I guess you will have noticed on my latest posts: I'm suffering from writer's block. I've looked up some techniques and compiled a list of tips that could come in useful.
Writer's Block = Emotional Block
I'm not really suffering from writer's block, it's more of a complete personal block.
I'm still struggling with so many emotions I don't know how to deal with, that it feels like there's a thunderstorm inside me. One time I have hundreds of ideas, but when I start to work them out, I toss them out one by one because I have the feeling they aren't good enough.
That's probably the core of the problem: as I wrote in a couple of my previous post, I often wonder what I'm doing here. I'm just a mediocre writer who has no special expertise. I have a bit of knowledge about a lot, I have a couple of limited skills, but there is nothing I'm particularly good at, or know a lot about.
I guess I'm back to the state of mind in which I was when I wrote:
Communities
Communities are the key here on SteemIt. I assume being part of a community could help me overcome my writer's block, but I feel like I'm taking more and more distance.
Not that I've really been an active, full, worthy member of any community - except maybe @newbieresteemday in the early days, but still..
It's the story of my life: I'm part of everything, but I'm also part of nothing. I don't want to get caught up in expectations and obligations, so I keep my distance.
Sometimes that turns out to be a good thing, but sometimes the feeling that I don't really belong anywhere makes me feel lonely. Then I have to remind myself that I've put myself in this situation by choice.
Boring
Another thing that probably plays a big part in this situation is that there is absolutely nothing going on my my life. And when I say nothing, I really mean nothing.
I still spend my days in my bedroom, trying not to mess up my back again. Meanwhile, I've used up all the inspiration I could get out of these walls around me.
I know, I know... it's just the state of mind I'm in. There are plenty of things that happened before this awful year I could write about, but when I try, the fear of failure and the fact that I'm still intimidated by all those amazing writers here on SteemIt - who never seem to run out of ideas - gets me no further than a blank screen.
Overcoming Writer's Block
Meanwhile, I've lost focus. This meant to become a post about overcoming writer's block.
I assume everyone has to deal with it at one time or another. Of course, there are always exceptions, lucky them!
I searched the web for tips that could be useful, and while I was at it, I thought I could just as well share them with you, in case you need them sometime in the future.
One of tip I came across became my favorite one instantly:
Source
There's a lot of truth in that. You are your own worst critic, and if you want everything to be perfect before it rolls out, nothing does. Check!
Tips
I've visited a lot of different sites, and almost all of them recommended the same tips:
- Freewrite for a couple of minutes. Write about what's on your mind at that specific moment. This might get your creative juices flowing.
- Use 'writing prompts'. I must admit I had never heard of that technique, but it not only sounds like it might work, it looks fun too. You can find loads of examples of writing prompts here.
- Take note of ANY idea that comes to mind during the day. These ideas might or might not come in useful one day. (I have tons of notebooks with ideas, but haven't used a single one yet)
- Take a break, clear your head and get some physical exercise
- Listen to music.
- Create a routine.
Source
Alternative Ideas
To end this post with, I would like to refer to a post that lists very unique ideas to overcome your writer's block.
Because I know the website, it was no surprise to me that they could offer other ideas than the standard ones.
Here are some examples:
- Use Google alerts to set up notifications for topics and keywords that are relevant to what you're blogging about. You'll then receive the newest articles related to your topics from which you can draw inspiration. Setting up Google Alerts is piece of cake. Watch me do it in just a few minutes in the video below.
- Find interesting infographics and use the data-points to jump-start your writing.
- Use tools like List.ly to find trending lists of topics.
- Engage in groups on other (social) media sites to find out what people are talking about
Will Something Work?
I will be trying several of the mentioned methods, hoping that I can leave behind this awful situation soon.
If I find anything that does the trick, I'll let you know.
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Animation By @zord189
Posted from my blog with SteemPress : https://mysteemworld.com/overcoming-writers-block-tips-and-tricks/