When You Hit the Blogging Wall
What do you do when you hit that blogging wall? For some of you, that means taking a break. For others, that means dredging through with boring words just to feed space; knowing it’s not your best work. For another group, that means quitting. And for me, I started to fit into “I Quit!” category. I got so tired of chasing after things.
When I read this post – Dear Mommy Blogger by Josie Denise – it was like the light bulb went off (or is it on?)
But you know what? Honestly, I think that was part of my burnout issues. I have been doing this blogging thing for so many years (almost 20!) and every once in a while I take a little break, but I always come back with open arms. Lately, I haven’t really cared to come back. And I realized a lot of that was because I lost my authentic self.
I’m so over it.
YUMeating made me a lot of money and I did quite well, but after a while it was about sponsors and not about me and what I really wanted to do. It wore me out and left a bitter taste in my mouth.
I’m ready to get back to me; something I have been working on for a while now. Not only does that mean getting back to my authentic voice, that means getting back to myself.
My divorce is still lingering. I’ll have some more Conscious Uncoupling posts for you soon. Things have been a roller coaster with that. I can say though that the end is in sight.
My plan is to do what I want, when I want. Whether that means with or without sponsors. As a published writer, I know the ebb and flow of word churning. When I face writers block when writing, I have a list of things to do when that happens. When it comes to blogging though, no list out there is going to change my mind because my writing just doesn’t flow like that.
I’ve been brainstorming ideas for things here on Nevermore Lane and things to brand my business more. I will likely seek more creative outlets because that is where my passion is. If I am not word churning, I am not truly happy. I’ll be spending more time on a super secret book project, my survivor memoir and other fiction books. Blogging, while still active, will be on my schedule and not theirs.
Once that falls into place, so will everything else.
One word at a time.
I have been going strong for 6 1/2 years and haven’t hit a wall yet. I bet taking a break would help me if I ever did, though 🙂
I think we all get to that point. You just gotta refocus on get back to why you started in the first place.
Ugh. The wall. I’ve hit the wall so many times. Even having a life filled with 4 kids, 2 dogs, 1 husband, and a blog doesn’t always give you enough material to write about. At least not before you have to stress over it. 😉
I think we have all had this happen. We get to a point where we just can’t think or need a break. But we come back stronger!
I did experience a blog burnout a few times in the past. My issue now is that I want to write more stuff, more about me, and less about what sponsors like.We need to follow our passion!
Blog burnout is real, and it’s a killer. I’ve faced it on more than one occasion. I’ve found that the best way to beat it is just to plow right through it.
I go through bouts of burnout all of the time. I’m kinda in one now. Life is extremely repetitive right now and living in a hotel hasn’t left much room for craftiness either. I’m hoping the change of scenery (moving into our new house) will help.
I have had this happen before. When it does I try a few days off to go and have some fun.
I think everyone gets to the point! I’m on the opposite end! All I want to do is blog! Sadly, a day job and my family doesn’t give me as much opportunity to pour into it as I would like! Do what is right for you!
I feel in the world of blogging it is all too easy to lose ourselves and forget the reason why we started writing in the first place. Hopefully this break was exactly what you needed to put the pieces back together.
I can definitely understand the burnout. It’s great that you’ll be using Nevermore Lane to try some new things!
I hit the blogging wall a few times in the past. What I do when I feel this is to pause and take a break.
I’m sure every blogger goes through this once in a while. I did at the end of this year. Took the first 3 months and really only blogged sporadically until I felt my groove come back. Now, I have a good routine where I don’t feel the pressure of having to “get it done”. Now, it’s just for enjoyment.
Blogging really is still in its infancy so things like ‘hitting the wall’ are new for us to deal with. I love that you are open to take your path into a direction that feels organic for you.
I have hit several walls when blogging, when I do I just take a break, regroup, and then come back when I’m ready!
I have been there for sure. I always have to go back to my why. I usually take a break and come back refreshed.
