Constantly creating new blog content can be a daunting task. How do you consistently come up with topics and headlines that pique the interest of your readers? The fact is, no matter how committed or enthusiastic you are about writing, finding inspiration can be hard. There are times when it feels like someone turned off the idea faucet. Sometimes even when you have an idea, the thought crosses your mind that it’s been done already. While that may be true, here’s some food for thought:
The truth is everyone who writes (anything) and blogs have gone through this, you’re not alone. Here are some ideas to get you back on track.
Read a book
Think about happens when you’re reading. Your imagination gets fired up, no? Your mind rolls along with the story setting scenes and picturing the characters that were described for you. Not only does reading get your imagination going; chances are you will inevitably read a phrase or passage that makes you stop and think for a moment. When you’re looking for inspiration from reading, try another genre as well. Trying something new always works!
Socialize
As writers, we spend a lot of time alone. Alone with our words carefully turning them into our works of art. Sometimes getting out and talking to actual people may be just what you need. Conversations can spark ideas. Go out and talk to a supportive friend or maybe your local bookseller.
Get out and do other things
Studies have shown that getting your mind off of something does a lot to get your creative juices flowing. Both Stephen King and Gillian Flynn have both said that inspiration often comes to them when they are thinking of nothing in particular. I wrote a post here about creativity making an appearance when we are relaxed, with our mind in something else. Walking always works for me.
Read other blogs
Looking at other peoples blogs is a great way to spark some ideas. Trust me when I say everyone does it. No one is immune to writer’s block. When you’re at a loss, peruse a few blogs in your niche for some inspiration.
Look at your own blog
The other night I happened to take a look through my own blog. I decided to read my About Me page in particular. While doing so I read a specific line of it that inspired a new blog post. In this case, I saw that I promised to share what I learned along the way with my readers. So, I did. I wrote a blog post that would be helpful to new writers.
Podcasts/ Ted talks
We look to podcasts, and now Ted talks, for information, many times inspiration may come along for a ride. The speakers may say just the thing you need to hear to spark an idea or two.
In the time that I have been writing there is one thing I can say for sure. Inspiration does not come from staring at a blinking cursor. There is inspiration to be found all around us, sometimes we just have to seek it out.