I think many of my companions and I from the I_Blog conference are trying to integrate what we learned into our already busy, thought-filled, old-habits-die-hard, how-do-I-change-how-I’ve-Been-Thinking lives. That being said, I think it’d be good to take a moment (and perhaps a few blog posts) and share some tips I’ve learned from the conference with the rest of the world.
Today’s post will provide the advice that Paula Reece provided during her session on preventing and treating writer’s block. Paula, in addition to being very funny and Tina Fey’s twin, has a blog called Boogers and Burbs (you’ll have to forgive her, she’s the mother of three boys).
So, with thanks to her, I’ll pass along the copious notes I took from her very informative session. If you find these tips helpful, I’d encourage you to check out Paula’s resources page for even more.
Preventing Writer’s Block
- Keep an “everything notebook” of ideas, topics, interests, etc., you can refer to
- Set up a Google alert for your niche or blog topic: your name, key phrases or trends
- Keep a “Swipe file” – examples of really good copy you like
- Never write one blog post at a time. Save a few to drafts, or save titles that will inspire you later
Treating Writer’s Block
- Change your scenery
- Try to discover what’s holding you back – resistance to writing always has meaning
- Free write for 15 minutes
- Write nothing but titles for 15 minutes
- Type out others’ articles. Typing out others’ sentences lets you experience and explore another’s voice
- The Pocket Muse – a handy book of ideas
- Watch TV or a movie
- Cruise YouTube
- Do you normally write big-picture posts or detailed observances? Write the opposite, break your routine and challenge yourself
Quick Ideas for Posts
- Interview someone
- Write a sequel post
- Top Ten list
- A “How to” in half the time
- Make a quiz
- Bite-size tips
- Dos and Don’ts
- Admit your guilty pleasure
- Debunk an industry myth
- Wordless Wednesday – post a picture on your blog. Nothing else.
- Write a “What if” post
- Share an achievement
Wow–I think you said it better than I did, Emily! :) I’m glad you found my session helpful. I couldn’t believe all the gold I found just doing research for it! And the fact that you called me Tina Fey’s twin has just totally made my week, if not my year! :) I feel so blessed to have met you and can’t wait to hang out with you again, considering we’re only a couple hours away! Keep in touch!
P.S. I LOVE the name of your blog!! :)
Ha! Thank you! And yes, we seriously need to stay in touch – coffee with the Lyz. :)
Well done ! All the tips were very good- the one about “free write for 15 minutes” is worth a try- it worked for Faulkner :-)
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