Feeling the Need to Write a Post
Author: MoneyNing | Categories: Writing | Posted on August 8, 2008
As a blogger, we often feel compelled to put up a new post . After all, many popular blogs are updated daily (some even update a few times a day). Those bloggers seem to be able to churn out great article after article and if we want to be like them, we better mimic that behavior. Sorry to break the news to you but don’t do that. Stop writing unless you’ve got something to share.
Often, we stare at the screen thinking about what we want to write. Sometimes, the words just come out and we type and type and type, sounding natural, personal and energetic. There are those other times though that all we end up doing is stare, feeling awkward, useless and hopeless. Normally, we continue to stare but seldom does the situation turn around because we feel even worst as time passes and the cursor is blinking at the same spot.
Don’t worry if this happens next time. Known widely as the writer’s block, this phenomenon is very natural and happens to just about everyone. It just means you feel uninspired at the moment and it definitely doesn’t mean you are bad at writing. What you really need is to take a rest and not stare at the monitor. So whenever it happens to you again, go take a walk, see a movie or get a cup of coffee at Starbucks. Get away from your environment and your creative juices will be flowing once again.
The worst thing you can do is post on your blog just for the heck of writing. Your blog represent your image, and unfortunately (and fortunately), content are archived for others to search. Once you write a piece of bad content, it tends to turn readers away from your blog.
If you take away any advice from any blogger, it is this: Do not write unless you have something useful to write about. Only post quality content, and you will realize the benefits in the long run.
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I totally agree. It also helps to read a book, magazine or newspaper because they put ideas into your head. And when you get an idea, seize on it. Don’t think to yourself, “I’ll write about it later or tomorrow,” because it might be gone then.
So true. Although it is critical to keep updating your content, it is equally important for that content to be good. A great way to lose readership is to write garbage.
I also agree with Penelope…don’t lose those ideas. I keep a notebook with me at all times so I can write down those ideas or great sentences or themes for a series etc.
Penelope: Reading is another great way to get content when you are stuck. It also gets you away from staring at the monitor!
Melissa: Keeping a notepad with you is a great way to make sure ideas don’t get lost! I use my phone to do the same thing but whatever works for you is awesome.
Things that are organic ironically inspire me… oh and billboards too.
BTW, congrats on the soon to be moving into full-time blogging. I know time and distractions can be a real killer. Especially when there are so many blogs I like to go and read. They tend to take me on tangents.
But they also, at times, serve as inspiration for a post or opportunity to share some link love.
CD Rates: Thanks
It sounds like it will be delayed till November because my boss wanted me to stay a little longer but I’m excited and nervous at the same time!
Reading other articles definitely trigger my thoughts. I also plan to do that more once I go full time. There is just no time right now
I’ve found that length is also sometimes an issue. If you’re out of good content, but the post is shorter than usual - you’re still done. Embellishing doesn’t help, at least it hasn’t for me.
Jon: Definitely. It goes back to the point where your blog should be something you are passionate about so you have fun writing it. If it’s a chore every single day, then good luck getting visitors to your blog.