Hey all, I haven’t written, really WRITTEN, anything in months. Dealing with everything I have been, I can’t seem to find the motivation, or even WHAT to write about. What do you do when you have writer’s block? Ugh. I want to write, I just can’t seem to find inspiration in anything, or even within myself. I hate this shell of a person I have become. At some point, there’s really nothing to look forward to because there’s no evidence to the contrary or even a glimmer of hope of things looking up. Some of you supported my last post, and for that I thank you. I just feel like I’m writing pointless blurbs to let people know I’m still breathing, but I’m not really contributing anything. I’ve even considered deleting this altogether. Something’s gotta give. Writer’s block cure suggestions, anyone?!
17 Comment(s)
Speak :)
haskellch
Writer’s Block is a constant struggle for any writer. I face it on a daily basis. We all hit patches where writing doesn’t come as easy as it once was, and we start to doubt ourselves. I used to review every film I saw, now I’m lucky to get a good, healthy review twice a month. But the fact that you feel bad for not writing is a perfect sign that you should not give up. We blog because we like doing it. The trick is to just keep writing, no matter how small the amount and wherever you can, until you’re inspired again. Catching inspiration is more about keeping the door open for something to strike, rather than just sitting around, waiting for something to slap you across the face.
Here are some tricks I use to try and keep the words flowing. Check out other blogs, movie related or not, whatever interests you. I find that responding to other people’s posts can sometimes get the creativity kick started. By visiting other blogs, I usually find certain formats I like from other writers and adopt them, even finding themes that help create a better blogging space of my own. Also, I use Rotten Tomatoes, and through consistent and diligent repetition, I have actually formed the habit of reviewing every film I see, to the point of having 1377 paragraph reviews currently.
If you need to, make a game out of writing about films. I’ll often find lists of films made by groups of people and challenge myself to watch them. Recently I just watched all the Bond films in order, and tried to write about them as I went. I also do an Oscar Challenge every year, where I watch all of the Academy Award nominated films in the time between the nominations and Oscar night, writing about each film as I see them. Setting goals and completing them makes you feel like you’re achieving something, allowing your writing to have a purpose, if that’s what you’re lacking.
And most of all, write for yourself rather than writing for the sole intention of having people read your blog. I’m not saying to not have an particular audience in mind while you’re writing, but for the most part, write something you’d enjoy reading over what you think others might want to read. My blog started out as a way for me to remember what films I had seen and how I felt about them at the time. It slowly became a place for me to simply get my opinions out. I’d have a thought on something and type it down, never really thinking anyone would read it. When people do read it, I’m pleasantly surprised.
I really hope you don’t give up. And know that you’re not alone. I truly feel if you stick to it, you’ll be surprised at what will eventually come.
Aloha Mister Hand
Wow! Thank you so much for your helpful response! That’s more than I ever could have hoped for! It is much appreciated, and it means a lot to me. Creating goals is a great idea, I never thought of that! I mean, I have started so many posts, but never went back to finish them, so maybe I could do that. Or put my fear aside, and just post something I feel, regardless of if it will make someone mad, be controversial, etc. THANK YOU!
Tyson Carter
You should write a list, maybe pick 8 films, 1 book and 1 luxury item, for, maybe, something like the choices you would take to a desert island!? Just a thought
Take care Jamie and hope you get your writing mojo back soon
Aloha Mister Hand
Tyson,
Hahaha, wow, I can’t believe I forgot that again! Geesh, I need to get my head on straight, I apologize. Thank you so much for your support, it always means a lot!
Tyson Carter
Ha, no worries!! Life is more important, the main thing is you being ok. And then getting you back writing
youjivinmeturkey
The Best Way For Me, Even In The Condition I’m In, Is Simply To Sit Down And Start Writing. ’round and ’round She Goes Until Something Comes From It. Sometimes, It’s Rubbish. Sometimes, It’s Acceptable. And Sometimes It’s BRILLIANT. You Just Have To Start Somewhere. No Times. No Place. Just Start Writing. It’s Organic. Give It A Go, Pretty Lady. Hope That Helps In Some Way
-B.
Aloha Mister Hand
Hey Brad,
Thanks so much for your encouraging words! You’ve been there from the beginning, and I appreciate it very much! It does help me, definitely! You’re right, sometimes you just have to let go, and whatever happens, happens!
youjivinmeturkey
Trying Is All Anyone Can Do. Gotta Go With What’s Available, Ya Know?! Trying Usually Is.
