Friday 4 October 2013

Blogger's Plague

What the heck have I got in common with F. Scott Fitzgerald (Of Great Gatsby fame) and Charles M. Schulz, author of Charlie Brown and Snoopy? I call it the bloggers plague. In other words - Writers Block!

I'm not putting myself on a pedestal as some professional writing expert but I've been racking my brains for something to write since 02.00am last night and still a big fat nothing. Zero Inspiration. I don't have a post for today. 

So, as I'm not the only one to stand in front of this obstacle, what do you do to climb over it?
C'mon, throw this dog a bone. Has this ever happened to you?
If so, how do you deal with it?

I'd love to hear your views, comments and opinions.

109 comments:

  1. Everyone is different, but I've found that it's almost impossible to overcome my frequent writer's blocks by racking my brain searching for something to write. It's when I stop racking my brain that something tends to pop into it, seemingly uninvited. That's always a welcome surprise because my brain is usually a lonely, barren place.

    Maybe you should go for a walk and forget about it. You might then accidentally remember something.

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    1. Thanks Joel, but I can't imagine you running out of things to say especially when you've got so many active blogs on the go, and you post more than once a day. We really need to analysis what's in that brain of yours.
      I did one hell of a walk yesterday, and man, everything was hurting, so thanks for the pain mate :)

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  2. I think since I was never allowed to voice my opinion as a child... I rarely get blocked now.

    I hope you can work through your block soon;-)

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    1. Oh Launna, all those years of silence but you know what? You are now free to express yourself and you're doing that very well. Thanks mate.

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  3. Although I write a recipe blog and it's relatively easy to come up with material, I still deal with the dreaded writer's block. I've found, for me, it's because I'm simply not in the right head space to be writing at that particular time. Usually, I comfort myself by knowing it will eventually come and I need to move on to something else. Other times, I'm not too proud to admit, I simply write a boring post so I can cross it off my list and be done. Sorry you are dealing with frustration but take comfort in knowing that your always very interesting and provocative ideas will come back to you!

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    1. Thanks Auntie. I've not seen a boring post from you yet. In fact, I've actually made some of your recipes and a few days ago I made the 'Roasted Cauliflower and Sweet Potato soup' which was very nice indeed. And the day after that, I did the same roasted vegetables without making them into a soup because on their own with some meat it was also very tasty. Now I'm feeling hungry.

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  4. I go to the movies
    Let someone else stimulate me.....and I write about it!
    Simples!

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    1. Good idea John. Haven't been to the movies for a little while. It's just so expensive nowadays and I can't watch a film without my precious food and drink but I'm gonna look out for a good film, so thanks.

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  5. How about writing about your life so that I can get to know you more:)

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    1. I'd love to write about my life one day Joy. For years I thought about writing a book. So get those prayer wheels working mate, I could do with some help :)

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  6. I think most of us get times like this occasionally. I turn to long walks and reading to help me out.

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    1. I did the long walk thing Suzanne, and I'm suffering today badly. I walked for a few hours and it was no fun at all. Right now I've got my legs up, lying on my back with the computer on my stomach. Pain, pain and more pain. I think the reading idea might be more of a help right now. Thanks mate.

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  7. Well, since it's the Halloween month why don't you write about the scariest thing that ever happened to you? When you were a kid did anyone ever prank you and scare the begeezus out of you?

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    1. Well, you've given me something to think about Stephen. Much appreciated mate :)

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  8. I kind of go to what's been occupying my mind lately and then think to see if there's a story in there somewhere. My posts are a little different than most, so it may work just for me.

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    1. Well, after that walking expedition I did yesterday to clear my head, I'm sure I can write a book on how I suffered whilst trying to get the
      The Mystery of Inspiration to hit. My feel are killing me.
      Thanks Shelley

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  9. After writing my last short story (Sun Jelly Pastures, the one about the Navajo physician medicine man), I went through a real grieving process because I'd poured myself into its characters. It was such a moving experience for me, and I felt kind of spent. I typically don't plan what I'm going to write about, and when I do write my personal blogposts, they usually are inspired by something that happened to me. I agree with Joel. Once you quit thinking about being blocked, you'll probably know just what to write about.

