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Recently on a forum that I am part of, a gal mentioned that she “has lost the love of blogging”. Or at least in essence that’s what her comment seemed to say to me. People offered advise, which is well and good, but it got me to thinking. What does one do if they lose that love of blogging? Is there a way of bringing that love back? 
As I was reading in Pep Talks for Writers, I came across this chapter which spoke to my heart on this topic. When I struggle with blogging, wondering what I can write about, I find myself starting to set goals for myself. What can I blog about on Mondays, what love of mine can I share on Wednesdays, anything special I can come up with that fills a need in my heart, and perhaps might fill a need in the hearts of my readers?
And you know what happens?
It’s amazing.. because it happens EVERY TIME.
I feel inspired. I go ah…. Wednesday I need an art post.. what can I talk about? OH.. and Thursdays is my book study day …. and oh.. music, sharing music with others.. I gotta do that on Sundays, it’s a day of praise and worship. Having goals ignites my creativity.
Having goals though leaves me with this question… what happens if I miss a week. Will my readers become unhappy? What if they miss me? What if missing me a week means they don’t come back? What if, what if?
Cause you know? Life happens. It does. Kids get sick, symphonies need attending, husbands need loving, critters and laundry and weather… they all play a role in our lives and what gets done (or doesn’t).
You need a plan
This creates a need for a plan if I get diverted, so what does one do?
I know what I do….I schedule like mad. Finding myself writing book reviews, hymn studies, and art books up WAY ahead as much as I can. That leaves me with usually just a couple (or three) posts that I somehow want to/need to, fit in over the course of a week and since I spread out those “need to days” it’s easy enough to write half a post one day if necessary, and then another half post another day and bam.. it’s done! NO STRESS…
You know what else I’ve learned? People are OKAY if you miss a day, they are. Some might even ask “hey, you okay girl?” (which seriously is AWESOME). So again.. NO STRESS.
Goals are still set, creativity is still inspired, but the end result is my love is rekindled.
Regain your love in writing. (if indeed writing is a love of yours). Regain it through setting goals, seeing the creativity that brings as you find what you are passionate about, share that passion with your readers, but set that goal. Even if it’s just 250 words a day that you can write about, and by the end week you have one article, or perhaps even two… it’s a goal worth pursuing don’t you think? A goal worthy of finding your love again?
As always, I made up a simple sheet to help you in your goal making…your desire to find your love in writing, cause having a goal, setting your deadline… brings about the magic of loving your writing again. Really.. it does. 🙂 Download here.
Thanks for this! Very helpful info. I’m not new to writing, but new to needing to blog on a schedule. I like the idea of writing ahead while I’m in “writing mode” so when I get in a funk, my blog/business doesn’t get behind.
Scheduling is awesome….huge time saver
I have started writing out a schedule for myself this year. That was one of my 2018 goals. Makes it so much easier and I am so used to schedules from my previous jobs (high school teacher and educator at a zoo).
i find it really helps to keep a body on track. 🙂
This is a great idea and I love that you share a getting started download. So encouraging!
thank you so much Kirsten. I hope people like my downloads. 🙂
I just started to actually write down my ideas in a planner. So far I have actually kept up with this, I am amazed. When I began my blog, I struggled with what to write, when to write it and soon I just put it on the back burner. I am happy to have this rekindled passion for my blog and writing again.
isn’t it amazing how that happens? Give us a goal.. we will write. 🙂
It really does help to have a regular schedule – I have some regular weekly features on my blogs and that’s my starting point. And I don’t feel like I have to write 1000 words every time. (I tend to be wordy!) When I have ideas but not enough time, I start a draft so I can tap into those ideas later on.
Having regular features really helps I find.
I agree – having a schedule of topics helps but that it is also okay to say “today is just not happening”, as you said. Skipping a day is not the end of the world and sometimes, it is the sanity saver. 🙂 Very good thoughts here.
Very true indeed…:) if we have it Brings us back once our sanity is regained too!
I’ve been blogging for almost 10 years, that’s a LONG time. And over the last couple of years especially I’ve pulled way back in my writing as I try to navigate difficulties in life. I am hoping inspiration will come again and I can go back to 3x a week. My people always come to visit no matter how often I blog. Thank you for being one of those!
Of course I come, you write well
I love how you plan all this out and the visuals are awesome. Well explained Thank you!
Thank you Jen. 🙂
Your words are just what I needed to hear, Annette. Thank you for your tips and your encouragement. Pinning this post so I can revisit often!
Aw, thank you. 🙂 makes my heart glad to hear those words.
Very good thoughts! I’m learning to balance having a plan and being prepared with knowing that some days the inspiration just isn’t there or the time just isn’t there and skipping that day is ok.