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4:40:00 PM EDT
Hearing Siegfried's Death and Funeral March -- Richard Wagner
Your Wednesday Tip: When Words Don't Come
In my wanderings around the AOL-J, I occasionally come across a Journal that has something like this in it:
I sat down to write something in my journal today but everything sounded lame and boring and I don't know what I should write about now. Aaaargh!
Trust me, we've all been there. Even those of us who write for a living occasionally sit down in front of the computer, crack our knuckles to type and suddenly realize we have absolutely nothing of value to say that day. If it happens to the pros, you shouldn't be too bummed out when it happens to you.
Why does this happen? Well, you know. Sometimes there actually is nothing interesting going on. Sometimes your brain gets figity and wants to do something else. Sometimes there's something on your mind that's taking processing cycles away from the creative part of your brain. To some extent, it doesn't matter why you're feeling uninspired, just that you recognize being uninspired comes with the territory, and rather than being a permanent condition it will usually pass in time. So relax. These things happen.
In the meantime, here are some things you can do to spark your writing bug once more:
1. AOL Journals/AIM Blogs have several and unofficial community writing projects that go on on a regular basis: The Weekend Assignments I do are one example, and Pattboy92's Saturday Six are another. Playing along with these -- or other similar things on the Web -- are an easy way to get writing because the topics have been chosen for you. And remember that you're not required to do these things in the week they're provided; there's no reason you can't go back though previous weeks and pick assignments or questions that seem interesting to you and then use them as a basis for an entry.
2. Check out the current news, and do a quick paragraph on your thoughts of the top stories. Don't delve in too deep -- just note your "quick hit" thoughts on the stories; say, no more than 50 or 75 words. Often you'll find yourself wanting to discuss one of the topics at length; when that happens -- surprise! You have another entry. You can do this with sports news, entertainment news, or whatever floats your boat.
3. Write a review of something you've recently read, or listened to, or watched (or played). Most of us are surrounded by entertainment and we all have opinions; share them.
4. If an entry on another AOL Journal/AIM Blog struck you as particularly interesting, comment on the entry or use its topic for an entry of your own (linking back so your readers can see your insporation is always a good thing, too). Adding your own perspective to another Journaler's point of view helps add to the conversation -- and might inspire someone to make their own contribution as well.
5. Finally, if you're really just feeling burned out -- step away from the computer! You don't have to write that entry. Sign off and get out into the world and recharge your batteries. Spend time with family and friends, go see a show, have conversations and generally have lots of interesting experiences that can serve as fodder for entries. Come back when you feel ready to write. You'll know when that is when you see something happen and your first thought is, "man, I have got to write an entry about that." We'll all be ready for that moment when it happens.
And on that note, I'm off to play with Athena. Time to have some experiences of my own.
Written by johnmscalzi Blog about this entry |
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I weighed in on this topic on my journal. http://journals.aol.ca/plittl
e/AuroraWalkingVacation/entrie s/1282
-Paul -
Thanks John. I've been flailing in Drought-Land these days, having spent so many hours writing for work, that I've nothing left when it comes to journaling. When a dry spell hits, my biggest fear is that my readers will tire of the quiet and I'll lose my newfound J-land friends.... thanks for the tips and ideas on how to come out of the slump.
~Kim
http://journals.aol.com/a40somethinglife/Fitreflections/ -
Point well taken John. This is one reason why I find it dang near impossible to stick with a firm topic for my journal... well that and my good ol ADHD. Although I offer insight into the malady much of the time I stray to follow my creative or non creative juices and suddenly an entry materializes. We all need to "step away from the computer and put your hands in the air." Then run like heck to the nearest exit and breathe in some life forces.
As always thanks for the advice.
http://journals.aol.com/madmanadhd/ConfessionsofaMadmanInsi ghtsinto/entries/1165 -
Oh you are sooo right on about the writing block..so my journal/BLOG is supposed to be about birthdays and bills and I get sidetracked on Sports, Mother's Day, Photos of FLowers and Geese.....I think it's your fault! LOL..... maybe another thing is to FOCUS....'Start with the end in mind' as Covey would say..OK I'm going back now to the B & B.....:)
http://journals.aol.com/gotomaria/TheLittleThings/
5/12/05 5:15 PM
Yep, I have found that when I am feeling burned out or uninspired, taking a few days off usually does the trick. :) I put up the, "Gone Fishing," sign and, well, go fishing for new perspectives, ideas and insights. :) I usually feel refreshed in a day or two. I also like doing the Weekend Assignments you offer us, it gives me a chance to not plan and but rather to feel a challenge as opposed to putting pressure on myself to come up with an idea on my own. Sometimes doing the assignments has sparked other ideas or memories and gave me further inspiration.
Always, Carly :)