If You Don’t Feel Inspired to Write, try READING Something!

I suppose most bloggers have experienced the dreaded ”writer’s block” at one point or another. We know we need/want to write something, but when we sit down and look at the blank screen absolutely nothing comes to mind.

And suddenly it feels like blogging is no longer fun.

There are lots of guidebooks on "how to jumpstart your creativity," and how to become unblocked… but personally, I've found the most effective thing to be so simply step away from the computer — or at least from the writing input box — and instead spending a little time reading something.

One of the things I've learned over the years is that most prolific writers and bloggers are also voracious readers.

Now, I should make it perfectly clear that I don't read in order to start copying someone else's work! I read because it tends to break state, and typically the things I end up reading will "shake loose" a few ideas I already had in mind!

Another thing I sometimes do — when I feel stuck — is go make some food.

I'm not entirely sure why that works so well, but I have this thing I call "pancake creativity" which I practice from time to time, when I am starting to run out of creative ideas.

The thing about cooking pancakes for breakfast is that you're "trapped" for 20-30 minutes, but what you're doing is typically pretty menial (let's be honest here, flipping pancakes doesn't occupy a lot of brain power!) so you can allow your mind to "go wandering," and that usually ends up shaking loose quite a load of good ideas I can explore later.

Remember to take notes!

Above all, don't put too much pressure on yourself!

I always remind myself that creativity doesn't happen "in a straight line." For me (at least) it's more like waves on the beach; it comes and goes, but I can generally count on my creativity to return, when I have hit a dead end. Hence, I always suggest taking lots of notes if you try the "pancake creativity" thing!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great remainder of your week!

How about YOU? Do you ever get "stuck" and run out of ideas? Do you have any useful techniques you use to get un stuck? Have you ever tried something like "pancake creativity?" Do leave a comment — share your experiences — be part of the conversation!

(All text and images by the author, unless otherwise credited. This is ORIGINAL CONTENT, created expressly for this platform — NOT A CROSSPOST!!!)
Created at 20220120 00:15 PST
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