Happy Friday everyone. Casey here!
There comes a time in every blogger’s life when you hit the “wall”. The “OMG, what am I going to blog about this week (day, month)?” blues.
It happens to us all. Some more frequently than others. I know that I feel that sharp pang of panic more and more often than before.
We’re all strapped for time. In the case of the Scribes, in addition to being writers (with deadlines/goals), most of us have full time jobs, families and other responsibilities. It’s not always easy to whip up a blog post like a Betty Crocker cake.
Here it is, at the end of 2012 and I have the bloggy blahs. Yes, that is a technical term! So I figure, what better way to fight the blahs, then to offer some tips for combating total blog boredom:
1. Consider all ideas – no matter how crazy. Generally the Seven Scribes blog is focused on a writer’s journey, but all work and no play make Johnny crazy! It’s okay to deviate once in a while – mix it up. Please.
2. Tell a story with pictures. Some of our more popular posts are about what us Scribes do when we aren’t writing. Share something meaningful (and, no, that doesn’t mean TMI or ranting!)
3. Utilize guest bloggers. A word of caution – especially for writers – beware of guests who only do promo for their latest book and nothing else. Cultivate questions and encourage them to do more than talk about their latest book.
4. Don’t be so hard on yourself. It’s a blog. Chances are it’s not going to change the course of human events.
5. However, do remember that a blog can be meaningful to someone else and may touch them depending on the topic.
6. Celebrate success. We all love to hear good news. Don’t be shy! Share it!
7. Size doesn’t matter. A blog post doesn’t have to be the length of War and Peace. I appreciate a short, pithy post. If I see a wall of words, I may just skip you (sorry, but there are only so many hours in the day).
And finally, when in doubt, do what I just did, blog about how you’re doing. If you’re struggling with something. Chances are someone else out there is too. Ask for help. Most everyone loves to offer suggestions and maybe you might learn something new or solve a problem.
How do you combat blah-dom? Please share your tips, tricks and suggestions!
Writing Secrets of 7 Scribes 
Always fun and informative, Casey. I’ve committed to doing more blogging in 2013 (which might actually save time because it may require less email answering…time will tell :-)). ‘Hope 2013 is your best year yet. Ever your fan…
Thanks Tim!! If you ever want to do a guest post with us, please let me know! We’d love to have you! 🙂
I am suffering from the same illness, Casey. I thought I was the only one who suddenly, the night before my blog post, grows frantic about what to write. I feel a whole lot better knowing I’m not alone in this. Thank you for the pics of summer and flowers. Makes me long for the days I sat out on my deck and wrote. The good news is that spring will be here before we know it.
You are definitely not alone! I have sticky notes all over the place with ideas for blogs as they pop into my head, but lately, the ideas have vanished. It might have something to do with spending all my time finishing Mystic Storm! I only have so many brain cells!
I haven’t had the time to really blog effectively lately, but one thing that has kind of helped me in years past is just freewriting for a little while about anything that pops into my head. THen I read it over and see if anything good came out. Usually there is something there that I can transform into a blog post :). Not always, though!
I often do the same thing (the aforementioned sticky notes). Sometimes topics pan out and sometimes I realize I’m just rambling! I don’t like having things hanging over me so I usually freak myself out on Sunday night to get the blog done so I don’t completely forget. The horror, horror!!
I hear you loud and clear, Casey! That was one of the reasons I gave up my YA Beyond blogging. Twice weekly posting was sucking the life out of me. I don’t think people realize how much time it takes to put together a blog post that is interesting, entertaining, and informative, and do it on a consistent basis.
I like all of your tips above. Another is to carry a notebook with you at all times. Ideas for blogs come to me at weird moments and if I don’t write them down I forget them a moment later. Another trick is to write and schedule multiple blog posts ahead of time. Sometimes it’s easier to do a few at one time while the iron is hot and you’re on a blog roll. In a group blog like this, I think it helps to check in once in a while and see what’s working, what’s not, and what new direction the blog might take in the future. Brainstorming and supporting each other is one of the perks to doing a group blog. Perhaps we Scribes could sit down for a few minutes after our next CTRWA meeting and put our heads together about topics or ways to breathe some new life into 2013.
It’s going to be an exciting and busy year for all of us, and the last thing any of us needs is to go into it feeling burnt out or overwhelmed. I bet if we put our collective creative minds together, we can come up with some great new ideas.
All great tips PJ! I have a notebook on me at all times too. And I have pads and pencils all over my house.
I like your tips. I now guest blog on two sites plus my own. On my own, I’ve been having guest authors to fill the space. There is only so much you can say about a topic before it gets old. Happy New Year.
I had multiple blogs going for a while too. I finally had to dial back because it was just too much! So don’t be afraid to pull back if you need to. The writing has to come first! We (or I ) would like to read more Jake Carrington novels! 🙂
Like PJ, I carry a notebook with me everywhere! I only write one post a week, but when life gets crazy or I’m hyperfocused on the WIP, it can be a challenge to switch gears. My goal this week is to brainstorm ideas for the winter/spring and let the seeds germinate until one or more take hold and bloom into post potential. Happy New Year! 🙂
My favorite thing to do is write a whole bunch of posts for weeks in advance. It takes off the pressure, but it also means being superfocused on blogging and putting the writing aside. Recently, I’ve had to finish my WIP (lest I go crazy) and now I have a little bit of breathing room before the whole roller coaster ride begins again. Happy New Year to you too Jolyse! 🙂
I know what you mean. I sort of talk about whatever comes into my head. Not necessarily a good thing! 😛
I love your blog. I read it all the time, even if I don’t always comment. It’s nice to hear your thoughts and what you are up to these days! 🙂
Well, I always enjoy your posts. You’re quite creative. So the Blahs aren’t showing through! 🙂
Thanks Katy!!
Casey, I can’t imagine you having a blah blog day. You always have something to say, and your words here are proof. You took what you didn’t have to say, and said a great deal about writing, inspiring me. I just got back from a three week away sabbatical. Back to my blogging. Tune in for updates.
Thanks Gail! I know it’s hard to imagine but I do have plenty of days where words fail me. I’ve just had a nice long break from the day job and it’s done wonders for my creative energy. Have a wonderful 2013, my friend 🙂