Wikipedia defines writer’s block as “an author loses the ability to produce new work.”
Anyone reading my blog regularly may have noticed my posts have lacked lately. I am distracted by everything going on in my life. I have had an extremely difficult time even deciding on a topic, let alone writing a good post about one.
Maybe I’m trying to hard. To get ideas, I read the news. I look at photos I have on my computer. I look at TED Talks. I find quotes that I like. Some days, nothing works.
I don’t like writing when this happens. I don’t feel my writing is good then. I feel like I am just doing a post to keep up the Postaday challenge.
On the other hand, many of the books I’ve read about writing say it’s not important what you write, it’s just important to write. I started this blog as a way to improve my writing skills so I am meeting that goal.
There are just times I feel I have nothing to say. So I write dribble, but at least I am writing. I am putting words to paper (or computer). I can’t worry about being judged by readers.
Although I love my regular readers, this blog is for me. It’s an outlet for my thoughts or lack of thoughts. It’s a learning tool. It’s a way to grow personally.
So forgive me if my writing has been sub-par lately. I’m working on it!
How do you overcome writer’s block? What do you do when you just don’t know what to write about?
seashell by the seashore 
“It’s not important what you write, it’s just important to write.” That says it all. A blog doesn’t have to be catchy, earth-shattering or any other sensational adjective one can think of. Often times, the best blogs are like the one you wrote today; sharing concern, distraction, frustration, wonderment and searching. All of us, on any given day, experience all of these. Reading your blog today lets me and others know we are not alone in our quest. Thank you for You!
Thanks LeRoy. You made me feel much better!
When I a scrambling for idea, sometimes I uses Plinky.com . They have daily prompts. Sometimes they are good. There are also a few websites out there for daily writing prompts. Some of those are also helpful. If all else fails, I jump in the shower and ideas just start flowing! 🙂 hehe Good luck gf! You’re doing great! And like the previous comment, most important to just write! Express your daily thoughts! Good luck!
I’ve never heard of Plinky.com. I need to check that out. Thanks Bren.
I know exactly what you mean. I get really excited when my page view goes up over 100, but I didn’t do this whole experiment to get page views I did it to write (and to cook.)
Over 100! That’s great Mike! I think I’ve done that twice. But, as you say, this is for me, not the number of page views.
Wow, I could have written this post! I really think life circumstances have a big effect on me & my writing. And of course there’s always the confidence issue: who would want to read this anyhow? In addition to enjoying blogs by people I have things in common with I like posts that are unique. It doesn’t have to be something extraordinary, but if all blogs were the same it would make for some quite boring reading 😉
Why my life seems too stressed, it’s hard for me to concentrate on just one thing. That includes my writing. When your mind is going 100 miles a minute, it’s hard to get thoughts down!
Hi Shell,
I know the feeling…I went down to the shoreline, gazed out to sea and wrote a list of topics which I now have pinned to my wall. I also find the Weekly photo challenge inspiring.
Don’t worry too much. I love reading your blog about the trials and tribulations of daily life and how you are overcoming challenges as they present themselves.
If you’re ever stuck I am really interested in learning about other cultures. You may not think the Amercian culure is different but trust me it is.
What about the wordpress daily topic?
All the best
PiP 🙂
Thanks PiP. You’re right, I don’t think the American culture IS different, but I guess it is. When you live with it your whole life, you don’t realise
that others don’t.
I’ve only used the wordpress daily topic once, when Mike at the Mike/Mitch Project suggested bacon as a topic. It was too fun not to write a post about! I may need to try it a bit more often.
Shell, you have put into words what most of us are feeling on a regular basis, and you have made an interesting and inspiring post by writing about it! It’s good to know we are not alone – writer’s block happens to all of us from time to time. We are all learning and growing with our writing, in many directions – just enjoy the journey!
Plinky.com is a good place to check out for inspiration, or I’ll take my dog for a walk on the beach, or just watch nature in it’s many forms – it works for me.
Your post today is from the heart – and that always makes for a good post in my view.
Thanks Barb. It is a bit consoling to know I’m not the only one who has this problem. When I read other blogs, I never think the writers has had writer’s block.