Blogger’s Block
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.
- Seal of Approval 3rd Quarter 2013 Notice - June 27, 2013
- A closer look at blogging stats and how to improve them - May 8, 2013
- The simple steps to getting a blog - April 24, 2013
All I have to do is read the headlines and I have something that makes me NEED to write. It's typically some moral aspect of a culture gone astray that makes my fingers fly across the keyboard. I do have to admit that I tend to be a bit of a trigger finger on the "post" option. I wish I had a bit more editorial patience to read and re-read before I post. That's what editors are for, and as of right now, I don't have one.
Thanks for asking the question!
Kathy
You can find me blogging at faithonthehighwire.blogspot.com
I'm just starting out with my blog, but I'm trying to post every other day. The weekend was too busy and Monday left me unable to focus. On Tuesday I finally made myself sit down and WRITE. The result was a 'conversation' between me and a 'friend' on what to post. Despite it's being quite pointless I decided to post it. I felt better for having done it and it did turn out rather humorous. I think that from now on I shall try and remind myself that it's alright to post nonsense, so long as I post. I know that if I wait until I can do something better I will invariably put it off ‘until tomorrow,’ which won’t do me any good at all. http://fromyesterdaystomorrow.blogspot.com/2011/05/complete-and-utter-nonsense.html
Yeah, I have to stay away from the news or I'm just! not! nice! One thing that helps me with the trigger finger temptation is to schedule my posts. That also helps me to spend a bit more time (in terms of hours as opposed to days). And editing with blog posts is, well, forgivable in its lack, to some extent, at least.
Thanks for your comment, Kathy! 🙂