If we are not happy in what we are doing then I believe we are not showing our real self. Hope that makes some sense to someone.I am not a blogger yet but I have open ears for any information you get from this post. 😀
Hmm, almost. I would always write down some extra thoughts that would serve as fillers in case I get a blog drought. It’s good to keep reserves no matter how odd they sound as a topic.
This is an inspiring article, as I think we all have been there.
With your 20 years experience, I know I could benefit from your insight.
Yep! I’ve gone through this a few times. If I feel like this, I’ll usually just take a few days off and have things scheduled. Sometimes it’s nice to take a break anyways.
I really need to get better about using my drafts and pre scheduling things.
I’ve been there or maybe almost been there but I didn’t let it get the best of me. It’s also helpful to take a break and to check others’ blogs for inspiration.
There are so many that can relate with hitting a block in creativity, thought, or even inspiration. It can be overcome if you are passionate about it!
I have writers passion for sure. I am a published author ( 60 books and counting!) and have been blogging for a long time. I think I just had such a shift in my life, I didn’t know how to handle it along with trying to take care of me. And me really needed to be taken care of.
Been there done that, know it all too well. I just take breaks when things get that bad
I’ve been bad about taking breaks these last few months. Probably part of the problem. Thankfully, I have some nice breaks coming up travel-wise so things should be getting right back on track.
Blogging can become overwhelming! I completely agree that taking a break is so important especially to refresh your ideas.
I should use that time to deal with one of the 1000s of drafts I have.
It is important to take a break and get your creative juices running again. When i hit the wall i go for a nice hike to clear my head.
I have been working out a lot more lately. It sure has helped clear my head quite a bit.
Taking a break is healthy. You need to relax and recharge to get your creative juices running again.
I am hoping to get out of town for that sort of break very soon. I am used to doing that every so often and I haven’t been able to go in a while.
I think most of us have been there. 9+ years of blogging. 2 blogs, 4 kids, house, hubby, etc. It can get tough at times. Sometimes I want to just quit. Then I take a mini vacay and dive back in
I think that is part of my problem. I had so much happen these last few months and that was a big shift in the blog because of it. I haven’t been able to take my little trips like I am so used to. I think that is about to change so I feel like I am going to recharge my battery and get right back n track.
I do have problems coming up with topics to write about occasionally. Some weeks I take a day break. I have a ton of ideas in my head at the moment but don’t know how to get them into words on the screen.
I don’t really have a topic problem. But there are days when I just can’t seem to say what I need to say.
It can be so tough, especially when deadlines are looming. I try not to overthink things when I get stuck. If I stress about not feeling the vibe, it never comes!
It sure can be. Thankfully, you can always come back!
Reinvention is always good. I’m going through a rebrand myself. We change. Things change. Keep moving.
Oh! Can’t wait to see the new branding!
This is real. YEs, this is yours! So take a step to make everything still under your control.
I am feeling myself falling into this stage. I find taking a break and thinking about topics I really passionately want to write about helps me get back into it.
Tracey,
A lot of it for me wasn’t about not having anything to write about. I have notebooks full of topic ideas. My problem was just sitting down to write them. It has been a long time since it has gotten to that sort of wall for me.
Chrys
I read Jolie’s post and she was not hitting a wall she was just plan bitter. Sometimes out personal lives can effect our blogs just like anything but if you have to revamp or step away thats fine. I think we all had moments where we are like screw it…where is it going – because this industry is growing but I guess feeling like its becoming too competitive or overwhelming can get the best of us.
I am rooting for you and the Nevermore Lane brand! Keep going!
Taking a break always helps clear my head when I hit a blogging wall. Stepping back, doing something different and coming back with a fresh view always seems to do the trick!
I’ve hit the wall so many times and I am still here writing on my blog. I think it’s very important to take a break
I think I have hit a blogging wall as well. I am struggling to get back on the blogging bandwagon. But someone told me the only way to get over it, is just to start writing.
And that is exactly what you have to do. Even if you just keep that particular post in draft mode. I have so many ideas and so many drafts. The writing part is easy for me. It’s coming over here to put it in a blog that I sort of hit a wall with from time to time.
What a great write-up! I encounter this plenty of times myself.