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Tips to overcome writer’s block or blogger’s block,  part 1 of 2.

Every writer and blogger  faces writer’s block at some point. In the blogging world, writer’s block is referred to as blogger’s block. Some of the reasons we may have writer’s block are, running out of ideas, lack of motivation, or are just bored with the topic of our blog. I face writer’s block many times per month. Here’s some of the things I do to overcome writer’s block.

I get away from my computer and writing environment. The first thing I do is go outside. I get plenty of writing ideas while focusing on personal chores. A trip to the grocery store often gives me a much needed mental rest from writing. Being away from your computer or desk  can be a great way to brainstorm new topics. For me, going outdoors helps the most. I can be in my car with my mind on the road and bam, out of nowhere, an idea pops into my mind. Other times, the ideas come and go because my hands are busy holding the steering wheel. If I’m not on the highway, I can pull over, in most cases,  and write my ideas down the old fashioned way, with pen and paper.

I read my old posts and update them with current content if the post contains obsolete information. My main website is just over a year old and already some of the content is obsolete. Sometimes I rewrite my old posts entirely, other times I simply add more content. Many of your old posts can be revised with a seperate post. Basically, you rewrite an old article and make it into a totally new post. When I write a new post, based upon one I’ve already written, I add a link from the old post to the newly created article, indicating the the update. I prefer to edit old posts in the form of a totally new post, depending on how many words are added by editing alone. I only edit old posts if it can be done by adding less than 200 words. This solves the problem of adding new content and updating old content in one shot. A lot of my existing content contains information that can be spun off into its own seperate topic. Look at your old articles and see what information can be expanded upon, then turn it into a new post. Remember to properly interlink your old posts with the new ones, indicating the new post that goes more into depth.

Use your vistor comments to your advantage. Many times a visitor may leave a comment that includes a question. Why not put the answer to that question in a separate post? Respond to their question in the comment and include a link to the answer, your new post. Our vistors are our best means of brainstorming. Some people leave a comment that expands upon what we’ve already written by adding something we overlooked, or didn’t even know ourselves. Our blog readers can make a huge difference on how frequently we overcome writer’s block. Engage your readers. Don’t just write from your perspective. Encourage your readers to leave a comment, make a suggestion, or dispute your content. This post is an example of what I mean. Readers can suggest their own tips for overcoming writer’s block in the comment section.

Click the following link for the second part of  tips to overcome writer’s block or bloggers block, part 2 of 2.