Today’s prompt asks about having writer’s block. I thought on it and thought on it so hard that I think I gave myself writer’s block…LOL I don’t really have a story about writer’s block but instead about how I chose not to write in order to live what I normally write about – did that make sense? When I write I write to share: my love, my life and my laughter. So when I don’t write where does that all go?
November 12th:
Have you ever had extended writers’ block?
How long did it last?
What did you do to break out of it, and do you have tips for other bloggers?
When I write I release all my thoughts, concerns, fears, joys and even fears through my words. I have always used writing as a way to free myself from things that tend to weigh me down. There have been periods in my life when I would stop writing. Too much stress, too much of life and at times simply because I needed to hold on to whatever was going on in my head for a bit longer. So when I don’t write I think, I dwell and I contemplate – a lot. I think the longest I stopped was for about 3 years. Yet I was just me – not yet a Blogger, my writing was for me alone so my stopping impacted no one but me.
As a Blogger, choosing not to write can be a bit risky. You can loose Readers, Followers, Sponsors and Brands. If you are bring in an income you can put that in jeopardy by taking a chance that your stats may drop. So why would I ever choose not to write?
Around this same time last year my family’s busiest time together started. November is the start of our Birthday rush as well as all of our favorite Holidays. I was a New Blogger (my site was only 3 months old) and I had not perfected a schedule. I wrote as it happened. If I felt inspired I wrote. When things happened so did a post. Yet when the Holidays began I stopped taking notes of what was happening and started taking part in what happened. Slowly I saw a decrease in my posts and the frequency of my online presence.
I was worried but at the same time I knew that having the memories my family was making was my top priority. So I took a break. I was there but not there. I stayed on schedule with my LinkUps and Hops, I supported other Bloggers but I took the time to be present with my family and our Holiday experiences.
Now don’t think the writer in me disappeared. I made mental notes and even scribbled some things down. Entire posts even but I waited until after to share and write. Guess what? My site survived. My Readers stayed and my Followers understood. All was well in family both in real life and online.
So when I think back on that time and then think on the same time of year coming up now I know that being a bit more experienced I can plan better STILL I know if I decide not to write it’s okay because when I write it the timing will be perfect.
Why don’t you write?
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30 thoughts on “When I Write… #NaBloPoMo”
Lovely post, my friend. I think breaks are needed, breaks give you time to live and regroup– we all need them. When we start to write for the sake of getting something up on the blog, well, that's no bueno. I'm not into that. I use to get mad at myself for having nothing up on the blog and force something out there, and even if it did good, I didn't feel good about it.
Sometimes, I just write to write, for me, not the blog. I also think reading helps me to feel inspired to write.
XOXO
Thanks so much! I have definitely learned to take a break when I need one. You\’re right. When i don\’t, the content suffers.
Always happy to have you come by Lovie 🙂
I'm trying to set myself on a schedule of what to write about, and then if I have extra time, I'll write about something else. Best to keep on a tried and true to get things done! 🙂
I have a schedule but there are just sometimes when life takes over…I\’ve learned that\’s okay. I like that, you adjust as you have to 🙂
When I get a writer's block I usually start reading more and see if I get inspired. Sometimes others words can trigger an idea I had buried deep.
That\’s a great idea and way to get a bit of inspiration Jessica…
There are definitely days that I struggle. I've read somewhere that one way to get past writer's block, is to start an A to Z series on something.
Hmmm…that sounds interesting for sure.
truly thought provoking, I am always changing what I write about…happens as we age and our blog develops…If I had time, I would both create a better schedule and do more writing prompts to challenge myself.
My recent post Just Finished Reading…
Thank you Karen! It really is an ever evolving gift.I would try to do the same with more time…until then I simply write 🙂
I was just looking at my stats today by the month and my June month was so low and I was like well the blog was low but life was so high! I think its great to take breaks from writing to really experience the things in the world. i am a spur of the moment writer. Sometimes it all hits at once, sometimes daily…sometimes its a week of crickets. I just try to listen to my heart.
