“Blogger’s Block – When your imaginary friends refuse to talk to you”

Starting the Second Season of Blogging 101 with a Bang. Okay not a Bang really, Because I actually was experiencing a Witter’s slash Blogger’s Block. It only stood out as a starter post for the 2nd season like a second ago and an obvious great choice at that. I was literally, thinking of what to share today as I stared at my Cursor blinking into oblivion. When the most relatable post idea bulb shined bright. Hope this post will be able to answer and shed more light for you as well, on how I manage to always write? Given that we went through an entire Blogging 101 Season 1 of full 3000+ posts, for the past 10 weeks. And if I ever experience a Blogger’s Block? YES I do and I couldn’t have made it this far without your support and with that I owe you, my Fashion Frenzies a Huge THANK YOU!

Are you ready for season 2? I sure as hell am, So lets jump of the bat with it. Blogger’s Block every Writer, Blogger, Creator or influencer has undergone through this Phase. I won’t say once in their life, because let’s be honest. Clearly that’s an understatement. Here is the not-so-good-news version. You are not the only one. It can happen to anyone, Yes! even the most experienced of writers and bloggers. So brace yourself. When you are stuck in your imaginary world and your imaginary friends wont talk to you and all you are left with is a  blinking cursor or your empty notebook and have zero clue on what to deliver? that’s what a Blogger’s Block is and here is how to overcome it.

Blogger’s Block and How to Overcome It

You have come face to face with your content demons, That huge wall or black hole that seems to suck all your creativity. DON’T and I repeat don’t feed into it, and I urge you to work your way around. The bad way out could be giving in and eventually giving up. When it comes to giving up the build goes from a day, to a week, a month and sooner than later a year. And all you are left with, is the What if’s? What if I fought harder? What if I never gave up. So today we are getting ahead of ourself so that we aren’t left with a broken dream and a basket full of what if’s

1. Seek Inspiration.

Sometimes a Blogger’s Block can be cured with something as easy as INSPIRATION. it can be easy or hard however depending on your inspiration and ability to let your mind wander. Being in a creative industry requires a lot of creativity, because let’s be honest. Everything has been said and done. This is why two individuals can do the same exact thing but one will flourish and the other well squander. This is why personal creativity and authenticity is Key and this are a byproduct of personal Inspirations and delivery. You have to be in search of inspiration from everything in life. If your imaginary friends won’t talk to you, You have to start the chatter. Here is a few ways to do it.

• Go on Pinterest this works for me about every single time. (Including today’s post)
• Go for a walk to clear your head. Sometimes the best ideas come to you when you’re away from your computer.
• Spend 20 minutes meditating. Ask your intuition for idea and insights to share.
• Listen to music. – Most often inspiration is lacking because you’re not feeling creative. Listening to music can tap into your creative side quickly.
• Do something fun.
• Visit other relevant blogs. Read the news. Read a magazine. There are inspiring content ideas everywhere.

2. Backtrack and Expand

Go through your old posts and see what and how you can expand them. You can never exhaust a topic to blog. There are always “branches” of a topic that can be further expanded and posted. What’s important is that you set aside the time to take a look at what you have written about in the past and closely study the “branches” that you can further discuss. You can even edit that old post and add new information to it and republish it. And better yet, When you get the branch of expansion, have it linked to an old post and that makes your particular post evergreen.

3. Break your writing project into bite-sized tasks.

Sometimes, the whole process is what’s overwhelming you and causing the Blogger’s Block. Break your tasks into smaller manageable tasks and work from there. Start with the easiest thing on the list. Perhaps it will be easier to outline your content first or create a rough draft for the piece. Another strategy is to focus on one paragraph at a time. Taking baby steps helps you find a little motivation and sometimes that’s all you need.

4. Guest Post

If you are totally okay with this, it can be a break though you have been waiting for. Having a guest bloggers post on your blog is also a new twist that can keep your blog fresh by giving a different point of view on an old topic. Remember, you’re not the only one with an opinion and knowledge on any given topic. It will also give your blog a more “rounded” personality and character by allowing different points of view to be read. It will also allow you to come up with post ideas without chasing the dead lines.

5. Have a New Writing Spot

Sometimes it the little things that make the whole difference. If you are always writing from your office, take a drive to the lake or the park or the Coffee shop and write from there as you enjoy your latte. Sometimes all it takes its the little changes to spark something into your creative juices. So Head out and enjoy the change of scenery.

6. Try something New, Break out of routine

There are times when your blog is growing at a consistent rate, and you are not getting that internal boost to work on it. As now growth rate is consistent. It’s time to implement something new. Work on Video Blogging and create videos for your Blog. Or work on adding the new layer of the element on your site. The idea is to bring a change into your daily monotonous routine and see what works and what not. May be you can start working on eBook, which you have planned for years. The only thing that you need to do is to START!

7. Go old School.

Also something new. Grab a piece of paper and pen. And write your post the old-fashioned way. Especially if journal-ing or pen and paper writing is your kinda thing. I know I enjoy this. Its refreshing and when you come to read this back to yourselves, more ideas and points will generate as you type your work. Personally I always grab my notebook, and plug my earphones and write ideas or draft on my way to and from work. Because, that’s the one time my thoughts are ever allowed to wander. Try this when you are experiencing a Blogger’s Block.

8 Get a partner.

Accountability — having a partner taking the same journey with you or having a coach to keep you on track can be great motivation if you need “live” support. Just knowing that you have someone to check in with, nudges you to get things done. This way you are able to keep track and support one another’s dream. This is why having communities of bloggers on the same niche doing the same thing is so important.

 9. Have a schedule

Take MissKymmiee Creatives for example. I post a total of 3 posts every week. That’s a Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Therefore I make sure I have my post written, edited and scheduled for 0800 hours 24 hours prior to the publishing days. Having this kinda schedule has helped me to stay on top of my game, and come up with content on a more relaxed pace. Sometimes its the running and chasing that may cause the Blogger’s Block due to the pressure build you end up baring. This way, you are able to seek inspiration, search deeper in the reserve tanks or inform your audience if you chose to take a break.

10. Take a Break

Following up on the point above. When all hell seem to have gone lose. Sometimes you need a breather as the last guns. Am not saying, “The-pack-your-bags-book-a-plane-to-New-York-Call-a-taxi-go-to-the-airport-burn-your-house-kinda-Breather.” Okay that was EXTRA Ha! but I think the point hit home run. Sometimes you need to step out and take a break from it all. This will do your blog more good than Harm. But again, this could escalade quite quickly, if you have an extended break and eventually never getting back. So if you think you need to take a break, do it and get back rejuvenated as ever with even better content and have a specific “Break period” It shouldn’t be more than a month in my professional take or blogging back would feel strange and you would lose the crowd..

Bonus point: Inform your audience, Don’t just up and leave, apart from being unprofessional its rude as Hell. So let them in your process.

[tweetthis]Sometimes your blog needs a breather. NO! not “The-pack-your-bags-book-a-plane-to-New-York-Call-a-taxi-go-to-the-airport-burn-your-house-kinda-of-Breather.” Okay that was EXTRA Ha! [/tweetthis]

Writer’s block doesn’t have to stop you in your tracks.Get over it, around it, go underneath it…just do it. Push through it, and get your message out there! Have you experienced a Blogger’s Block? I mean who hasn’t? What do you usually do? I am curious to know, Sound it off on the comment section below. Am just a Social Media Button away. Ta!