Brian
Read writing you like first to build up a little inspiration, then just start writing whatever comes into your head, just pouring it onto a page (or screen). It doesn’t matter if it’s good or not, don’t even think about it, just keep going. When you finally hit the end, go back and read everything. You’ll probably delete 60% of it, but you can take the rest and make it better, and this can also lead to more substantial thoughts on the subject that you may have forgotten about. Just keep going over it until it resembles something you yourself would want to read. Don’t think about other people liking it, either they will or they won’t, as long as you like it. Once you have that done, you can move on to more writing, using the same technique, but this time with more confidence since you’ve already produced something you like. And for future ideas on what to write about, make sure to jot down whenever you have a thought about an article, because you may not remember it later when you want to. If you still need help, drink (assuming you’re of age). Seriously, it can melt away the mental barricade of not writing something because you’re worried about if people will like it. Again, even if they’re ramblings, you can fix it later. Not everyone’s going to fall in love with what you write, but that’s ok, because some people will, and that’s all that matters. If you can make one person appreciate what you’ve done (and you will) then it’s worth the effort.
I hope that helps a little.
Aloha Mister Hand
Brian,
Thanks again!
Thank you! Your words mean so much! Very great advice that I will definitely take! It’s always so hard for me because part of me will always seek approval, validation, and praise. It’s in my ego. It’s not intentional, but it gives me hope when someone likes what I do, and when someone doesn’t, or worse even, no one says a word, it’s a huge blow to my self-esteem. I do have to get past it though. You’re right!
deathstalker2
The new background = epic.
Last summer, before I started my job (and forgot my blog entirely until you started following mine), I was doing writing prompts out of a magazine I bought. One of them was a prompt telling the reader to write a break-up letter with writer’s block. It’s a neat idea.
Also, write for yourself. ALWAYS for yourself. NEVER for anyone else, unless it’s a personal correspondence.
Aloha Mister Hand
Hey friend!
Thank you for the kind words, and appreciating my new background. Figured it was time for a change. I spent an hour fucking with it, trying to get it how I want it. Still not there yet, but I don’t have the money to upgrade to a paid account, haha! You’re awesome!
deathstalker2
Anytime homie!
Gonnhorreus Syphilititus
Your blogger friends have made some great suggestions to fight writer’s block. Not all of their suggestions would work for me, but it would be great if they work for you. So I will offer some other suggestions.
A lot of people with movie blogs only review certain types of movies. For instance, a lot of bloggers only review horror movies. That’s good for the audience, because people who love horror films will keep coming back to check out your reviews. However, when you only review a certain genre of movie, after a while, you’ll start to feel like you’re saying the same thing over and over again.
On my blog, I review movies of all kinds, even though horror movies are my favourite films to review. If I need a break from horror films, I’ll review a chick flick, or whatever.
Also, I often like to say silly/absurd stuff in my reviews. Since I never take writing movie reviews overly seriously, it ensures that I keep having fun when I write reviews. And reviewing movies I hate – are often the most fun reviews to write.
I find writing reviews to be therapeutic. But sometimes I’ll need a long break from writing reviews. Sometimes a break for a few weeks (or months) is good, and I’ll focus on reading books, or doing other stuff to pass the time.
Unfortunately, you’ve had a very hard year, and you WANT to write, but don’t feel up to it.
I would advise against deleting your blog. In the future, if you regain the urge to write reviews, you’ll regret deleting it. Even if you never write a movie review ever again – you should still keep your blog. Your blog will be like a cool time capsule. For instance, ten years from now, you can see what you thought about Cannibal Holocaust in early 2012. Also, you’re connected to a lot of people through your blog. And I’m sure they would miss you, if you disappeared.
ThereWolf
Ah, the dreaded Blockus Writivus…
You’ve already had some great feedback, there’s not much I can add beyond I’ve been there – and it always comes back. Always.
The important thing, I find, is not to force it. If I have to force myself, I tend to write utter drivel which only makes me more miserable. The bloke up top who talks about commenting on other blogs is bang on, that’s a good way to keep writing. I also do silly things like writing lists, anything – songs, films, the number of birds landing in the garden! – again just to be writing something. Because I predominantly write at the computer, I also switch to free hand scribbling, find doing that loosens me up.
If nothing works, if there’s too much shite going on around me, then it’s time for a long weekend walking in the country, being outside – just get away from the same four walls.
Most of all, believe in yourself; look back at all the stuff you’ve written. I haven’t read all of it but what I have read is ace. You’ll be fine.
Creature with the Atom Brain
Thank god…. I thought you might have stopped breathing
I liked your poems.
mistylayne
I usually go with journalling when I get writer’s block. Even if it’s just a thought here or there, it always seems to make things flow again. But definitely don’t force it. Also get out and do something you love – being in the woods is another thing that works for me. Even if I’m just writing the same two words over and over again, thoughts start to form. (((hugs)))