The Catholic Writers Guild

I’ve been mulling over Karina‘s excellent discussions about the lie of writer’s block and busting it when I realized that I have a secret weapon.

Blogging.

Admittedly, I’m a little crazy. (I blame the baby. You should, too.) Even so, for me, blogging lets me stretch my writing muscles before I get down to the “real work” of writing for other venues.

(If that explains to you why my blog makes no sense, well, then, there you go.)

If you’ve been blogging past the bloggymoon phase, you’ll know about the creeping fear that comes upon you in the middle of the night, when you find yourself with no scrap of paper and no way of guaranteeing you’ll remember the brilliant idea you just had. (Getting up will only make it flit away, and turning on the light is sure to make it scatter.)

So here’s my shot at ideas for your possible “blogger’s block,” should you find yourself tempted to hit the “delete blog” button instead of tackling your brain for something to write:

Quotes. A good quote goes a long way. You don’t even have to write about it, though sometimes I do use a quote as a jumping off point for something else, especially when I’m using scripture.

Lists. This might just be because I’m the addicted-to-lists sort, but making a list of what’s in my purse or at the bottom of my three-year-old’s bed is sometimes great blog material. And it can also be interesting (or scary).

Recent Reading. Most of the writers and bloggers I know are readers, so it’s natural to share your recent reading and a short excerpt or your impressions. If you’re not a reader but you have some other similar hobby–watching movies or listening to podcasts–that could also be a source of material.

Pick Your Exercise. We’ve all used those writing exercises, haven’t we? If not, find some and use them as blog fodder.

Ask the Masses. Got a burning question, something you’ve always wondered? Ask. And answer.

Meme (or Copy). There seem to be less memes going around than there were years ago, but you can still find plenty of those “tag, you’re it” type of posts if you look. Or you can just list random things about yourself.

—
Sarah Reinhard, author of Welcome Baby Jesus: Advent & Christmas Reflections for Families, is a Catholic wife, mom, and certifiably addicted blogger who can be found online at SnoringScholar.com.

Sarah Reinhard

When Sarah Reinhard's not writing online at SnoringScholar.com, she can be found on Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, Facebook, or Google +. She's the author of a number of books, including her latest title, Catholic Family Fun: A Guide for the Adventurous, Overwhelmed, Creative, or Clueless.