by Cori-Leigh | Blogging, Writing |
Are you struggling with your writing? Have you ever experienced difficulties in writing, publishing, and posting consistently? Those times when the words and ideas just don’t flow?
I have! When this happens, it’s frustrating at best.
For a couple of years it was tough for me to write consistently while helping my mom and caring for my dad who was living with cancer and dementia. My dad passed in November of 2022. In the first year following his passing I still struggled to concentrate on writing consistently.
From ideas, writing posts, and publishing – the flow was just not there. Eventually things improved with patience and persistence.
Maybe you’ve been there too. If so, you’re not alone.
Writing slumps happen to all of us, and they often come at the most inconvenient times. Life happens, responsibilities pile up, grief settles in as it did with me, or maybe the motivation just isn’t there.
Whatever the cause, it’s easy to feel stuck but here’s the good news! Your writing flow is not gone forever. It’s simply resting. And like anything that needs restoration, it can be awakened again.
Understand Why Writing Feels Difficult
There are many reasons why we experience a lack of motivation or difficulty in writing.
Some of the most common include:
Emotional Overload
If you’ve been dealing with grief, stress, or anxiety, your creative energy might be drained.
This is what happened in my situation as I was dealing with grief, stress, exhaustion.
Perfectionism
Sometimes, the fear of not writing “well enough” stops us before we even begin.
When we let go of these expectation to write perfectly we remove self made writing limitations due to fears.
Exhaustion
Physical and mental fatigue can make it nearly impossible to focus on crafting words. I had experienced so much physical and emotional fatigue that I struggled to concentrate on simple tasks.
My writing was impacted as was other forms of creating. I had to work though my emotions and restore my energy through resting more than usual.
Lack of Inspiration
Without fresh ideas or motivation, writing can feel like an uphill battle.
Overcommitment
If your plate is too full, writing can take a backseat to more pressing obligations. My plate had become too full and it was essential for me to lessen the amount of responsibilities and pay attention to my commitments.
Recognizing these factors can help you take the necessary steps to move forward.
How to Reignite Your Writing Flow
Give Yourself Permission to Pause
It’s okay to step back for a little while. Sometimes, forcing creativity only makes the struggle worse. Allow yourself to take a break without guilt. This doesn’t mean you’re giving up—it means you’re giving yourself the space to return stronger.
I wrote about my decision to take a break to heal and come back stronger.
You can read that story here.
Write Freely
One of the biggest obstacles to consistent writing is the pressure to produce something great. Instead of aiming for perfection, try freewriting—jotting down thoughts with no rules, structure, or expectations. Just write for yourself and see where it leads.
During the time I was struggling this helped me continue to write. I would write post drafts a little at a time, journal write, and create in areas that I was able to at the time. Small steps led to big changes and writing breakthroughs over time.
Reconnect With Your “Why”
Why did you start writing in the first place? What stories, messages, or insights do you long to share? Reconnecting with your purpose can bring fresh motivation and remind you why you write.
Change Your Writing Routine
Creating a new writing routine and blog posting habit that works for you now can help! If you always write at the same time or in the same space, a change in environment can be refreshing.
Try writing at a coffee shop, in a park, or at a different time of day. Sometimes, shifting your surroundings can help shift your mindset.
Making changing to my writing routine helped me to find a new writing groove that works for me now. What worked for me before did not seem to work anymore. Through making necessary changes – eventually the writing flow, focus, and ideas came back.
Read for Inspiration
Reading books, blogs, or articles can help spark ideas and remind you of the power of words. Reading in different genres or styles can also open your mind to new writing techniques.
Connect with Your Writing and Blogging Friends
If you’re feeling stuck, try talking with a blogging/writing friend. I’m thankful for my tribe of writing and blogging friends. They helped me in those difficult times. Often checking in and encourage me.
I am especially grateful for my travel blogger friend Ryan Biddulph from Blogging from Paradise. Ryan kindly and generously contributed a slew of guests posts here while I was helping my father.
You can view Ryan’s contributing author page and guest posts here. You can also find Ryan at his helpful and supportive Facebook group he recently started for bloggers – How to Blog Successfully.
Set Small, Achievable Goals
Rather than trying to write an entire post or chapter in one sitting, set small, manageable goals. Even writing 100 words a day is progress. Little by little, you’ll build momentum again.
Embrace Imperfect Progress
Your writing doesn’t have to be flawless—it just has to be written. Give yourself grace and recognize that every word you put down is a step forward.
If you’ve been struggling to write consistently, know that you are not alone.
Every writer faces seasons of difficulty. But the beautiful thing about creativity is that it never truly disappears—it just needs a little encouragement to awaken again.
So take a deep breath, give yourself grace, and start where you are. Your words are still inside you, waiting to be shared.
What’s one small step you can take today to reignite your writing flow?
by Cori-Leigh | Blogging, Self Publishing, Writing |
In today’s digital age, self-publishing has become an incredibly rewarding way for writers to share their work with a global audience. Amazon, with its Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform, has revolutionized the world of self-publishing.
