I’ve been racking my brain for well over a month now, trying to get a substantial blog post out for all you lovely lot to critique, love or even ignore, but obviously, to no avail. I know it’s not something any of you one post a week-ers or super spouting social media gurus will ever admit, and I know it may not be what the masses like to hear, but here it is: this is hard. And like my friend above, I've been tackled by the Tired Monster.
In my last post, I talked about life experiences, and going through a rough patch; life has served me one of those steaming, smelly ones, albeit a large one. Well, life has done it again, this time in my culturally discerning mind; and although I have something close to an infinite amount of ideas floating around my currently cheese for brains, I just can’t seem to get anything out.
Im sorry, but this is the reality of it. Eventually, you must get run down?
I spent the last 16 months writing for everyone. This included several print (GASP) publications I worked for (try and spot me), a website, then another website, then three more, a guest post here and there, only for the results of my frazzled mind to end up on Confessions.
Now multiply the mess of those 16 months by a stupidly large number, and you have the volume of work that I’ve had to produce over the last three weeks at my new job. Don’t get me wrong; I am absolutely loving it. As I also mentioned in my last post, I now have the opportunity to tap into a niche that people have either completely overseen or misjudged as unfruitful - that of the role of social media in the Arab world (overthrowing dictators aside), within an educational and even culturally binding context.
However, I now feel that so much of my energy is invested in my current position that I either a) don’t have anything leftover for my own blog, b) I’ve already produced similar material for work. There, I’ve said it. I’m not superwoman. I’m tired. But because I love the people that read this blog (all six of you) I want to talk to you.
Help me! How do you find inspiration when you're run down? Do you find that discussing the same material for work helps or hinders production for your personal projects? How do you schedule your posts, if at all?
I’m looking forward to your recommendations and suggestions. I’ll be the one trying not to fall asleep on the treadmill. Happy Belated Easter (to those of you who celebrate, please do not go off at me if you don’t believe in Jesus, thank you, Amen).
Image courtesy: Troy Janisch
I think you're working through your 'block' in a good way. Writing can be very therapeutic.
ReplyDeleteI've found "blogging" inspirational quotes on my blog has helped fill the gap of not writing on my blog ... if that makes sense?!
ReplyDeleteAs in, I'm currently using my blog as a bit of a Tumblr so every post isn't necessarily one of those *substantial* posts but is still something to share with people, whether it's a quote, a music video or my latest loves.
Don't worry about churning out lots for your blog posts, a sentence is better than nothing. Hope this helps!! x
I honestly don't know how to get around it. I've been suffering since 2006. Whenever I get the time to sit in front of the computer, my brain has turned to mulch, and I can't get anything out.
ReplyDeleteIt's affected my confidence as much as anything. Half of the things I do, or design, or edit, or write, end up permanently lodged in "Drafts" or some other holding area as my energy, skill, talent or confidence ebb away before the task is completed to my satisfaction. If I try to force something through to completion, it doesn't feel as natural, as - dare I say it - artistic as I'd like. It's why I'm usually reticent to publicise my blog entries. I've lost faith in them before I publish them.
In my case, it's been the additional requirements of parenthood that have sapped my energy reserves. Once the daily routine is complete, and I've spent some time with my wife, it's usually time for bed. Sometimes some simplistic computer gaming, of the "go there, shoot that" variety.
I'm hoping that as my children become more self-reliant, this energy will come back. I'm hoping against all hope that the energy will not dissipate permanently as decrepitude takes hold.
This is probably a more pessimistic view than you were hoping for...
Three very different responses. Firstly, thank you for taking the time.
ReplyDeleteSteve: I know I'll be rid of the mind block eventually. I guess its that fear that we must be constant, we must be consistent for someone to eventually notice us. I'm trying to make a mark for myself as someone who had no direction a year ago to someone with a huge task now. I forget that I'll probably lose myself a few more times along the way anyway.
Elle: You're absolutely right. I think I always stress about posts being profound or having some sort of moral or lesson. I love how your site is divided. Lessons learnt!
Giles: I know your energy will come back. You're far too intelligent and interesting a man for this to be a permanent break. I look forward to seeing everything you'll have to present to us in the future. And I completely empathise re Drafts! You should see my folder. I hate forcing an article out, therefore let's just wait for it all to come crashing back. And it will come back Im sure :)
My blog started as a way to get over writers' block. My writing is academic, and it never "flows" really, but last year stopped completely.
ReplyDeleteI also *whisper* occasionally write longhand, with a pencil, on paper. In a cafe, or a park- but away from my computer. It seems to take the pressure off somehow.