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    1. I just loved your short story 'Sun Jelly Pastures' Helena. There was so many interesting characters and I was instantly hooked. I'm looking forward to many more stories from you. And yes, I remember you saying about how it took so much out of you to write it but I'm not surprised because you put so much thought into it.
      Thanks Helena.

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  10. I think the first suggestion works for me. Just stop thinking about it and it will come. In my case, I find that looking for a topic won't help. However, simply being active, doing something, anything else than writing, will often do the trick.

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    1. Alain, if only I had the gardening skills you had, I'd have loads to write about and it would keep me busy all day. Maybe you should think about having a 'Bloggers Retreat' where we could all go for a week to brush the cobwebs off our heads and to take in the beautiful views of nature that I always see on your blog. We'd all come back so refreshed and revitalised :)

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  11. I do something else for a while.
    Sometimes I set everything up as if I'm going to write something.
    Then I leave it alone. If I become "inspired" I return to my desk and write.
    If not, I just leave.
    I think it's something you can't control.

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    1. The next time I feel this way, I'm gonna just walk away and see what happens. It's worth a try, and I'm hoping to get rid of this frustration that ticks away the nearer I get to publishing day. Thanks John.

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  12. I don't worry about it. I'd just as soon not write as write.

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    1. NP, you're one heck of a cool customer. Wish some of that would rub off on me :)

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  13. I do not know if you did it on purpose, or if it was just serendipity, but in your post you use the right medicine for the maladie you mention.

    There are no writer, composer, creator, artist, et al, who has not experienced the perverse feeling of a blank mind. That terrible monster who open its eyes into an empty white page and produced a vacuum where you can hear the howls of old ideas, but not a new one to work with.

    If you ask what to do in that dreadful situation, it is probable you will get many suggestions.

    You did, the right thing... When you do not produce any new idea, but a blocked mind, just write about it!

    The miracle is anon realized, the block disappears, and you have a new idea germinating into your mind!

    It works, even in the worst situations.



    I do not like to write addresses of my tales, you know, but right now, due to the title of the post, and if you have a second to spare see what I did in one such conditions at:


    Phantom

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    1. Thanks, Od. Yes it did work this time. But I suppose it would become a bit of an issue if every time I posted, all I could write about was my writer's block!

      I loved the short piece your link led to, though. That's a really good example of making a creative use of our haunting phantom.

      I encourage everyone reading this to please visit Od Liam's link above called The Phantom to have a read and check out all of his other posts too. Don't forget to let him know what you think by leaving him comments. Thanks Od Liam.

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  14. I'm going through the exact same thing right now. It's so disheartening.

    A year ago a friend was complaining about writer's block. I told her I'd pick a subject and she had to write about it. Then I talked 7 others bloggers to join in. The very first Secret Subject Swap posted 1 year ago today with 9 bloggers involved. Yesterday I posted a Secret Subject Swap post for the 23rd time. We're up to 24 bloggers a month (2 a month now) and we all find that it forces us to think outside the realm of our normal blog posts and really stretch ourselves as writers. So now twice a month I know I'll have something fun to write about. So that's what I do when I have Writer's Block.

    Maybe you should ask a friend to assign you a topic.

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    1. I really enjoy reading your Secret Subject Swaps Karen, and congratulations again for the 1st Anniversary of doing this particular project. It's really worked out very well, and it's going from strength to strength. Well done for coming up with such a brilliant idea.

      I'm going to think about doing a topic that someone else suggests to me, and see how it all pans out. Thanks for the tip mate.

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  15. Bloggers plaque indeed - I have these moments frequently. There are times when writing just comes naturally and others where there is nothing. So you are not alone.

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    1. Lanthie, do you do anything in particular when this happens to you or do you just wait until inspiration hits then write?

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  16. When I'm blocked I go on tumblr and wander around until I find something that sparks my interest. A link to a site, a story about something odd or funny. Tumblr is full of them.

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    1. Thanks Kellie, I've not been on tumblr before, so I'll make sure I take a look around there.

