When I'm tired or unhappy I can never summon up the energy to write blogs. Do you have any methods (and tips!) for getting yourself in the writing mood?
When I'm tired or unhappy I can never summon up the energy to write blogs. Do you have any methods (and tips!) for getting yourself in the writing mood?
J.
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I am not much of a writer. I only write when I have something specific to write about. I suppose that makes writers block not such an issue for me. I just go do something else, when it happens.
But, maybe forgetting about the writing and doing something you love for a while is also the solution for serious writers, even if getting the writing done is more urgent for them, than it is for me.
Mel
Reply to this I don't need a lot of energy to write. Well, I'm not much of a writer too, but I have been writing my diaries since I was a kid.........today I think it is called blogging. Eh?
But the best time to write for me really is when I am happy (which is often) and relaxed. I am inspired by good memories and can write whenever there is a good story I want to tell. Like writing a diary. When too tired, I just take a break --- reading , meeting friends to chat, looking over pics (they remind me of happy memories) , and generally just chilling out.
But really, Jon, we should be the one taking tips from you!
Reply to this I write for a travel magazine and I successfully avoid writer's block by giving myself options. Lets say I have an article I need to finish by the end of the week. Well, I come up with a few other assignments (either for the magazine or personal development pieces) that I switch to and let my brain move around. That way, the writer's block never really sets in about a particular thing. Its all about lifting the anxiety.
Reply to this Its all about lifting the anxiety.
I think that might be exactly what causes the writers block, for professional writers. They have a deadline, and when the ideas are not comming they panic that they will not meet their deadline, and the panic prevents the artistic flow because being artistic is more about feeling than doing. Deadlines and pressure are the enemy of art.
Reply to this Here's one from a cousin who writes speeches as a career. He does gardening! He says he is able to "relax" and empty his mind while gardening. After gardening and a quick shower, he says his creative juices are ready to flow.....
Reply to this John,
Were you asking about writer's block (i.e. not knowing what to write or how to start), or that you have ideas but feel too overwhelmed to begin writing?
I ask because I never suffer from the former (constantly touring Europe offers a wealth of material), but I do have problems a) deciding which snippets to include and b)sifting through notes when I would prefer to drink wine in a bar! I'm assuming there are no looming deadlines for your writing..
Reply to this I sometimes strike Writers' Block, and when it occurs, I don't write but focus on sorting my photos instead, and sometimes there is an image there that inspires me.
Normally a Block occurs when their isn't a hook to place in my blog - in other words a lot of usual travel experiences without something that stands out. Sometimes I just delay my writing until such an event occurs and then place everything on paper.
Reply to this I'm not sure what to add to this discussion, but I'm enjoying following it. My main problem is that I don't have enough material to turn into a proper story; I started a new job two months ago which has been time-consuming and hard work, so even when I have time to sit down with my notepad and recap on the few things that I have done, I don't have any energy. It looks as though I've written my last blog, but there's no such thing as readers' block so I'll still spend as much time as I can on TravelBlog!
J.
Reply to this I think maybe too much stress could cause writers block too, Jon. If your job is stressful, then maybe you go home after a hard day and your mind goes blank in order to recover from the stress. Pity you need to have such a demanding job.
Reply to this Jon, I would be disappointed if you have written your last Travelblog - give yourself more time and you may be pleasantly surprised that a topic inspires you so much that it gives you the energy to write again.
Reply to this Anyway, I dont think you have written your last blog Jon. I have read some comments from other writers too about the fear that they had written their last book, and then they went on to write more books.
Reply to this I've found an answer to writers' block (although I don't recommend it!) - get so stressed and tired that you barely know where you are, down four cups of cold coffee, close all websites that are open in your browser, take a deep breath, open Word, then write the first things that come into your head. My latest blog is terrible to far, but I can even it out when I've slept a bit!
J.
Reply to this If I have a theme I think about it and do bullet points on it, then flesh it out in sentences and paragraphs. Many times I have so many points and there is so much color that comes out, I break it in to different articles. Sometimes I will get 3 or 4 articles out of one starting theme. below happened last week each point turned into a article.
Swine flu and travelers
What to do to avoid
What to do if you catch
Teach locals how not to catch and prevent spreading any flus as a give back to the people that you are visiting Eco tourist thing that I try to do. Like teaching kids in the 3rd world how to swim.
Eco tourist Take 10 min to water proof someone.
Why it is needed
Where you can do it
How you can do it
Tell them what you are going to tell them
Tell them
Summarize what you told them.
I guess I have to write that article now.
Reply to this Closing all websites helps me to get focused enough to start a blog, but when you're lethargic anyway it's easier to read than write.
J.
Reply to this I signed up in Google alerts and got myself the updates about all of the things related in my blog. its good to every once in a while read other people's work/article/posts. it somehow inspires me to write better.
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