UBC Day 20 - How I Tackle Blogger/Writer's Block

I am writing this post in response to Write Tribe's prompt about blogger's block.

 http://writetribe.com/bloggers-block/

 1. If I’m stumped and approaching the writing too seriously, I try being playful and silly by writing rhymes and poetry. It’s all about tricking the muse into coming out to play with me.

My muse is elusive, there is no doubt
But often I can coax her out,
With promises of chocolate and coffee, too
And a good dose of silliness to see us through!

 2. Getting off the computer for a while and getting some exercise in a natural setting is a great cure for blogger's block. These outdoor adventures always help me feel refreshed and ready to write again.

Here is a photo I took looking across the St. Lawrence Seaway at New York State. Nothing like looking at water to refresh and rejuvenate.

3. Reading other bloggers' work always fires me up. Here is a post highlighting my five favourite blogs. 

http://cattitudeandgratitude.blogspot.ca/2014/07/ubc-day-18-my-five-favourite-blogs.html

4. Listening to classical music or playing my flute is another outlet for being creative that helps fuel my writing.
Here is Sharon on harp and me on flute playing that lovely tranquil piece, Pussywillows, Cattails by Gordon Lightfoot.

Listen to a sample of music

5. I love motivational quotes from different sites. I like combining these quotes with my photos I took (while getting that exercise in the natural setting in Number 2!) Then I make inspirational posters like this one which is the seed to a blog post. 


These are a few of the strategies I use when I'm blocked. How about you? Do you suffer from writer's/blogger's block? If so, how do you cope?




Comments

  1. UnknownJuly 20, 2014 at 3:38 PM

    Great strategies, Cathy! I particularly relate to #2 - getting out of the house and out of my head often helps to reawaken my creativity when I'm feeling blocked. I need to remember that and do it more often!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownJuly 21, 2014 at 4:48 AM

      Thanks, Laurel. Yes, a change of scenery and some exercise can be so refreshing and make the words flow again.

      Delete
  2. UnknownJuly 20, 2014 at 9:23 PM

    Great tips Cathy. I aiso start reading other blogs to divert attention.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownJuly 21, 2014 at 4:48 AM

      Thanks, Usha. There are some great blogs out there to inspire us.

      Delete
  3. SuzyJuly 20, 2014 at 10:27 PM

    Good ones Cathy. As an aside, I love flute music. Something so mesmerising about the flute. Loved your playing. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownJuly 21, 2014 at 4:50 AM

      Thanks, Suzy. I do enjoy flute playing just like the writing. Another creative outlet.

      Delete
  4. sulekkhaJuly 20, 2014 at 10:36 PM

    Brilliant tops, Cathy. Listening to music is always a joy and it is nectar for the soul.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownJuly 21, 2014 at 4:50 AM

      So true, sulekkha. Nectar for the soul is a good way to describe it.

      Delete
  5. Shailaja VJuly 20, 2014 at 10:43 PM

    I love your tips, Cat. Especially the one about getting out and getting some time to yourself. Best way to break the block :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownJuly 21, 2014 at 4:49 AM

      Thanks, Shailaja. Time to yourself is important for sure.

      Delete
  6. UnknownJuly 21, 2014 at 4:28 AM

    Lovel tips Cat. Loved the four lines in the beginning.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownJuly 21, 2014 at 4:51 AM

      Thanks, Geeta. I do like being silly to get my muse off her butt and writing.

      Delete
  7. Vidya SuryJuly 21, 2014 at 10:28 AM

    I just love your verse, Cat! All the tips are wonderful and effective. My personal favorite is grab that camera and step out. And oh yes, water soothes and inspires!

    Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  8. UnknownJuly 21, 2014 at 10:35 AM

    Great tips Cathy. And well written:-) I enjoy getting out - a walk in nature clears my mind:-) Gets me ready for new action:-)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Shilpa GargJuly 21, 2014 at 11:49 PM

    Lovely tip, Cathy! I liked the first one and the poem too. Poetry and me are poles apart, a free write works for me in such times! I must try the 5th one. Thanks for the inspiration :)

    ReplyDelete

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