November BlogHer Writing Challenge Day 8

November BlogHer Writing Challenge Day 8

 

 

Wednesday, November 12 ~ writing prompt:

Have you ever had extended writer’s block? How long did it last? What did you do to break out of it, and do you have tips for other bloggers?

Thankfully I can’t say that I have ever NOT been able to write. Not that I have the time to write as much as I would like, but I can’t remember ever sitting down and looking at a blank screen. I guess my fingers are just an extension of my lips and they are always moving.

 

If the question had been worded to ask if I ever had times when I didn’t WANT to write..the answer would be yes. Again this is usually because of self-imposed deadlines or over extending myself to the point that I don’t want to sit still long enough to write. I also find it hard to write about things that I don’t like..or can’t support.

The one tip I would give someone struggling with either finding something to write about or finding the time to write would be to grab a cup of your favorite beverage along with a pen & paper. Find a place to sit and just start writing down everything that is on your mind. I call this a brain dump. It may only be a one page list or it may be 15 pages of things that are on my mind and are keeping me from being able to stay focused on what I need to be working on.

Once I have everything in a list, I just start with the first thing on the list…. For 15 minutes. Set a timer. When the timer goes off, get up and move around. Grab a glass of water or take the dog for a walk. Start back in on the first time when the timer goes off again. At every 45 minute point, I stop and take my list in hand and go through it making notes on things that I need in order to be able to complete the item. It may be to make a call for an appointment, or drop off an item for repairs. During this 15 minutes of each hour block I put things on my calendar so they will be handled and I can cross them off the list.

You would be amazed at home much you carry around in your head taking up brain power. Write it down and free up those brain cells for when you need them for work.

Today’s post is Day 8 of a month long group blogger challenge. If you missed any of the previous challenges, you can catch up HERE.