Amazon offers authors the ability to write, publish, and sell eBooks without the need for a traditional publisher. If you’ve ever wondered whether self-publishing is right for you, this post explores the many benefits of writing eBooks and self-publishing them on Amazon.
Low Start-Up Costs
Unlike traditional publishing, which often requires agents, editors, and costly printing fees, Amazon KDP makes it easy for anyone to publish their book with minimal financial investment.
The cost of self-publishing an eBook is incredibly low. You don’t need to worry about printing costs, warehouses, or shipping. The only upfront costs may involve hiring a professional editor, designing a cover, and perhaps investing in marketing.
Even so, these costs are still relatively low compared to traditional publishing routes, where authors are often required to pay for these services out-of-pocket upfront.
This low start-up cost means that anyone with a passion for writing can get started—whether it’s a hobby or a business venture—without the financial burden of traditional publishing.
Full Creative Control
When you self-publish on Amazon, you maintain complete creative control over your work. Unlike traditional publishers, who often have specific guidelines, deadlines, and edits that may affect your vision, self-publishing allows you to maintain your voice and creative freedom throughout the process.
You decide everything—from the title and cover design to the layout and pricing. With this creative autonomy, you can ensure that your eBook truly reflects your vision and resonates with your intended audience.
Additionally, if you choose to update your eBook in the future, you can make changes and republish it without anyone else’s approval.
For many writers, this is an empowering aspect of self-publishing, as it allows them to publish exactly what they want, how they want it, and when they want it.
Expand Your Global Reach
Amazon is the largest online retailer in the world, with millions of customers from across the globe. By publishing your eBook on Amazon KDP, you’re immediately giving your book access to an international audience.
This global reach is a significant benefit for self-published authors, as traditional publishers often have limited international distribution channels. Furthermore, by self-publishing, you’re able to bypass the gatekeepers of the publishing world and get your book into the hands of readers worldwide.
Amazon’s platform also makes it easy for readers to find and purchase your eBook, regardless of their location. With Kindle devices, apps for phones, tablets, and computers, your eBook is accessible to readers at any time, from anywhere in the world.
Flexible Pricing and Royalties
One of the major advantages of self-publishing on Amazon is the flexibility you have over pricing and royalties. With traditional publishing, authors typically receive a small percentage of royalties (often 10-15% of the sale price), whereas with Amazon KDP, authors can receive royalties of up to 70% on books priced between $2.99 and $9.99.
This royalty rate is significantly higher than traditional publishing, where you often have little control over the price point of your book. By self-publishing, you can experiment with different price points, run sales and promotions, and adjust your pricing based on market demand and the success of your eBook.
Moreover, you can choose to enroll your eBook in Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited (KU) program. KU allows subscribers to borrow your eBook for free, and you earn royalties based on the number of pages read. This can be a great way to increase your exposure, especially for new authors trying to grow an audience.
Passive Income Potential
One of the most attractive aspects of writing and self-publishing eBooks is the potential to generate passive income. Once your eBook is published, it can continue to earn money with little ongoing effort. Readers can purchase or download your eBook while you sleep, and you can earn royalties for months or even years to come.
While success doesn’t always come overnight, self-publishing offers the potential to scale your income over time. Many authors start with a single book and eventually build a library of works. By writing multiple eBooks or creating a series, you can increase your chances of making sales and building an audience.
Some authors even create bundles of their eBooks to sell at a discounted price, further increasing sales and revenue. The best part is that these sales can happen at any time, making it a truly passive income stream.
Ease of Distribution and Updates
Unlike traditional publishing, which requires printing and distribution through bookstores and wholesalers, Amazon makes it incredibly easy to distribute your eBook. Once you upload your manuscript and cover design, Amazon takes care of the rest. Your eBook will be available for purchase within 24-48 hours.
Furthermore, Amazon allows you to make updates to your eBook at any time. If you discover a typo or want to make revisions, you can simply upload a new version of your book and have it updated for readers. This flexibility is crucial for authors who want to continue refining their work or add additional content after the initial launch.
With no printing or distribution delays, you can keep your eBook up-to-date and responsive to the needs of your readers.
Built-in Marketing and Exposure Tools
Amazon KDP offers several marketing and exposure tools to help promote your eBook. Through Kindle Select, authors can make their books available to Kindle Unlimited subscribers, offering greater visibility and the potential for more sales.
Additionally, Amazon provides promotional tools such as Kindle Countdown Deals, where you can offer your eBook at a discounted price for a limited time. These promotions can create a sense of urgency and attract new readers who may not have purchased your book otherwise.
Moreover, Amazon’s recommendation algorithm helps to increase the visibility of books that are performing well in terms of sales and reviews. By having your eBook in the Amazon marketplace, you have a better chance of being recommended to readers based on their interests and previous purchases.
Opportunities to Build a Brand
Writing and self-publishing eBooks can help you build a personal brand as an author. Whether you’re writing fiction, non-fiction, or instructional books, your eBooks can become a part of your larger personal brand. Through consistent writing, publishing, and promotion, you can build an audience that looks to you as an authority in your niche.