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  17. Omg.. All the time! Then I scan the news, celebrity mags and just listen to my own family and friends and inevitably something will pop up, usually something I twist into my warped sense of humor but I find it. Sometimes it just takes a little bit of digging. :)
    I think you should post about your name, "Rum Punch Drunk." What's that all about anyway??? ;)

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    1. Ah, my name is quite simple to explain. I was thinking about a name for my blog and tried all different names like pie and mash, fish and chips etc but all of them were taken. I even tried spelling them in various ways but I couldn't have it. Eventually, I know I love my rum, but 'rum' was taken, so was 'rum punch' also, so I ended up with Rum Punch Drunk (I thought the drunk part would be fun).

      I've only just met you but I must say, you've got a real good blog and I love the sense of humour too. Thanks for the comment.

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  18. Yep. I get this a lot. either I have no idea what to write about or I have a subject but I can't get the words out of my head and onto the page.
    Normally i just wander off and wait for the muse to visit again.

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    1. I have that too Big D. There is a day of nothingness, if that's a word. And a day when you know exactly what you want to write about, but you just can't figure out the post. It's a bit like constipation - getting it out is the hard part.

      I'm now all up for leaving it alone and coming back to it later. Thanks mate.

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  19. I don't suffer the same problems that you describe Rum. Whenever I have an idea, I open a Word file, type in a title and the first paragraph, then leave it. Then, when I think it's time to write another post, if I don't have any spontaneous ideas, then I look through these files and pick one to finish off.

    That's the theory anyway. What really blocks my progress is not being in the right mental state to write to begin with.

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    1. I use to do almost the same thing too Dennis before I hit a brick wall. It worked for quite a while but suddenly came to a halt. I'm gonna go back to doing this again as I feel it's a good technique. So glad that you mentioned it.
      And I'll also do some of the other suggestions from the comments to see if they can also work for me.
      Thanks for stopping by Dennis.

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  20. It happens to me quite often. I combat it in many ways. I try to keep a list of topics on my iPad whenever I think of one. When all else fails write about having writer's block (ahem). The main thing I've done is try to surround my office with inspiring things. But my main way to kill it is to have a schedule, and post way in advance. That way there is no pressure.

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    1. Yes, I wrote about writers block this week and I don't fancy writing about it again in my next post or any time too soon (but I could be wrong:() Hopefully with all these suggestions, more than one thing will work for me. I want to get to the place where I have several posts in advance like you mention. Thanks Dan, I'm working on it.

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  21. It happens to me all the time and I solve the problem by gossiping with my human friends. They usually give me some titbits of news worth blogging about.

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    1. Welcome to RPD Gorilla Bananas. What a funny name with a nice avatar to match. I must pop over to see what you're doing down there.
      Thanks for the tip, I can't wait to visit the pub this weekend to see if there's any good gossip on the go. I do hope you'll be stopping by here again mate.

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  22. Ha!!! My Man...

    I'm laughing (with you, of course) because I know all too well what you are talking about. Drives me nuts. Sometimes I'll tell Donna that I've got nothing and she offers up a couple of suggestions. It's tough. Hang in there.

    Have a great week, Slu

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    1. It's good to know that almost everyone seems to have the same or similar problem. That way, we can all help each other out by giving suggestions or solutions to alleviate the stress and get us all back writing again.
      Having someone else give you the topic/idea is a good suggestion. Karen also mentioned it, so I will of course give it a go. Thanks Slu.

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  23. Hi Rum Punch! Thank you for your visit to the blog today. You always have such insightful comments to make, and I appreciate that so much.

    You are a follower of many different kinds of blogs, maybe reading them could give you inspiration? I am always scared to death that I'll run out of ideas too. But even old posts can help you. Chances are you have already changed your mind about what you wrote, or have new ideas on an old theme. That is actually very interesting...how we all morph and change.

    You posed a great question, that we all ask ourselves all the time. What's next???
    Best of luck and much inspiration,
    Ceil

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    1. Running through old posts is a great idea Ceil and yes, there are certain things I have changed my mind on because some of the comments I received opened my mind to seeing things in a very fresh and different way.
      I just love reading all the different blogs out there, so I'll be on the look out for fresh ideas and different approaches. Thanks Ceil.

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  24. Sorry mate, I don't have any suggestions for you at the moment. But what I do have is a bit of encouragement; you are a great writer and I look forward to your posts. And if you're having a bit of writer's block and don't get a post done by Friday, that's ok, I'll wait. I know it will be worth it.

