50 Things to Write About When You Have Writer’s Block

By Kate Riley January 11, 2012

A new blogger Abby wrote to me last week asking how I find stuff to write about everyday and I had to really think about it. I don’t often suffer from writer’s block but I used to in the beginning. These days, it just sorta comes to me at night which is why I keep a notebook by my bed of thoughts and ideas. I also get inspired from a lot of what I read online.

Writer’s block is a real issue that bloggers encounter at some point. It can be mild or it can be crippling.  It’s that feeling of not knowing what to say, what to write, what to put out there and to be frank I didn’t really know how to answer Abby’s question.

writers block button

But then it came to me last night. How about 50 blog posts from writers that I’ve bookmarked or remembered from the past year. All of these posts are great because they’re personal and/or offer a takeaway. So here you go Abby, fifty great examples of what to write about when you can’t think of anything at all.

1.  Answer a reader’s question (like Kristi did).

2.  Rediscover your home (like Courtney).

3.  Share your vacation photos (love Stefanie’s).

4.  Make a funny observation (like Steph).

5.  Share a great bargain (like Emily).

6.  Teach readers something technical you know all about (like Amy).

7.  Start a clever series.

8.  Try something cool and wacky. (like Ree)

9.  Share some pretty pictures.

10.  Talk about a device that makes your world complete (like Holly).

milk frother life int the fun lane

via In the Fun Lane

 

 

11. Create something simple and lovely for a friend (like Paul).

12.  Notice something and take a picture (like Kelly).

13.  Take a walk with your camera (like Melissa).

14.  Share a significant milestone (bravo Sarah).

15.  Write a letter to your younger self (like Susie).

16.  List your mistakes (like John & Sherry).

17.  Ask your readers for their input (like Emily).

18.  Tell a self deprecating story (again, Ree).

19. Ask for (and then get) some motivation (like Layla and Kevin).

motivated hammer

via The Lettered Cottage

20.  Reflect on changing times (like Seth).

21.  Write about happy people (Heather did).

22.  Share your strategies (like Natalie).

23.  Ask about a hot topic (Like Tsh).

24.  Comment on a TV show (like Julia).

25.  Share a helpful tool (thanks Jessica).

26. Highlight people that are special to you and why (like Traci and Holly).

27.  Define your priorities (Rachel did.)

28. Write something positive about your niche (like Megan).

29. Photograph something that requires stillness (like Susan).

30. Sometimes it’s just as simple as a reflection on pajamas.

beatles in pajamas

via Habitually Chic

31. Or walnuts.

32.  Spruce up a corner of your house (like Shelley).

33.  Interview a child (Sarah did).

34.  Reveal a crush (like Ashley).

35.  Experiment with a new product (Janell did).

36.  Or share your favorite store bought product

37. What’s in your makeup bag?

38.  Make a life list (like Jules).

39. Do something that’s on your life list (like Nicole).

nicole making it lovely vespa

via Making It Lovely

40. Find and acknowledge contentment.

41.  Share some ups and downs (like Meg).

42.  What are your thoughts on blogging? (here are Amanda’s)

43. Appreciate something wild (like Seleta).

44. Be audacious (like Bri).

45.  What does your inner crazy voice say?

46. Share your perfect weekend. (here’s JJ’s)

47.  Write about someone great (I agree).

48.  Acknowledge failure (bonus for humor).

49. Like Ashley, be strong, be you.

and finally, if you ever run out of something to say . . .

50.  List a bunch of great links that inspire you!

Hope this gives you some inspiration Abby!  What about the rest of you?  How do you keep all your ideas organized?  How do you combat writer’s block?

Good news, the beadboard in the powder room is done and looks so great. Will show you tomorrow! kate signature image

 

 

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75 comments

  1. Fun post! Thanks for linking to me. I have definitely suffered from writer’s block. Now, if I have any thought of a post whatsoever, I go ahead and type a few lines or a title idea in Live Writer so I don’t forget. Not to mention, I’m suffering from pregnancy brain on top of everything else :)

  2. Thanks girlie for including me in your list. When I first saw your post, I though GREAT! I could sure use 50 good examples. Too funny to find out I was one of them. :) I’m like you and never seem to have a shortage of stuff to chat about about. My shortage comes with time managment. I never seem to have enough time to do the projects or visit friends like I would love. That’s why I’m going to HAVEN!!!! I cant wait!

  3. Great list, Kate! I’m the same way…ideas come to me when I’m falling asleep or just laying in bed. I keep a list in my iPhone so I’m always ready for back up :)

  4. I am so delighted about your Writers’s block advices, I am just printing them this very minute. so I can have them every day under my eyes. I am an Interior Designer, blogger and believe me they are a real help, it is great to have advices from someone who has gone through it all.

    I stapled them, so I can have them every day under my eyes, and they will be my bloggers’ inspirational bible.

  5. Thanks Kate, this is great, and exactly why I haven’t posted yet today! Maybe I should write about the timeliness of your post, haha! Anyway, thanks for the ideas!

  6. What a great list. I don’t really find I’m stumped for things to write about, but one never knows so it is good to have a list like this in your backpocket.

