Need blogging inspiration?

As 2011 draws to a close, we know that many of you will be drawing up New Year’s resolutions – and top of the list for many bloggers is getting back on the blogging horse (whoever she may be?!) and committing to blogging more often, and more regularly.

But where to start if inspiration doesn’t strike?

If you’ve been hit by blogging block, we’re here to help – we asked 12 of our favourite bloggers (and me) to tell us what posts they’d like to read from their favourite blogs in 2012, and what they write about when inspiration is thin on the ground. There are some great ideas here to keep you blogging through January – and beyond. 

First up, Melaina at Transatlantic Blonde can usually be relied upon to raise an eyebrow, and the post she most wants to read in 2012 is no exception: Who’s on your list of five?

Amy Lane from Cooking, Cakes and Children says she’s looking forward to reading some posts about goals for the new year, especially those with healthy eating recipes (“You know I like a good recipe!”) and round-ups of blog posts from 2011.  After the first flush of the New Year, though, she’s hoping to read useful posts on thrifty craft projects and favourite family days out – and most of all, your tips on de-cluttering the home!

Michelle from Mummy from the Heart is also looking forward to hearing about her blogging friend’s hopes and goals for 2012, but also wants to see lots of positive posts – because January can otherwise be a bit gloomy and depressing. Michelle’s another fan of Spring Cleaning tips – “Clearing our house focuses me, and my mind too,” she says.

Clare at The Veggie Experience would most like to read posts about your bucket lists – what’s on yours and which of those things are you hoping to achieve in 2012. She’s also interested in people’s meal plans (especially if they’re done on a budget). For those of you who aren’t attached already, Clare wants to know the secret to finding Mr or Mrs Right in 2012. (By the way, if you do write that one, Tweet me the link, won’t you?)

Louise at Bloggomy loves posts that look back on how far someone has travelled in a year, but also wants to know about people’s firsts – first kiss, first wage package, first love – what were yours?

I’ve joined in to the fun, representing my own blog, Who’s the Mummy. Next year, I’d love to read posts about what makes your house feel like home – mostly because I’m incredibly nosy about other people’s houses (this is probably why I’m addicted to Pinterest).

Kat from Housewife Confidential is a fantastic photographer and has a great eye for style, so we’re not surprised that she’s keen to see more posts about home-spun craft projects, and tips on home decor.

Lucinda from Bakes, Books and my Boys is looking for inspiration from blogs about ways to get her boys outdoors, active, and having fun, so she’d love to hear about your favourite outdoor games, activities and destinations.

Geek Mummy didn’t pluck her blog name out of thin air – she’d love to read posts in 2012 where bloggers challenge themselves to use new formats – rather than writing text, why not make a video or record some audio? If you’re a prose writer, could you turn your hand to a poem? If that doesn’t sound right for you, Ruth also suggests writing about why you started blogging, or teaming up with another blogger to hold a blogging debate, where you each post opposing opinions on a particular topic – something Ruth did very successfully herself in 2011 with a two-part debate on video games.

Jenny from Mummy Mishaps wants to know about bloggers’ New Year’s resolutions, too – but with added commitment. Each time you keep (or break) a resolution, why not write a post, with a photo as evidence, to show everyone how well (or badly) you’re doing?

Susan from SusanKMann would love her favourite bloggers to put themselves in someone else’s shoes and write about it. Imagine you’re someone else for the day – fictional or non-fictional – what would you do? What would you love to get away with?

Claire from Killer Ninja Cat meanwhile, wants bloggers to examine their inner feelings more in their blog posts – she loves to know what makes people tick. What were your childhood dreams and did you achieve any of them? Or tell us about an emotional journey that you’ve been on in your life – what have you learned?

Finally, Annie from Mammasaurus says don’t write about this year’s resolutions – write about last year’s. Did you stick to them? Or break them within the first week? Annie also wants to read about what new things and adventures people want to try in 2012 – maybe you could inspire us all!

Hopefully, our bloggers will give you some inspiration to get blogging in January 2012 – and beyond. Or maybe you’ve got a post already planned to ring in the New Year? Why not tell us about it? What sort of posts would you love to read on your favourite blogs in the New Year?

About Sally

Sally Whittle is founder of the Tots100, Foodies100, BlogSummit and the MAD Blog Awards. When she's not working, she can be found blogging at Who's the Mummy, or having fun with her 7 year old daughter, Flea.