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    1. What a lovely comment Black Sheep Mom. You've given me so much support already just by reading my posts and commenting when you can, so thank you as I really appreciate it.

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  25. No such thing as blogger's block as I call it. For if one is so inclined, they could write about having "Blogger's Plague" and thus by writing about it, it proves they don't really have it.

    You know I could post up way more often if I wanted to. I think you like to space them out and not post just for the sake of posting. If I ever did have some sort of writing blockage, I can always rely on Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar!

    In other words, just write whenever you want. Try a bit of surreal variety. That works for me.

    Gary :)

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    1. Oh Gary, I should have borrowed Penny the Jack Russel for this. She's so talented and I'm sure will never run out of things to say, especially because you don't use her all the time.

      I do like to space out my posts now, as I was previously writing once a week but now it's every 2 weeks. So I'm hoping that all this will be done away with by then, if not, I have been given so many suggestions to try out. Thanks mate and give my Penny a hug.

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  26. I feel your pain. I become paralyzed at times for one reason or another. Usually, it's because of too many ideas careening into each other, like an asteroid belt.Sometimes, I can't write because I need input for output. Then I take a walk or do a mundane task. When you feel blase about writing, abandon seat and do something else.

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    1. I'll do that Lauren, many of you have had very similar suggestions, so I guess there must be something in it. I'll be popping over soon to visit. Nice One Lauren.

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  27. I cheat.
    I go out somewhere nice, take some photos, find out some stuff about the place while I'm there, then write it up.
    The very act of writing the piece puts me back in "the blog zone" and I'm on track again.
    Either that or do a research piece. Just watch the news and pick an interesting story.
    My recent drugs piece was inspired by a two minute news article about the CheckIt club drug analysis programme in Austria.
    Once you get into ferreting out links and photos, you forget about the block.
    My recent

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    1. No idea where that surplus "My recent" came from.

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    2. That's not cheating Dale, because you still have to put thought into your writing too. I'm willing to go out and take a few pictures and see if that can evoke something deep within.

      Please feel free to put a link to your drugs piece here, as I'm not sure if I've seen it or not. Thanks for the tips Dale.

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    3. My pleasure - http://diaryofaninternetnobody.com/2013/10/02/sorted-for-wormer-and-plant-food/

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    4. Thanks Dale, the link below is more of a direct route to your post:

      Sorted For Pig Wormer and Plant Food

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  28. It will come. There's no rush.
    No, not writer's block...
    I have been sick lately, so I decided not to write on my blog. I needed my little energy for other things...
    I do have subjects I want to post about, but there is no rush...

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    1. Sorry to hear about you being sick Julia. I hope you make a full and quick recovery soon. I like the way you also deal with writers block or should I say 'no, not writers block'. :)

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  29. You did it! Sometimes the post forces itself upon you with life events - I have a post similar to this one. Most of us probably do. Write what you feel even if that is empty. The important thing is to keep writing, Mate. Thank you for your thoughtful comment on my post to do. You should copy and paste that as a post. I have actually done that before. I comment on some posts, find that I write a really good response, and then use that as a post of my own (at least a starting point). Press on!!
    Darin

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  30. Oh, hey RPD, I forgot that last week I had this problem and asked on a BC discussion board for people to give me a word to start my post with. It worked, and I wrote about optimism - something I would normally never write about.

    Here's a word for you .... "The kindest ...."

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    1. That's a new idea Darin about writing a post based on your own comment.I really like that. And thank you for the prompt 'The Kindest'. I've put that one in my new folder. Thanks.

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  31. I just start to write (even if it's pure & utter shit)
    Something significant eventually flows out :)

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    1. If only I could when this happens. Or do you mean, just write down any words or sentences that come into your mind without making any link? Maybe something will come of it, but I'll never know unless I try. Really nice to see you here My Inner Chick and hope you'll return to read some more. Thanks.

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  32. RPD me too!!! I keep trying to unblock then I think "oh that's crap" and I avoid it again. I'm going to try again this afternoon. Join me!!!! xoxo

    p.s. try writing about something your are grateful for :)

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    1. Well, I hope you managed to get something on paper Nimsy. If not, take a look at all the ideas here and try them out. We're both in the same boat right now. Thank you for the idea 'Grateful'. I shall be popping over soon to read what you wrote :)

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  33. I do absolutely nothing until I come up with an idea. I tried making a list of good topics but never could find the paper. Whatever you end up writing, I find interesting so I'll be looking for when the muse strikes you.

