Prevent “Bloggers Block”
You’re either in front of your computer or with a notebook in hand. The problem: it’s blank. There’s nothing on that page and it doesn’t matter how much you stare at that screen, with the cursor blinking, or tap that pen, words aren’t flowing from your brain to your hands. Unfortunately, you’ve got a serious case of “bloggers block”. Don’t worry, all bloggers get it. However it’s usually induced by things that bloggers themselves do. What are they and how do you prevent getting “bloggers block”?
Too Long
Why write 1000+ words when you can say the same exact thing in 250? When you worry to much about how long an article is, focus is lost on the main topic at hand: the actual article. Instead, worry about how a specific topic is being explained. Just write. When you edit the article later, you may notice that those extra words aren’t necessary.
Thinking Too Much
“Is this even possible?”, you may ask. The answer: yes. Sometimes you can think so much about a particular topic that you still have nothing written. Stop thinking. Write that first sentence! Most often than not, the words will start to flow. This is not to say that research isn’t vital; every good article needs it. However, don’t let research hamper your ability to write.
Distractions
If you work from home, it can be quite distracting when other activities are taking place there. Your wife wants you to take out the trash, your children want to play, etc. The truth is, you probably have time do these things so, why not? However, make sure to make time to write later. How about going to a coffee shop and jotting down some ideas? What about waking up an hour earlier, when everybody is still asleep? This allows you to get your writing done and have fun.
Final Words
These are only some of the obstacles that induce “bloggers block”. What obstacles have you encountered and what have you done to overcome them?
Tim Smith is a music loving blogger and designer. He’s passionate about blogging and loves to share his thoughts and experiences for the benefit of others. Find out more when his personal site launches on December 21st. Follow Tim on Twitter: @timothybsmith.
I think the same way! Brevity is the best and the hardest. :)
Well said, Tim.
I think most writers are guilty of thinking too much … it’s both our gift and curse. I’d even go as far as saying that, for some writers, training yourself to avoid over-thinking is part of what writing is all about (at least on a technical level maybe) – no matter the medium.
I recently cruised through the Bahamas, where I was forced to unplug from all tech, and quickly found myself at a loss for post ideas during my return. Breaking the flow of your work can be both a good and bad thing … depending on how well you can jump back into where you left off.
I found that the best way to overcome this block due to break in flow was to simply pick up a few magazines at the airport — I don’t think it’s necessary that they need to be in your niche. Reading articles and interviews in print was something I don’t usually do, so it was a nice change in how I was consuming content.
Overall, I think bloggers can avoid this block by keeping at it — write everyday. Once you break the flow, it’s very difficult to find it again.
As the saying goes, “practice makes perfect”. Even though we’ll always have “bloggers block” at one point or another, bettering our writing skill wouldn’t hurt.
Thanks for your comment Chris.
The greatest obstacle I have experienced is, when I run out of ideas to write. I think this is one of the major factor affecting the life of a blog. :-)
I agree with you 100%. It can be difficult to constantly be looking for ideas to write. We’ll be publishing something about this soon.
I just came across your post, searching for cures to my own blogger’s block.
I think we pressure ourselves into brilliance. We think, “My ex will read this” and “My boss may find this,” and we want to be impressive. It is at those times that we become paralyzed with a fear of perfection. I think some solutions to this are a range of things: deep breaths, writing in a public place (so we can realize that hey, we’re all human), and of course remembering we are unique sparkly snowflakes or somesuch. Works for me.