This summer, I took an extended blogging break. We were moving from one end of California to the other, and between toddler-chasing and baby-growing, I had to let writing go for a season.
Even more, though, I felt the Lord calling me into something new. To focus fully on my family, accept my limits, and trust that I wouldn’t lose all of my readers if I decided to be quiet for a time.
So, I obeyed. It was hard, but wonderful.
Now, though, that season has come to an end. We’re all settled in (except for a few pesky boxes), and I’ve got the writing itch again. But where to start? What to say? When to write? I’m in a place where I’ve got to find my blogging groove all over again.
As summer comes to an end, I’m guessing many of you are in a similar place. So, today, I’d like to share three ways to kickstart your writing. Whether you’re coming out of a quiet season, like me, or just need a renewed focus, there are three key things you can do.
1. Pray
When you’re getting ready to craft words and pour your heart onto the page again, it’s hard to figure out where to begin. Prayer is essential! Bring your quiet heart, your empty hands, and your will to the feet of the cross. Ask God for your message, your story. It’s His name and His glory we’re writing for in the first place – He will direct our steps.
2. Plan
Oooh, planning is my favorite part! Once you’re back in the writing frame of mind, the ideas might be flowing like crazy! What does your first post back say? Do you start a new series? A new eBook project? There’s a lot to figure out. Take a few hours away if you can, and devote some time to planning what your writing is going to look like now. After a season of quiet, chances are your writing is going to look different than it did before. Allow yourself some grace, and give yourself the freedom to take things in a new direction or keep a new schedule.
My two favorite blog planning tools are Intentional Blogger and the “How They Blog” Blog Planning Kit. These resources both have great printable worksheets for you to go through to create a mission statement, writing schedule, project planning, and more! I took both of these to Panera (along with some fun colored pens, of course!) for a blog planning evening. Afterwards, I had so much more focus and direction for where God wanted me to take my writing ministry. Planning is priceless!
3. Persist
Like I said, things are going to look different after a break. During my own writing break, my stats dwindled a bit, and gmail tabs were introduced. Both of those events meant that my readership was not as engaged as they previously had been. I now needed to cultivate that sense of community again, provide solid content, and give people a reason to read. I’m still working on rebuilding a bit, and some days it would be easy to just throw up my hands and give up. But I know, without a doubt, that writing is an important part of walking in God’s will for my life. So, persistence is key. It’s important that I keep doing what He’s asked me to be doing, no matter what the numbers look like!
Now it’s your turn! Tell us, did you take a writing break over the summer? What did you learn in the quiet? What’s your best tip for returning to the blogging world?
Amy Nabors (@amykiane) says
August 9, 2013 at 11:44 amI have been taking a break for the past 9 months with sporadic posts. A new school with a 40-minute commute one way for our 13 year old son, a mother an hour and a half away who was only a few days away from death while waiting on a liver transplant, her long 6 month recovery, and an only sister living an hour and a half away having her first baby all drained any creative energy I had. I spent more hours on the road than at home. The blogging had to go for the most part except for a few posts here and there. Everything seems to be calming down, and I feel the desire to write again slowly coming back. Thanks for sharing the planning kit link. Going to give that a try.
Kayse says
August 9, 2013 at 3:53 pmThat is a LOT on your plate! I’d have found creativity sparse then too. I’m learning it’s ok to have seasons of writing. Praying for you as you enter a new one!
Casey Springer says
August 9, 2013 at 11:56 amI took a several month break from blogging and writing. Life was very hard and I knew if I blogged it would come spilling out and these were things that needed to be kept close. I’m not sure that makes sense but I felt like blogging (while so important for me) wasn’t the right outlet at the time. I am def going to execute these steps. Thanks for the motivation!
Kayse says
August 9, 2013 at 3:52 pmI totally understand that – been in that lifestage too! Just prayed for you as you work through coming back. Thanks for commenting!!
Michelle Axton Kelly says
August 10, 2013 at 9:41 amKayse, I am so grateful for your post this morning! This is just what has been on my heart after a summer break from writing! We’ve moved from North Carolina to Colorado but are still in corporate housing. I so look forward to using the tools above for a planning session this weekend! Thanks for the inspiration. Glad to hear your move went well!
Jedidja says
August 10, 2013 at 1:15 pmThank you for this inspiring blog! I took a little break but not really. While I temporarily stopped one – I started another … I think I’ll take you advice into account. I will consciously plans weekly.
http://kostbaar.blogspot.nl/
Kimberly Amici says
August 12, 2013 at 7:24 ami took an unintentional break over summer. I always think I will have more time than I do but with the kids home and running around to camps and activities it was hard to carve out time to write regularly. Thanks for tips because now that the kids will be going back to school in a few weeks I am excited to get started again.
Anna Radchenko says
August 22, 2013 at 4:15 pmI’m a little late leaving this comment, but it only proves my point more clearly, I guess. 🙂 I took a writing break (and computer break) over the summer. I was working full-time at a camp and got home exhausted each day. I only quickly check email for anything urgent, and left everything else to be sorted “later” — it helped me clear my mind and really think about how I want my writing to be as we enter the Fall… I also wasn’t stressed because I only took on as much as I could for the time being. I’m slowly easing back into writing, and I feel more focused and prepared for September! 🙂
Rae says
August 23, 2013 at 1:48 pmThanks for connecting me to Intentional Blogger with this post! It is an amazing resource, and you are awesome for sharing it! I took an unintentional break for about a year– mostly because I didn’t do enough praying, planning, and persisting… thanks for a great post!