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    1. Let's hope the muse strikes me soon and thanks for your kind words Donna.

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  34. Gosh! do you want me to send you a list of my saved drafts? that would make you feel better!. many times I'm writing then just like it came "Puff" GONE!. Guess it comes and goes RPD the best solution I have.. or what I do is that I write down immediately when a thought crosses my mind its like taking a picture, the image will b there to work on it later on...

    Hope this phase passes quickly for you, you take lots of care...ps; look around you inspiration could be just under your nose :)

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    1. Yes, I've now got so much food for thought here Hotei. I use my mobile whenever a thought comes to mind as it's so much easier to press record than run for paper and pen. Good to hear from you and thanks for the tip.

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  35. You actually just wrote something already, am I right? Inspiration cannot be forced, that's what I believe. If I don't get any, I do something else. That's all.

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    1. That's the truth Yun Yi. I was so frustrated and couldn't think of anything to write so I just wrote about what was happening, and it ended up being a post. I'm wondering now, if that was my inspiration. Let's see what happens for the next post. :)

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  36. Happens to the best of them at times. When I get to that point, I try forcing something on my own, but it seldom if ever works. So if I sit to pen a post and I have nothing to pen, I try anyway for a while, then I conclude that I'm wasting my time. Walking away from the chair at that time seems to get things going in my mind so that within the next 24 hours I have something that's workable.

    Hope that great mind of yours get flowing again real soon.

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    1. Frank, it's kind of similar to when you can't remember something but it's on the tip of your tongue. The minute you think of something else it comes flooding back to you. I will honestly try to walk away for a while instead of racking my brains trying to get a forced post. Thanks Frank.

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  37. I get bloggers block from time to time. Try flicking through a book or dictionary and see if any words or sentences 'speak' to you. See what other bloggers are writing about, go for a walk, have a nap, listen to music, doodle and most of all don't worry about it. You will write when you have the desire to.

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    1. I smiled when you said about going through the dictionary Simone, because I have a blogging friend who's doing that right now and it's a great idea. Music can also conjure up so many things too, so thank you for the ideas. Nice to see you here at RPD, Simone. Hope you visit again and interact with us all.

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  38. Oh, I have been there MANY times! It usually occurs when I have a lot of other things going on in my life. What works best for me is to read other blogs for inspiration or read a book that will motivate you to get back into writing mode. Try that and see if it helps. The other option is to get out and find some new experiences to blog about. Hope this helps---I need my regular dose of RPD blog posts!!!

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    1. Your comment made me feel like I'm your drug MM, but it's more like the other way round mate. Whenever I visit you, I truly feel inspired to do something really crazy :) and I MEAN real crazy. I'm gonna buy some of your favorite nutella and do as you say. Thanks Menopausal Mama, can't wait to see what you've got for me this week.

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  39. I haven't had 'writer's block', but I sure have had times when I didn't feel like writing, or have much to say. Then I know that I need a break, a rest, a reprieve from the things that are draining my energy. I take time to re-fuel, and set aside the pressure that I 'have to' write - and voila! the joy of the craft comes right back when I have made room in my mental or emotional compartment for the thoughts and inspiration to spill out! Part of the issue is that after you have blogged for a while, your standards are higher - and that's not a bad thing. I think some of us feel that we are obligated to write SOMETHING, ANYTHING - but I personally think it is better to wait and write with integrity than to just put down any old thing to meet some sort of artificial deadline. Give yourself some internal room, and what comes next will be GREAT!

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    1. Melody, you have a point because I am the one who has given myself a deadline, therefore putting the pressure on myself and making myself feel as if I HAVE to write something at that exact specific time. Saying that, I do like consistency and couldn't imagine myself posting randomly but like you mentioned "it is better to wait and write with integrity than to just put down any old thing to meet some sort of artificial deadline". I like that statement. I guess it's something else for me to also think about. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.

