I enjoyed that paper on the Unsuccessful Self-Treatment of Writers Block :)
Techniques I find helpful:
* Write down a list of questions you think someone (anyone) might ask you about the topic you're writing about.
* Write it backwards: start with a concluding paragraph then logically work your way backwards.
* Always be ready to jot down an idea.
* Spend 10-15 minutes thinking about connections to seemingly unrelated subject areas.
* (As per your post) Start writing out anything that comes to mind. This is a good way to generate raw material, and it channels energy into something constructive as opposed to getting stressed about not having started yet.
Hey, these are great! Thanks for this contribution, Carlos. I think having these tools in your toolbox when you feel stuck would be super reassuring.
I should mention that I also have been keeping a "blog log" for a while. It's just a list on my desk. When ANY blog topic idea comes to mind, I just quickly jot it down. If I get stuck later in the week with a block, I can just check the list and see if there's anything inspiring.
I think the more we trade "cheat codes" like these with each other, the more successful we'll all be at achieving our goals. Thanks again for this thoughtful and super helpful reply, Carlos!
I think Naval Rivikant said you shouldn't write when you're not compelled. Maybe it was someone else, but either way, I tend to agree. I haven't had writer's block unless I was trying to force something. I do find myself sneaking down to my computer in the middle of the night or dictating something into my phone at odd hours. I can't seem to package my words into neat blocks of time.
Thanks for sharing this! I think there are a TON of people who have this problem and feel the same way. I don't know if I feel like there's really a right or wrong answer. I'm sure that for every assertion I make, there are 5 examples of writers who did it differently.
Maybe next time I should make the point that it's up to the individual to try things and see what works. I know that for me, I can't wait for inspiration. It's too long of a wait. I'm also good at tricking myself into thinking that I'll just remember my inspired thought later--and I never, ever do. So, even when inspiration strikes, I can sabotage myself.
For me, I've gotta just make sure I do it every day, hence the daily blog. If I give myself an inch, I know I'll take a mile.
One of my favorite comic strips, Calvin and Hobbes, has a great bit about this and I totally resonate. Check it out: https://bit.ly/2MMqXJw
I also don't currently write for a living. Although I want to. I've been meaning to reread Elizabeth Gilbert's big magic, for the sole purpose of reading her part about not making your magic work for you. I'm probably trying to trick myself out of making a career of writing lol. I bought a really interesting book called Thinkertools and I haven't had to use it yet but I know the feeling when you want something creative to spark. James Altucher recommends waking up each morning and writing a list of 10 things you could do. If you can't write 10 things it means you should write 20. I think a lot of these things are just natural actions a very curious and creative person does, but it's nice to see them put in front of you as options. Also having a conversation or reading more always sparks me into action. Good luck to you!.
I totally get it. There's something super pressurized about making your passion your career. Some people figure it out, but it seems hard. Thanks for the recommendations! I loved "Big Magic." Some seriously helpful insights there. I know Altucher, but I haven't heard of that philosophy. Seems worth experimenting with! Anyway, thanks for this thoughtful comment. I'm super grateful that you're here!
I enjoyed that paper on the Unsuccessful Self-Treatment of Writers Block :)
Techniques I find helpful:
* Write down a list of questions you think someone (anyone) might ask you about the topic you're writing about.
* Write it backwards: start with a concluding paragraph then logically work your way backwards.
* Always be ready to jot down an idea.
* Spend 10-15 minutes thinking about connections to seemingly unrelated subject areas.
* (As per your post) Start writing out anything that comes to mind. This is a good way to generate raw material, and it channels energy into something constructive as opposed to getting stressed about not having started yet.
Hey, these are great! Thanks for this contribution, Carlos. I think having these tools in your toolbox when you feel stuck would be super reassuring.
I should mention that I also have been keeping a "blog log" for a while. It's just a list on my desk. When ANY blog topic idea comes to mind, I just quickly jot it down. If I get stuck later in the week with a block, I can just check the list and see if there's anything inspiring.
I think the more we trade "cheat codes" like these with each other, the more successful we'll all be at achieving our goals. Thanks again for this thoughtful and super helpful reply, Carlos!
I think Naval Rivikant said you shouldn't write when you're not compelled. Maybe it was someone else, but either way, I tend to agree. I haven't had writer's block unless I was trying to force something. I do find myself sneaking down to my computer in the middle of the night or dictating something into my phone at odd hours. I can't seem to package my words into neat blocks of time.
Thanks for sharing this! I think there are a TON of people who have this problem and feel the same way. I don't know if I feel like there's really a right or wrong answer. I'm sure that for every assertion I make, there are 5 examples of writers who did it differently.
Maybe next time I should make the point that it's up to the individual to try things and see what works. I know that for me, I can't wait for inspiration. It's too long of a wait. I'm also good at tricking myself into thinking that I'll just remember my inspired thought later--and I never, ever do. So, even when inspiration strikes, I can sabotage myself.
For me, I've gotta just make sure I do it every day, hence the daily blog. If I give myself an inch, I know I'll take a mile.
One of my favorite comic strips, Calvin and Hobbes, has a great bit about this and I totally resonate. Check it out: https://bit.ly/2MMqXJw
I hope this makes you laugh!
I also don't currently write for a living. Although I want to. I've been meaning to reread Elizabeth Gilbert's big magic, for the sole purpose of reading her part about not making your magic work for you. I'm probably trying to trick myself out of making a career of writing lol. I bought a really interesting book called Thinkertools and I haven't had to use it yet but I know the feeling when you want something creative to spark. James Altucher recommends waking up each morning and writing a list of 10 things you could do. If you can't write 10 things it means you should write 20. I think a lot of these things are just natural actions a very curious and creative person does, but it's nice to see them put in front of you as options. Also having a conversation or reading more always sparks me into action. Good luck to you!.
I totally get it. There's something super pressurized about making your passion your career. Some people figure it out, but it seems hard. Thanks for the recommendations! I loved "Big Magic." Some seriously helpful insights there. I know Altucher, but I haven't heard of that philosophy. Seems worth experimenting with! Anyway, thanks for this thoughtful comment. I'm super grateful that you're here!
Same. Love to stumble upon kindred souls! ❤️