Blogging Rule #1: Never Confess that You Have Nothing to Write
I’m about to commit blogging suicide. Read any book or article on blogging basics, and they will all tell you NOT to write what I’m about to write:
I’ve hit a blogging slump. I. Have. Nothing.
Blame it on the holidays. Blame it on busyness. Blame it on the fact that I no longer have cleaning ladies and, therefore, and am using my used-to-be writing time to wipe off toilets and baseboards.
Whatever the reason, I’m just stumped for fresh material. I have lots of ideas, but when I try to develop them into something of subtance, they end up about the length and spiritual depth of a Facebook status update. So that’s usually where I end up posting them.
“My foot is like a magnet to the dropped cheerio. Wherever it is, my foot finds it, instinctively.”
“Dear Fashion Police: What is the current law on wearing panty hose with a black cocktail dress and peep-toe shoes to a black tie event? Is bare-legged still mandatory?”
“Seeing 20 pounds of potatoes fill my entire sink gives me a whole new incentive to lose a few pounds.”
Oh, heavens…even my Facebook statuses (statusi?) are uninspired.
My husband and children gave me a gift today. It was the gift of time. Time to blog for three precious, uninterrupted hours. Just me, my cup of tea and my wasabi almonds, surrounded by the glow of the newly strung Christmas lights. My 9-year-old son even prayed for me before he left.
Sounds inspiring, eh? Yeah, you’d think.
I ended up with this.
So, I’m reaching for a lifeline, readers. Help a girl out.
1. If you are a blogger, what stirs your embers when you are feeling cold? What inspires you to create a meaningful and interesting blog post? What do you do when you run out of ideas, for weeks on end? WEEKS! I’ve already used the “recycled/reposted-posts,” the “guest posts,” the “I’ll link to other good bloggers-post.” At some point, I need to write something new and useful.
2. If you are not a blogger, do you have any questions for me? Any topics on hearing God’s voice (or anything) you’d like me to cover? Anything you wish you knew about me, but were afraid to ask? I can’t promise I’ll answer the questions, but the question may be enough to jump-start the creativity.
Help. Unless you want a lot more of this.
I'm not going to be much help on this one, seeing as how I post like once or twice a month š I'll truly be praying for you Sandy– sometimes the "silence" is a message to rest and be still, you know?!? š
Hang in there, my friend. I definitely go through slumps of those myself. I recently linked to this post on my blog. Maybe it will help.
http://blogging.yourway.net/10-ways-to-find-fast-inspiration-for-your-next-post/
Oh I know this feeling all to well. š I started my blog because God really urged me and I obeyed, BUT I am not a writer or creative with words at all! That is what I told Him but He told me to trust Him and to pray and He will tell me what to write. So ask Him and wait on His perfect timing He will provide, He always does.
You could write about some of the bad women of the Bible and how they didn't listen to the voice of God, or you could write about how say Ester listened to His voice, or Mary, OR you could compare how the two differ.
You could also write about patience, I sure could use to hear you take on how to be patient when He is silent.
Here is a good one……pray and ask God to lead you then flip open your Bible, put your finger down somewhere on the page and write about that. This one could be fun.
I will be praying for you and I will be happy to read whatever you have to write because I am positive that whatever you decide to write about will be amazing; you are a gifted and talented writer and I love your stuff.
God Bless, (I am patiently waiting)
I've only read a few of your posts, but they have all been good. The "writer" is in you! Sometimes just takes prompting to stir it.
Some things I do for writer's block.
1) Read.
2) Key off a story
3) Meditate on a proverb. They are short, succcinct, and loaded with powerful potential
4) Start with a prompt:
"An important trait for making friends is …
"To be successful in relationships you must …
"It is important to eat healthy because …
There are many!
5) Read other blog posts. I just started a 3 part series on being engaged. Posted part 1 tonight. I invite you to check it out.
Questions: What is your favorite book of the Bible, and why?
What do you think is the most important ingredient for a successful marriage? (and you can save that article for the guest blog you are writing for me next year. Remember?)
Good luck. I think you'll be writing soon.
Lindsey: Yes, silence can certainly mean that. Thanks for praying.
Shelly: thanks for the link. Loved it.
Child of God: some great ideas there. Thank you!!
Warren: Yes, I remember! Great suggestions too.
All of this is very helpful. Thank you all!
But this is still so good! I have no helpful tips for anything deep (you've read my blog, I'm more day-to-day and chocolate/coffee).
Why don't do dedicate the month of December to Christmas themes? This is always such a rich season for so many topics – hope that ever so small tidbit spurs something on:)
I'm not much help, I"m in the same boat! I've been uninspired. For awhile I was into blogging, but seeing as no one reads my blog, lol, I've not been motivated. *shrug* I keep saying I'm going to get back into blogging again, and start really "working" to gain readers and all, but…I don't know. I'm still uninspired. Hmm…did I say I wasn't much help? lol! You'll think of something! Sometimes it's just all about the season God has us in. Maybe you're just in a "non-blogging" season of life?
I recently took a great e.course called Blogging My Way. (By the writer of Decor8.) I really like it that she said . . . have long periods of time away from the computer on a regular basis.
Most of my ideas come from living life.
I have only been blogging under a year . . . and do wonder at times . . . will my ideas run out.
I really like your writing, Sandy. It is practical, spiritual, honest and funny. A winning combo in my book.
Maybe you need some extra rest? We will all be here to read your great work, whenever it comes.
Fondly,
Glenda
Sandy, thanks for your openness. It really helps us. I too am in the same boat as you so I do not have anything new to tell you. I always enjoy your writings and know that whatever you write will be something we need to hear. You are a blessing! Continue plodding on!