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  40. Happens to me all the time. When I read newspapers, ideas suddenly pops out of my mind and that's where some of my post came from. I also read other blogs, sometimes it's just within your place, like your pets or something you have watched on TV or what you ate.
    Hi there Rum! nice to see your blog again. Have a great day :)

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    1. Reading seems to be a top answer here Imee Tan. I can't remember the last time I bought a newspaper but I definitely like to listen to the TV news and radio. Thanks for your comment and nice to see you back Imee Tan.

      I just had a look at your Google+ page, but I can't leave any comments for you there because you have a G+ commenting system and I don't have a G+ account.

      I've noticed a few bloggers have also implemented this 'G+ commenting system' on their blogs too, so my apologies in advance to anyone who has this, because I can't comment using that system.

      I noticed you have a link to a blog via the G+ account. I will check it out later but if you have the same commenting system I won't be able to comment on any of your posts :( Enjoy the rest of the week Imee, and I hope to see you again soon.

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  41. I take a look at what's trending on Google+ or Twitter and sometimes that gives me an idea to go with.

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    1. Thanks Betty. I'll take a look (but it's a shame that I can't comment on G+ like I said above, and I don't have a twitter account either). But you never know what my attract my attention there.

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  42. I also rummage through the newspaper and magazines to get ideas like Imee. Sometimes just people watching turns on a switch. If all else fails, you can always do a repost.

    Julie

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    1. Thanks for the re-post option Julie, and I also like the idea of sipping my wine whilst staring out the window to observe what's going on outside and around me.

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  43. DAMN! Rum i feel your pain brother i have been there a few times as well. What i do is that i try to look and write about things that are going on around me. Or just make up some crazy ass story about a flower being chased by a horde of bees.

    You do not have to finish it its just something to stir the ideas around inside your head so that a good idea for writing a post comes up. Or even write about the times you were partying and saw some really funny stuff. After all we are bloggers and as bloggers we need to tell some interesting stories real or not you will be amazed at what you bring out.

    I do hope that you get out of that block and start writing again we need you RUM!!

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    1. Thanks for the tips Jose. I've got so many good tips so far and hoping quite a few of them will work for me. Good to hear from you and we need YOU too Jose. I just love it when bloggers get to help one another out.

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  44. Hi Rum-Punch Drunk! Somehow, I just can’t imagine you having writer’s block, but you’re in good company with F. Scott Fitzgerald and Charles M. Schultz. In truth, I think all of us who write get writer’s block. There are times when I’ve stared at the computer screen and drawn a blank. One thing that helps me is putting it aside and doing something else, especially something not related to writing or reading at all, like walking the dog, gardening or cooking. It’s about relaxing so new ideas can flow in. Then an idea might come to me while I’m walking the dog, gardening or cooking. Or I might pick up a newspaper, glance at a book or an object, and something will come to mind. If none of that works, there is also the option of re-posting an old post. Hope that helps! :)

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    1. Yes, it all helps JerseyLil. Wish I had a lovely dog to walk but maybe one day. I'll have to check out my old posts just to see if there is anything that could be re-posted one day. Thanks JerseyLil.

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  45. I have a belief that life is like a rhythm. Everyday, you march to the beat of your own drum. Then one morning, you wake up and BAM! Your on a different beat. You can't seem to get with it, nothing is flowing right and if your a blogger, writers block shows up; not realizing your dancing to your normal beat on a different beat, problems arise such as not being able to find a nice write. I say all this to say, I think writers block is like one dancing off beat. You have to listen to the new beat and run with the pattern. Normally, once you get a grasp of the new beat, you can master it. Dancers always encounter that problem. If there use to hip-hop dancing and they have to dance ballroom style, it's a tad different; but if your a good dancer, it doesn't matter you master the steps. The same goes for you. Your a strong writer Rum so no matter what you write, it's going to be good. You may draw a different crowd for a little while, and some of your old crowd may stay around but your beat has changed for now...

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    1. That's a different way of looking at it and I know what you mean L.A Green. Thanks for the encouragement mate, and I must learn the new dance now. Hoping to hear from you again soon.

