How to Have a "Productive" Blog Break!

I know, you’re probably thinking that this chick has truly flipped.

In your mind, you’re likely saying that the whole purpose of a “break” is to get away from the demands of blogging and writing, and wrestling with writer’s block, and the whole kit and kaboodle of the creative scene. Duh? J

Therefore, a productive blog break would be a bit of a contradiction.
And you’d be right to some extent. But, work doesn’t have to be another four-letter dirty word, even when your resolve is to just kick back, relax, and unplug for a week or two.

In fact, let’s be honest here. Even when our computers are unplugged our brains ain’t!
Vacation or no vacation, most “serious” writers can’t help but brainstorm future blog ideas, or take notes on character development for their novel in progress, or figure out how to turn that trip to a far-away city into a travel writing piece. It’s a work related hazard.

We’re all on the “same page” with this.

But, like most things, it all comes down to perspective. And you might be surprised to learn that “selective activities” can actually inspire you to new heights, enhance your writing goals, provide fun, and allow you to re-enter your blog world with a fresh perspective and renewed commitment.

It does for me. Today I’ll share a few secrets to having a bodacious blog break, that includes work, but won’t cause you to break a sweat, or leave you feeling fatigued.

　
WHY A “WORKING” BLOG BREAK WORKS…

First, a little background here. I’ve been “professionally” blogging for over four years. In that time, I’ve created close to 500 posts; typically publishing a post 2 to 3 times a week. And did I mention guest posting? As much as I love it, it can be very time consuming and grueling. For this reason, I take a blog break a few times a year--usually around summer, my birthday, and the Christmas holiday.

Still, I don’t totally disengage, or bury my head in the sand. Rather, I choose my blogging projects more selectively.

A “working” blog break allows me to make my own schedule for creativity, without pressure. It allows me to revisit my blog with a fresh pair of eyes, plan, and rethink my strategy for promoting my work as a whole. And it can for you too.

　
HERE ARE A FEW SUGGESTED PROJECTS AND PRACTICES TO CONSIDER ON YOUR NEXT BLOG BREAK …

Guest post on other sites. While you may typically pen epic posts for your readership, there are some very worthy sites that require posts with low word counts of 250-300 words. The benefit here? It doesn’t require a major time commitment, it puts your work before new audiences, and it helps build relationships with other bloggers.

Submit to “reprint” markets. This is a great way of “working smarter, not harder.” For example, recently, I sent off a piece to Writers on the Move blog, that previously sold to Funds for Writers for 50 bucks. This gives me more mileage for my writing efforts.
Catch up on reading and commenting on your favorite blogs. Sometimes, with all the demands of daily life, and trying to maintain our own blogs, we don’t get the opportunity to visit other sites and “weigh in” on interesting topics. Doing so helps to broaden our perspective, keep us informed, and maybe even come up with new ideas for our own spot. Additionally, it can create a win/win situation in that many times when we comment at other’s sites, they will reciprocate at our blogs.

Attend a Webinar.

These web-based seminars can help bloggers to hone their craft and increase their cash. The bonus here is that many are free, and they can be “attended” in the privacy of your own home.

Tweet your “peeps”.

Got an important project you’d like to promote? A contest that you’re sponsoring at your blog? A question for an interview? Know a fellow blogger worth following? A blog break is a great time to connect with others, spread the word on what’s going on in your corner of the world, or share quality content via social media circles, (without sacrificing time from money-making projects).

Guest post outside of your niche.

It’s fun, allows you to capitalize on other interests and skill sets, and can attract different audiences to your blog. Make sure to include a link to your site in your bio, with your submission.
　These are just a few ways to get more “bang” out of your next blog break, and to provide enough balance and interest to go the distance.

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