    I just started a new series a few months ago and I find it really helps structure my week – it is called WISH Wednesday (Weekly Inspiration for a Seasonal Home) http://gracie-senseandsimplicity.blogspot.com/search/label/WISH%20Wednesday. I’ve had so much fun finding great photos and talking about why they inspire me. At the end of the year I’m going to look back and see if I can find any trends in what I liked throughout the year – sort of analyze my design style.

  7. Lots of good ideas here for bloggers. Thx. Ideas usually pop in my head at the strangest time. I find if I don’t write them down right then…..oh well, I might lose ’em!

  8. This is one of the most clever blog posts I’ve ever seen! I love it! Not only is this helpful and inspirational, you’re pointing us towards fantastic content and blogs. Thank you!

  9. What a perfect list and idea for a post, great job. You are always so good at sharing what you have learned. You are just a GIVER, Kate!! Thank you,
    Happy New Year,
    Kathysue

  10. Oh my goodness. I have already spent a while reading all of the posts that go with these links and I think I could be here for another million hours. Such a great collection of ideas and it really has inspired. Who could have writers block now that my mind is going…….

  11. I was perusing your blogs – I’m a big fan. I do a lot of thrifting, estate sales etc. I’ve purchased a few pieces and want to paint them white – who knew there were SO MANY different whites!!! Which shades of white do you prefer for a clean country look. My style is “early american garage sale!”

    Thanks!

  12. Kate… this is wonderful. I look forward to your daily posts. I’m a newbie to blogging. Question for anyone who would care to respond. Should I change my blog name since I am not currently writing about “boutique” subject. At the moment, I am trying to organize my home life; so I can focus on business at a later date. Thanks for your insight.

  13. Thanks for sharing these ideas and sites! And, thanks for saving all those links. That’s also a fantastic idea to help “break the block”!

  14. This was just a great post. I’ve already gone to several of these links. I am a new blogger and your posts about blogging and that of your friends who have collaborated with you on blogging have been immensely helpful and I’ve learned alot. Also I love your decor posts. I even bought a book because of your recomendatin. So glad I now get your emails. Its like a present waiting to be opened. Many Thanks!!

    Nancy J.

  15. I haven’t had writers block yet but I don’t blog on a daily basis and I have a dedicated subject. Creating my home to not look cookie cutter of other homes in our area. I love the modern look of a home but I love the special little spaces in older homes that made it so fun to explore. See? No writer’s block here. LOL If I ever get stuck I will definitely come back and refer to this list!!!
    Hugs,
    bj

  16. These are some great links! Thank you so much for putting this together. This post could even become a blogging challenge in and of itself… like a post-a-day for 50 days or something.

  17. What an awesome list Kate!!! I can’t wait to check out all the links. Thanks for sharing. :)

    I usually draft a post with the title and some thought in the body and then I come back to it when I can work on that idea.

  18. Thanks for the shout out Kate! You rock and keep me inspired so thank you for keeping me free of writer’s block!!!

  19. What an amazing list!
    And, of course I had to check a whole bunch out!

    I usually keep a long list of ideas going in igoogle.
    I have it broken down into various categories, Networking, Recipes, Look into…

    It’s different from my Pinterest boards.
    One is visual and the other is just a quick running list.
    ~Dana

  20. Today the Internet went down for an extended period of time and I was amazed at how much writing I got done!

    Sometimes for me it’s just a matter of getting away from the ‘noise.’

    dee :)

  21. I’ve had writer’s block getting my blog going! I am going to save this list for that day when I do have my blog up. Great list and tips, Kate!

  22. Thank you so much for this post! I’ve just started a DIY blog (29ruehouse.blogspot.com) and I’m definitely bookmarking this for future use! I haven’t been through all the ideas yet but I clicked on Sarah’s story at Thrifty Decor Chick and it made such an impact on me as I started my day this morning to read about her experience and how I can help myself. So thank you!

  23. Such a great idea for a post! :)
    Thanks for including me in that wonderful list. I’m going to bookmark this post for those days I’m “stuck.”

    xoxo

  24. Thank you so much for this! It must have taken you a bit of time to throw this together, but it’s such a great resource for all of us bloggers! Much appreciated!

    xoxo!
    Jen

  25. Thanks for this! These are great ideas, and nice of you to share them. I feel like I need to share my projects since it’s my home blog, but love the ideas for sharing other things. Still learning….and finding my “voice”; can’t wait to read all of these ideas. Thanks again for sharing!
    Laura

  26. Great tips Kate- just like that post you did on what you do to stay creative (browse Pinterest, go to a bookstore, take a walk, etc.) I was surprised and flattered to see my post mentioned- thanks girlie!

  27. Wow thank you for this post. I have been blogging for a whopping two weeks now and have so much to say currently but I know there will be a time that I will run out of ideas. Right now, since I am a baby boomer, learning the technology is slowing me down more that anything. I will keep this information for future reference!!!
    Cathy

  28. I just spent almost an hour looking through tons of links. My husband is sitting next to me looking for dirt bikes (?) Craigslist, and I’m bugging him by reading all of the posts out loud. Great tips, and great links!

  29. Just reading your list, I got (and started) two potential posts already! Hooray! Sometimes I’ll just sit in front of my computer and stare and stare and stare at the screen before I have to just close it and do something else. LOVE these ideas! Thanks so much for sharing them with us!

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