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  46. I would love really much to write... but I am not so good. this is why I prefer to talk with photos... but I do like reading ! very much !
    and your blog is really very interesting and never banal...
    in my opinion you would need to think seriously to become a writer !
    Thank you very much for your visit, when I see your funny logo I always start laughing...
    by the way, yesterday I was out for a walk at the see.. and I saw a bikers woman with a leader jacket with a huge mastiff face... and I thought about you...
    below the mastiff face there was a writing "che cazzo guardi"? which translated (difficult for my English) sounds like "what a dick do you watch" ? :-) very funny ! ciao

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    1. Oh Massimo! Are you sure it didn't say "Che CAVOLO guardi?"
      (for English speakers, what the cabbage are you looking at? - Italian in-joke).

      I love your photos and so far you've grasped the English very well. I don't have any problems understanding what you write. Keep it up mate. And thanks for the lovely comment you made about my blog and me becoming a writer. One day, I do hope to write a book or something. Thanks Massimo, always good to hear from you.

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  47. I always find that alcohol cures my writers block. The posts are always awful, but it certainly cures it xx

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    1. Ah, you've got to watch out with the alcohol and writing mate. You just might post something that you'll regret the next day, ha ha ha. And once it's gone out there.... it's out there. I must venture over to see what you're up to. I appreciate you taking the time to read my post and comment Scarlett Wonderland. Hope to see you again.

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  48. Yes it happens. Some day I have so much to write about. Other days when I am tired, I can't think of a thing to write about.

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    1. So true Susana. Do you have any tips or do you just not think about it and wait until something pops into your head?

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  49. It occasionally happens to me, Rumpunch. But as you said, it's not necessary to pen it down in sequels! When it happened, I just stopped writing though in one or two posts, I did mention about it, which made me end up in writing something!

    Thanks for sharing this post. :)

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    1. Thanks Balqis. Writing about it is a good way to at least put pen to paper and hopefully it will open you up to other ideas.

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  50. Some people write every day, some twice a day. To me that is like frying my brain ( what is left of it). I started writing three times a week, then twice, and found my comfort level at once a week. Now I write only a few times a month due to computer problems and laziness. If I try to think of a topic, I hit the wall. I have decided that it is best for me to not put the pressure on myself and just write when I am inspired by something. However, I get on Blogger daily to read my favorite blogs.

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    1. This sounds like a sound approach to me. Some people have a stream of ideas with others it's a mighty river. I think I'm in the first category and rather than produce a large volume of work, I try to focus on quality for what it's worth.
      Thanks for taking the time to read my post and leave a comment.

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  51. It happens to me a lot. Many times it a matter of not having time or the motivation to write. Other times Your posts are usually so though provoking so I can understand having writer's block...wanting to post things that are engaging. I normally post twice a week, but if I don't feel like writing, I just skip a post or two and when I have things to say...I post more frequent. I'm not making money from my blog so I don't pressure myself to be consistent.

    Even with nothing to write, you manged to compose a post. You're good :)

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    1. I recently started to blog every 2 weeks and before that it was once a week. I do like to take the time to thoroughly think through what I'm writing about and make it an interesting read, if possible.
      Maybe one day I'll just skip a post if there isn't anything I'm inspired by. Thanks Hope.

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  52. I have this problem all the time RPD. I just try not to stress about it and take the day off instead. It's when I'm most relaxed that the words flow. I hope thus was helpful:-)

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  53. Thanks Nicole, it was very helpful and I will relax more and maybe have a good full day off from blogging when I get this way.

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  54. I've had writer's block many many times. Sometimes just for a few days and the longest has been about a month!

    With the short ones I just try not to panic, as the creativity seems to come back of its own accord but with the longer periods it can get very frustrating. One method I have tried is to sit and do some automatic writing which can work wonders to clear the word blockage. Other things that could help are relaxation, reading and listening to music. I think the best advice I can give is to stop panicking, it seems in my case the more angry I get with myself the harder it is. I hope this helps Rum :)

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    1. Great ideas Jade, thanks. Can you explain a little about how this automatic writing works please?
      And it's good to see you back writing on your blog again :)

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    2. It's nice to be back on my blog again :)

      Automatic writing is when you sit at the computer or with a pen and some paper and just write. I doesn't have to have any direction or meaning, it might look like a shopping list or a page of made up words. It can be used for loads of things: you could find some inspiration in what you've written and things could flow from there or it could be used as the writers equivalent of an athletes warm up and be thrown away after. It really doesn't matter, its all about cleaning your mind and getting the process of writing flowing again. I find it a really helpful tool, I hope it works for you :)

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