Yes Kathy!! That’s exactly what I mean…sometimes you have to just be okay with it because living life and making memories is such a bigger payoff. Haha.. I’ve definitely had my cricket moments but you’re right your heart can always lead you back.
I agree with so many of these comments, you have to live to figure out what to write about – sort of.
I think the most important thing is being true to yourself.
I NEVER write daily. And yet. here I am. NaBloPoMo. 😉 I should say I never post daily on my blog. Sometimes I write anyway. I don't know … but you're balancing it well, so that's what works – right? Keep on keepin' on!
My recent post Sssh. I'm not really here.
Thanks Andrea! Life is definitely the best inspiration there is.
Yes, being you is so much easier than trying to be the carbon copy of someone else.
I wrote daily in the beginning then learned how to pace myself and then just started living a bit more but I am having a lot of fun with NaBloPoMo and the prompts…it can be a challenge some days but still a lot of fun!
Thanks so much for coming by – always great to see your comments 🙂
I am still working on being present at home, it's a really tough thing to balance!
It really can be. I have learned to work as much as I can during naps and the Kiddies busy time…so far nighttime is the best though. That way I am not neglecting anything but I can still get what I need to do done.
You have to live your life, it's so important. I believe you gather more to be inspired by when you live your life 🙂 Great post!
XOXO
My recent post Writer’s Block
So true!! How can I write without experiencing?? LOL…thanks for coming by Lovie! xoxo
I go through writer's block and when this happens I pay my writers to write for me. I'm also going to start guest posts again next year because I do feel like blogging is taking over too much of my life.
My recent post Top Christmas Toys for Boys 2014 #HolidayGiftGuide
Wow! I haven’t reached that level yet so I guess I just have to keep pushing and writing when I can…LOL That’s an amazing option to have though – good for you!
I always struggle with this. It's been so hard keeping motivated for a (primarily) fashion blog during this pregnancy – I feel like my real life is in some twilight zone. My husband hears me time and again say 'Soon we'll have the baby and the content will return to normal!' I think it's funny sometimes, though, to forget that blog is a reflection of life, and that changes organically.
My recent post Holiday Shoe Party
Hi Susan! Idea…Have you thought of highlighting pregnancy fashion? I know a lot of women think fashion is non-existent when pregnant but there are some really great pieces and ways to rework pieces to make pregnancy just as fashionable as any other season in a woman’s life. Just a thought – this would be a great way to reflect what is your life right now 🙂 It’s also plenty of other women’s lives too…I know I felt the same way during my pregnancies and a bit of pregger fashion help would have been greatly appreciated.
You can definitely give yourself writer's block by thinking about it too hard!
Sometimes you definitely need to just walk away for a bit.
Those are great thoughts on writing! When I first started blogging, the ideas flowed out like crazy. They tend to dry up occasionally. You're so right that outside influences can detract from blogging. Unlike other forms of writing, people can know if you are blogging every single day or putting it off!
Thank You!!! Yes, in the beginning I had so many ideas I had to restrain myself from posting multiple times in a day…now not so much LOL I think living life is the best inspiration for any writer. Thanks so much for coming by today 🙂
I go through writer's block occasionally. This past spring and summer I didn't post on my blog. I attended a conference and the spark has slowly made it's way back.
My recent post I Am Overwhelmed: A Blogger To Do List
Hi Brandy! Sometimes it just happens and I think it\’s okay. To write when you have no desire for it will result in content that isn\’t true to who you are. I \’m glad you found a bit of inspiration at the conference and look forward to your future content 😀
I think it is good to give yourself space to live your real life. The blog will be here waiting when you get back. It is always nice to get a reminder of that, though, especially before the busy holiday season really gets going.
It's great that you took notes and thought of things to write about. I'm sure a break like that can be really great for your content when return to blogging.
My recent post What The Sue Heck Is Tinikling?
I do too Tracie. I think my real life is the biggest inspiration for my writing so if I\’m not living it I probably won\’t be able to share it anyway…LOL
Thanks so much for coming by to visit today 🙂