Family Finances
If you blog, here’s how NOT to run out of blogging inspiration.
I’m currently writing a traditionally published book with a publisher. I had romanticized the idea, thinking I would spend every day looking out at the field behind my house and watch the sun rise and write to my heart’s content.
Reality check: writing a book is proving to be a lot harder than I thought.
Lately, I’ve decided to try to think outside of the box for inspiration.
Whether you, too, are a writer or blogger or need inspiration for something else, here are three ways to find it and beat writer’s block.
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Go back to where it all started.
I went back to a spot that was very instrumental in my life during the time my book takes place. My book is part memoir, part practical how-to about how we made it on a low income during the Recession.
There was one particular grocery store I frequented in those days, WIC checks in hand. I shouldn’t have been, but I was very embarrassed that I had WIC. I chose that grocery store because it wasn’t very busy, and I wanted to go unnoticed.
Recently, I decided to spend a few hours in the coffee shop attached to my old grocery store. It was a place that reminded me of a hard time in my life, but the memories brought inspiration for putting my story into words.
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People watch.
You may not need to relive a past memory, but there is something else you can do for inspiration.
If you feel like you have run out of blogging ideas, writing ideas, or whatever, go somewhere and people watch.
You can go sit on a bench in the park. You can go to the grocery store. You could sit in a parking lot.
A while back I was sitting in a parking lot texting a friend and people watching at the same time. A whole blog post came to me right there! I saw a girl who reminded me of the season of life I was in when my book took place. As I watched this first-time mom I knew I wanted to encourage moms like her, and the blog post came flooding into my mind.
If you are running out of ideas and inspiration for writing, go somewhere and people watch. You’ll be shocked at the inspiration that will come to you just by watching other people.
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Live life.
The very best way not to run out of ideas is to live life.
The times I get writer’s block, or just business block, are when I’m working…working…working, and not living life.
A few months ago I was trying to work on my book. I was in a coffee shop all day, and I couldn’t get around a major writer’s block. Later, as I tried to e-mail my blog contributors with post ideas for the upcoming quarter, I couldn’t think of a single thing! I just sat there and stared at my computer.
The fix? I left to pick up my girls, and we went out for ice cream and took a long walk. All of a sudden the ideas were flowing and I couldn’t get them down on paper fast enough. I was actually dictating some things into my phone so I wouldn’t lose them!
I was simply living life and being with my girls and around other people.
The best time to plan a book is while you’re doing the dishes.
~ Agatha Christie.
If you are running out of ideas, go do the dishes. Go do the laundry. Go take a shower. Go live your everyday life!
Inspiration is probably closer than you think.
Where do you find inspiration when you have writer’s block?
[email protected] Orthodox Mama
I love the Agatha Christie quote! I had never heard that before, but it is so true. I often find inspiration for writing while doing mundane tasks–folding laundry, cleaning the bathroom, or pulling weeds.
Erin
Yes–it’s the mundane tasks that get our creative juices flowing!
Keelie Reason
Actually, the reason I freelance write is to keep from experiencing writer’s block. I gain a lot of inspiration writing for others. I hope no matter how big my blog gets, that I’ll always have time to write for a few clients that I feel most inspired by. While I work on their projects, I have so many ideas of what I want to write for myself. I think it’s just being actively engaged in the writing process, because none of my clients are in my niche.
Erin
That’s how I felt when I was writing for the newspapers! It was always exciting because each topic was fresh and new!
Jessica Smartt
I love this, friend. Each suggestion is spot on!! Especially #3. 🙂 I’ve been wondering how you’re doing…growing a baby, growing a book! 🙂 🙂
Erin
Thank you, friend! <3 I’m doing pretty well overall! I’m ready to get the book baby turned in!
Katie Bennett
I do relate! We’re going through some big life changes right now (surrounding relocating our family), and life has been in upheaval. I’ve lost my writing groove, yet I’m also days away from finishing a book deal negotiation. It’s scary to sign on the dotted line when the creative juices just aren’t flowing. Thank you for your ideas, and I am excited to read and support your book when it comes out!
Erin
Wow, that does sound like a LOT of changes, Katie! Congrats on the book negotiations! I SO remember how that goes! It’s exciting but also comes with some stress of decisions that need to be made–that can be life altering!! I took things slowly and finally got my manuscript in last week. Let me know if you want to chat about diving into traditional publishing. It’s been a whirlwind, and I’ve learned a lot (and am loving it, over all!). SO excited for you! Hang in there during these life transitions! <3