This week , over at my fun blogging group, Write Tribe, the Wednesday prompt is something every blogger can relate to:
The all-familiar Writer’s block.
Personally, I haven’t faced this too much in the last few months of blogging and I think that is mostly to do with the theme of this blog.
Here are (at least) five ways that I personally keep this dreaded demon at bay!
- Write to prompts:
This is, by far, the easiest way to break the block. I signed up for at least 5 weekly alerts via various sites and get an e-mail when the new prompt goes up. The second I see the prompt, the mind starts whirring and the wheels are in motion. Keeping the pieces short helps me because it leaves me more time to blog hop across the challenge grids too. It’s also great practice for longer pieces or serial stories, if the mood strikes.
- Mix it up!
Out here on my fiction blog, I mix it up with a good dose of the spooky, the creepy, the thought-provoking, the emotional, the comical (I hope!) when I write my short pieces. I generally look at a prompt and close my eyes and let the words play around in my head. Usually, at least three scenarios will pop up almost instantly. It can be difficult to choose, so what can be done? Easy, don’t choose 🙂 Write all three! A quick re-reading of the pieces will give you an idea of what will fit the prompt best. Then, go with your gut and publish it!
- Snap it!
Back in April, when I met Vidya Sury, we had a good long chat about everything to do with blogging and then some. One of the things she said to me is something I started doing religiously. I click snaps. Now, I am a pretty laid-back photographer and not many of the snaps I take are Pin-worthy or would even make it to the edge of the Instagram iceberg. But, it is a fantastic way to break the block. Just one look at a picture like this one and I can think of at least 4 different versions of a story. And I clicked it with my smartphone camera on my way back from the bus stop, early in the morning. Inspiration is everywhere. Keep those eyes open and the camera handy!
- Read a book
There is a reason that books are so appealing. They are chock-full of ideas, concepts, images, bits and bytes about every single thing that you write about. Sometimes, a line will speak to you in more ways than you thought possible. Why not turn it into a post? Credit the author/ book where you found the quote. Not only is this good etiquette, it is also a great way to direct more writers/bloggers towards the fountain of inspiration.
- Read the comments
You know when you write a post and then sit back for the comments to start rolling in? Yeah, I do that. But, I recently started doing something else. I started reading deeply into the comments left on my posts, as well as those left on other blogs. A comment on a story can give you an idea or a track that can be developed into a whole new post. Just like snapping your fingers and having that ‘Eureka’ moment!
So, if you are a blogger/ writer, what do you personally do to break the Writer’s Block? Share away. I am all ears 🙂
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This is written in response to the Write Tribe Wednesday Prompt:
Describe at least 5 ways you tackle Writer’s Block/ Blogger’s Block
I occasionally, though rarely it seems – knock on wood – experience writer’s block. However, the following help me: (1) walking in nature – there’s a pathway in a park near my home (2) photos (when my former camera used to work) (3) when I am in the washroom – just being in the room itself folks gives me ideas for some reason! (4) books, newspaper or magazine articles, other blogs and (5) everyday life! 😉 Now that I’m in two blog challenges, prompts are always great too as you say and also comments in my own or other peoples’ blogs! 😉 <3
This post has so many great ideas of how to break the block. Well done! ♥
I think idea generation is very important and all it takes is to keep your senses open! As a writer you need to have those eyes that can observe, nose that can smell creativity and an untold story and expression. I was once told that for idea generation exercise, visit a place, rotated 360 and write down whatever you observe, I choose a flea market and you can imagine how many ideas that came in my mind. These little things and efforts can bring a hell lot change.. Thanks for sharing a wonderful/useful post 🙂
I think idea generation is very important and all it takes is to keep your senses open! As a writer you need to have those eyes that can observe, nose that can smell creativity and an untold story and expression. I was once told that for idea generation exercise, visit a place, rotated 360 and write down whatever you observe, I choose a flea market and you can imagine how many ideas that came in my mind. These little things and efforts can bring a hell lot change. Thanks for sharing a wonderful/useful post 🙂
I agree I agree, sometimes reading other blogger posts helps a lot on generating an idea. Photo prompts are easiest to keep the blog moving 🙂
Really Shailaja you’re completely a wrong person to be writing about bloggers block. Loved the pointers, though.. Specially the one about getting ideas from comments.. Interesting thought.
I’ve no idea what you’re talking about when you say blogger’s block. 😀
Appreciate the mention!
Great tips. I like clicking pictures with my phone, but people give funny looks when they see me taking pics of stray dogs and twisted tree trunks 🙂
Some great tips there! 🙂 Reading is definitely a good one as it can give you so many ideas!
Oh and that picture you clicked…initially I thought it was taken from high up of people holding a sheet! Go figure! 😛
Hmmm yeah good tips as you see all I doimg these days is posting pictures.. to keep the blog running..
Comments well I always make sure that blog o vist I write a comment and read a few too as lots of ideas in them..
Hopefully no writers block..I dont understand this term actually. . I think it is MAN MADE.. he he he he he he
Pictures are always am inspiration…. I always go back to my pictures atleast ones. Even filing away your pictures as categories can inspire your stories I store it as critters(any living thing), tress & flowers, skywatch etc.
PhenoMenon
http://throodalookingglass.com/2014/07/dark-clouds/
Some very good tips there, Shailaja. I use most of these except maybe the one about taking pictures…for some reason when I see something interesting I usually get lost in admiring it and forget to take picture 🙂 And oh, I think I should also rely a bit more on the comments tip….there are some great ideas hidden there.
Never experienced writer’s block – for which I am GLAD. Good tips however.
i agree with all this. I used to jot down notes on the EVernote app on my mobile usually while standing ina crowded bus. That solitude in the midst of many gave rise to some pretty good posts in d end, but would have been lost had i waited to reach my destination, go to work and then return home n start typing
True, inspiration is everywhere! There are so many times I feel like clicking but feel lil shy in public spaces….
Excellent tips! Thank you very much for sharing. 🙂
Ah…now these are a lot of useful tips Shailaja! I love the last one about reading comments and getting insight from them for a new topic, never thought of that.
I’ve always been a shutterbug, so that helps a lot. But when nothing else inspires me, I surf for some good quotes online, around which I could weave my post. That works for me most of the times.
Thanks for the amazing tips 🙂
Hey Shailaja, that’s quite some pointers. Priceless:)
Thanks Vishal!