It’s kinda funny even saying I have writers block, because I literally write all day – every day (you should see my Outbox!). But, I do.
I think that people who start a personal blog believe they will post daily and become an internet sensation, attracting hordes of visitors. Unfortunately, that is easier said than done. Every writer has creative blocks from time to time, so I am trying to be kind to myself but the analyst in me is asking “WHY ME?”.
I love writing. I love reading. I love learning. To squeeze the most out of my morning, I try to catch up with an article or two from my Twitter feed and then I listen to a podcast or audiobook while I get ready for work. This has turned into one of the favorite parts of my day. I use the time to learn something new, so I feel productive, and often times I am listening to a TedTalks podcast or a business audiobook
A few days ago I was kicking myself for not writing anything for so long. I write 1000 word emails, 30-page audits, in-depth marketing strategies, social posts and web copy for my clients every day… so why can’t I write a damn blog post for my own website?
And then, it hit me. Use your “study time” to find a video on writer’s block and do it!
Here is what I found: Writer’s Block Instant Cure
So, what is the block? According to this video, it’s the need for perfection. The need to be good. The need to pick the right topic, words or story. Basically, it’s the desire to not-look-stupid.
Yup.
As soon as he said those words, I knew that was it.
As the owner and CEO of a digital marketing agency I have a strong desire to only produce quality work. In fact, it’s kinda my personal mission. I see so much bogus crap, boring content and lack of innovation online every day. The last thing I want to do is contribute to the “landfills of the internet”, as I like to call it. But, as you know if you watched the video, if the solution to writers block is to give up the hang-ups and allow yourself to “just write garbage” for a while, then so be it. The video suggests you set a timer and force yourself to write, even if it’s total garbage.
So here it is, my three minutes of “garbage”.
It actually worked, at least for me. I gave up my personal hang-ups for a bigger cause and it’s pretty refreshing, actually. And the best part? If this helps someone else overcome writers block, then maybe this post isn’t a total waste after all.
What are your hang-ups as a writer? Do you ever have writer’s block? How have you overcome? Share with me.
Unless you have writers block.
Sara Korn
May 18, 2017 at 10:12 pmI agree that the desire for perfection is what often gets me procrastinating. Also, writing all day for a living, as you also do Jenny, means that when I come home the idea of writing some more just isn’t that appealing.
I use the “I’ll just do it for five minutes” trick to get myself started. Then, once I’m on a roll, I usually keep going. For people like us with a lot to say, once you get us started, the hard part is shutting up! LOL!
Now as I’m in the editing stage on my story, my trick is “I’ll just read two sections tonight.” I’ve been doing this for three days and so far I’ve read 3 or 4 sections every night. So it’s working for me.
Melanie Stern
May 18, 2017 at 10:18 pmIt’s always so refreshing to find other writers who have the same foibles – yes you are not alone! And perfection is highly overrated. Write from the heart and you will always touch someone…
jennystradling
May 18, 2017 at 10:30 pmI love that idea! I read a book called The Happiness Project and she talked about writing a novel in 30 days. I dug up her blog to pull in her words exactly, “I saw this when I wrote a novel in a month. That’s right, a novel in a month. A passing acquaintance told me about Chris Baty’s book, No Plot? No Problem!, in which he lays out a program for writing 1,167 words a day, to produce a 50,000 word novel in 30 days, while keeping your day job. (50,000 words is about the length of The Great Gatsby or The Catcher in the Rye.) I immediately went to the bookstore, bought the book, and started three weeks later. It was a fantastic experience.” If you haven’t checker her out, it’s good stuff: http://gretchenrubin.com/happiness_project/2010/10/put-yourself-in-creativity-boot-camp/
jennystradling
May 18, 2017 at 10:31 pmPerfection IS overrated. It’s been a long time coming, but I am finally learning to let go… just a little.
Sara Korn
May 18, 2017 at 10:34 pmYeah, I did the novel in 30 days thing (NaNoWriMo) and the novel in a weekend thing (Tom Bird) and that is what I am going through now and editing – all this raw “from the heart” stuff that needs to be turned into something appropriate for public consumption 🙂
jennystradling
May 18, 2017 at 10:37 pmSo fun! Maybe I’ll give it a shot myself. I am always up for a good creative challenge!