How to Write When You Can’t
August 5th, 2007
There are days that I just can’t seem to get anything done on the computer. Either the kids are in chaos mode, or the house needs attention or an emergency comes up that there is no way I could have planned around.
Keeping consistent content on my blog can be hindered by these days. It can also be hurt by those days when I just don’t feel like writing or don’t have anything to say (although those days are very few 
).
I’m learning some quick tricks to help me post an article even when I don’t have time to think about my blog. There’s a challenge at problogger.net that has me thinking about these tricks and tips.
1. Pre-write some posts. I keep several “generic” posts in my database that aren’t time specific. This gives me an emergency back up if I get into a position where I can’t post for a day. It also gives me a place to put all those blogs I write when my muse gets out of control.
2. If you have the capabilities, even pre-post what you have written. Wordpress allows me to change the date or time (or both) of my post. With this feature, I can do a week’s worth of posting at one sitting. It’s a great thing for rainy days or weekends.
3. Rework something you’ve written in the past. If you do ghost writing, or have been writing for very long, you probably have hundreds of articles at your finger tips. Take your long articles and condense them or take your short articles and expand them.
4. Surf the web. Some days, just reading what others have written (and maybe leaving a few comments) can be all that I need to motivate my writing.
5. There is always tomorrow. If you don’t make a post today, it will not be the end of the world. Consistent (quality) posting is the key to consistent traffic, but one day won’t be the demise of all your hard work. Make plans to wake up early and get right on it tomorrow.
Getting into the habit of writing daily (same blog time, same blog place) is the best way to guarantee you have a regular posting schedule. For those days when nothing goes right, try so of these tips to get you through.
Entry Filed under: Scheduling, Work from Home
18 Comments Add your own
1. Michael Fultz | August 6th, 2007 at 10:08 pm
Those are helpful tips! I have a hard time posting as well, because of my busy schedule. By the time I get a chance to sit down at the computer, it’s usually midnight. Thanks!
2. cooliojones | August 6th, 2007 at 11:27 pm
You have a nice site here! I loke the color scheme, and everything is very easy to read. Keep up the good work!
3. How to Blog Successfully &hellip | August 7th, 2007 at 10:14 pm
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4. Skellie | August 7th, 2007 at 11:52 pm
These are great tips to help with something I think every blogger struggles with.
The way I get over (or prevent) writer’s block is to write down a big list of potential post ideas in one sitting when I am feeling inspired. That way, when I’m not inspired, I can simply pick an idea I’ve already thought of and run with it.
I also agree with you on writing content in advance. Some days you’ll feel like writing lots of posts and it can be wiser to save them for later than post them all at once.
5. How to Blog Successfully &hellip | August 8th, 2007 at 12:58 am
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6. Grace | August 8th, 2007 at 4:06 am
Very true. I do so many generic posts - posts that don’t have the sense of “NOW” in them and put them up when I don’t have anything to write. It’s like saving for the rainy day. Works for me, everytime.
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10. uylog | August 9th, 2007 at 9:09 am
Very useful tips, this is my primary problem. I am a bit lazy!
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12. Michael from Pro Blog Design | August 10th, 2007 at 5:53 am
Great tips - Especially the final one I think. It’s rare that you find bloggers admitting that it can be okay to let up every now and again; provided you come back strong the next day.
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16. Problogger's 31 Days &hellip | December 14th, 2007 at 10:44 am
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17. Giftcardblogger | March 19th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Great tips. I am currently practicing #1. I like #3 and #5 also. There is always another day and it is important not to sweat over missing a day of posting.
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