Like...oh, the last three weeks, for instance.
So kind of like the Jerry Seinfeld show that was "about nothing" this post is about non-blogging. What do you do when you wrack your brain for hours and just can't come up with a topic to expound on?
Well, maybe you write about that.
So...I'm writing about having nothing to write about.
It can be so frustrating! And that goes double for writers. I mean...writing is what we do!
When you have problems with any other sort of writerly affliction, like how to plan character arcs, or eliminate passive verbage, or improve plot development, there are a lot of places you can go to get help and advice. Fortunately, when I started hunting I discovered the same goes for Blogging Dysfunction (BD).
For most writers, I think BD is really TBD. Temporary Blogging Dysfunction. Find a little bit of inspiration and the creativity engines kick in. Maybe it's not so much a matter of What, but just of finding the right Who, Where, or Why to write about.
When I started researching TBD, it turned out that it's a pretty common malady for writers. We can write a 100,000+ word novels, but dashing off a short, self-contained article gets us completely buffaloed.
There's an app for that. Okay, there's not an app (not that I know of -- please let me know if I'm wrong, maybe there is an app for that), but there are a lot of websites for that. Here's the short list:
25 Blog Ideas That Will Rock Your Readers World
20 Ideas For Writing a Blog Post
6 Places To Find Ideas for Blog Posts
Where to Snag Creative Ideas for Blog Posts
10 Blog Post Ideas You Can Use Right Now
The Only Blog Post Idea List You'll Ever Need
Most of the above links can point you in the right direction to find inspiration.
If you still need help, you might consider taking a class on blogging. Such as:
Gotham Writers Workshop: How To Blog
Or buy an instructional video or DVD:
How To Blog for Authors/Writers
(The above are just examples, not endorsements. Use a search engine to find the best match for what you need as a blogger.)
But don't stop there.
Once you find your inspiration and have that great blog written, you need to take steps to promote it. You can be a more effective blogger by learning how to use some of the social media bells and whistles. Here are a few tips on how to get more "reach" once you've written your masterblog:
5 Tips to Make Your Blog Posts Immediately More Social
This covers ideas like embedding Twitter tweets and Facebook comment boxes right into your blog, and providing instant Tweet content for readers to share just by clicking a link. This will help focus more attention on that blog across social media that you've brainstormed and perfected.
So, now it's your turn. Do you ever struggle with writing blogs? Do you have your own tricks and tips for coming up with blog ideas? Do you have a favorite site or application for inspiring blog ideas? Let's hear 'em!
I often struggle with posts. I don't want to tell people how to write because even now I consider myself a bit of a novice in some areas. I don't want to be a constant 'me, me, me' type of blogger either. Some weeks I'll have more things to blog about than I have time and others...nada. The worst is guest posts for tours. Jessica Subject came to my rescue when I was bemoaning this trauma on Twitter with the Big Huge Thesaurus - http://words.bighugelabs.com/blog.php
ReplyDeleteI've found that useful when the muse comes up blank.
LOL, Laurie. Fridays are actually my LEAST FAVORITE DAY now, thank you very much! Why? Because I have to come up with something pithy to say! And it's HARD!!
ReplyDeleteAnd, as for the apocalypse--I think it's a conspiracy to keep us calm. Have you noticed how LITTLE attention is being paid to the subject in the mainstream media? Hmmm . . .
I just waffle!! I don't think anyone notices.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments.
ReplyDeletePippa and Donna, it certainly doesn't show that you struggle with posts. I always enjoy reading what you've put together each week (every week). Your blogs are always thought provoking and informative.
And Donna, we still need to get you that movie review icon!
LOL Barbara. Right from the hip, huh? But you do it so well, and with so much humor. (Just like your novels!)
Thanks, Laurie. I try. :-P
ReplyDelete