging dry spells over the last few years.  Sometimes inspiration can be so hard to find.  Today I'll share ten tips to overcoming dry spells.

1.) Read blogs.  I've found that when I'm the most unsure of what I should write, I often haven't been reading other blogs.  I'm not saying you should copy them, but other writers and their ideas can inspire you to create your own.  There are so many times a fellow blogger will post a challenge or topic, and I'll think, "Oh, that gave me a great idea!" and inspiration will flow freely again.  What are some blogs that you follow? 

2.) Go through your old posts.  If you found this post by searching for ideas to give you inspiration, you probably haven't been stuck in writer's block forever.  Go back through some of your most fruitful weeks as a blogger and read.  What caught your interest the most?  What was the most enjoyable days for you as a writer? 

3.) Write lists.  Lists, like this, are not only easy to think up, but they're also great for spurring on new ideas.  Plus, everybody likes to read a good list.  For example, when I'm stuck, I might write a "5 Things on My Mind," post.  Or you could write a list of tips, like I have here.

4.) Share photos.  Everybody loves to look at pretty pictures.  Worth 1,000 words, right?

5.) Take a blogging challenge.  I've taken a ton of these over the last few years.  If you're looking for a good blogging challenge, try this one.  Or this one.  Or this one.  Or this one.  Or this one.  Or this one.  That should give you a good start.

6.) Change things up.  If you're feeling burned out of blogging, then try to redesign your blog.  Get a new background, change up your header, redesign some buttons.  If your blog has a new feel about it, you may be inspired to blog a little more.  A great website with free blogger backgrounds is Shabby Blogs.  I love it.

7.) Get involved with your reader community.  Go back through and read some of the encouraging comments you have received.  You may have a lot of readers; you may have only a few.  But when someone takes the time to comment on your blog, talk back to them.  Allow places for them to communicate with you one-on-one, through email or twitter or a private messaging system.  Ask your readers what they'd like to see more from you.  Your blog is your voice, but it can also be a source of great community.

8.) Get some good background music.  I can only write to certain music.  If it's too distracting, I won't be able to focus.  I love the Pride and Prejudice soundtrack, anything by Olafur Arnalds, and instrumental Disney movie soundtracks.  What do you listen to when you write? 

9.) Read magazines.  Just like going back through other blogs, if you read magazines for your audience, you can be inspired by the articles.  I enjoy reading Relevant Mag and Boundless by Focus on the Family.

10.) Take time off.  If you are worn out by blogging and the very idea of posting anything makes you feel exhausted and frustrated, then stop.  Sure, you might lose some readers, but it's worth it.  Your blogging isn't to make everyone around you happy.  It's a creative outlet for you.  So take some time off until you're inspired again.  It's okay. 

When you get writer's block, how do you conquer it?

If you have any questions about blogging or writing in general, leave your question in the comments or shoot me an email. I'll have a blogging Q&A day on May 1!

Two years ago: Visiting Universities