If you’re able to successfully market yourself as an author, your eBooks can become a gateway to other opportunities, such as speaking engagements, workshops, or collaborations with other authors and businesses. Self-publishing is an excellent way to create a brand that extends beyond just the books themselves.
Low Risk, High Reward
Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of self-publishing on Amazon is that it’s a low-risk endeavor. With minimal upfront costs and no long-term financial commitment, you can experiment with different genres, formats, and topics without fear of financial loss.
Even if your first eBook doesn’t sell as expected, you can tweak it, try different marketing strategies, and build upon your experiences for future projects. And with Amazon’s broad reach, even small successes can lead to significant earnings over time.
This low-risk approach makes self-publishing an attractive option for many writers who are unsure whether the traditional publishing route is right for them.
Share Your Knowledge and Story
Finally, writing and self-publishing an eBook can be a deeply fulfilling endeavor. Whether your goal is to share a story, impart knowledge, or build a business, self-publishing gives you the opportunity to make a lasting impact. Writing can also be a cathartic, creative outlet that brings personal joy, allowing you to express yourself and leave a legacy for future generations.
As an author, you’re contributing something valuable to the world, whether it’s fiction that entertains or a non-fiction book that educates. Your eBook can be a meaningful way to share your experiences, insights, and expertise with readers who appreciate your work.
Conclusion
Self-publishing an eBook on Amazon offers a wide array of benefits, from creative control and global reach to the potential for passive income and the ability to build a personal brand.
Whether you’re an aspiring author or a seasoned writer, Amazon KDP provides the tools and resources to help you succeed in the world of self-publishing.
With minimal investment, flexible pricing, and access to a vast audience, there’s never been a better time to write and self-publish your eBook.
by Cori-Leigh | Blogging, Writing |
For many aspiring writers, the idea of publishing a book can feel overwhelming. The good news is, you don’t have to start with a full-length book to become a published writer.
Blogging and online platforms provide an excellent starting point, allowing you to share your work, build an audience, and gain confidence in your writing abilities.
In this post, we’ll explore why starting with a blog or online platform is a smart choice for writers and how to get started.
Why Start with a Blog or Online Platform?
Blogging and online platforms offer writers a way to practice their craft.
Unlike traditional publishing, where gatekeepers like editors and agents decide what gets published, a blog or platform gives you complete control over your content.
Here are a few reasons why this is a great first step:
Gain Writing Experience – Writing regularly for an audience helps you improve your skills faster than writing in isolation.
Build Confidence – The more you share your work, the easier it becomes to overcome self-doubt and fear.
Establish a Readership – Publishing online allows you to connect with people who appreciate your work and provide feedback.
Experiment with Different Writing Styles – Whether you want to write essays, tutorials, short stories, or opinion pieces, a blog lets you explore different formats.
Opens Up Opportunities Earnings– Blogs and platforms can eventually become opportunities to grow multiple income streams.
Choosing the Right Platform for Your Writing
The best platform for you depends on your goals, audience, and preferred writing style.
Here are some great options to consider:
Starting Your Own Blog
Having your own website and blog gives you full control over your content and brand. It allows you to build a long-term presence online and own your audience. Some popular website-building platforms include:
WordPress.org – Best for serious writers who want full control over their site.
Wix or Squarespace – User-friendly options for those who prefer drag-and-drop editors.
Ghost – A minimalist blogging platform for writers who want a distraction-free experience.
Starting a blog requires a small investment in a domain name and hosting, but it’s a great way to establish your online presence.
Publishing on Medium
Medium is a popular platform for writers who want to publish essays, thought pieces, or informative content without managing a website.
Medium is also a great platform for writers in addition to having your own blog. I recommend both – other platforms and owning your own blog.
Benefits of Medium include:
*Meet and grow relationships other writers and bloggers.
*Helps to expand your reach to a larger audience of readers.
*Medium is an easy-to-use writing platform.
*Potential to earn through the Medium Partner Program.
Medium is a great option if you want to focus on writing without the technical side of managing a blog.
I’m personally a fan of owning your own website/blog. A place where all you do online lives.
If that isn’t for you then a writer platform like Medium or Substack could be a great start!
Writing on Substack
Substack is designed for writers who enjoy writing newsletters and building a subscriber-based audience. It’s perfect for those who want to share personal insights, serialized content, or niche writing topics. Benefits of Substack include:
- Ability to build an email list
- Monetization through paid subscriptions
- Simple publishing tools
If you enjoy direct communication with readers, Substack is a fantastic choice.
How to Start Writing and Publishing Online
Once you’ve chosen a platform, it’s time to start writing and sharing your work.
Here are some key steps:
Decide on Your Writing Niche – While you don’t need to stick to one topic, having a general theme helps attract the right audience.
Create a Simple Publishing Schedule – Consistency is more important than frequency. Aim to publish once a week or every other week to build momentum.
Write with Your Reader in Mind – Create a blog your reader will love! Think about how your writing can help, inspire, or entertain your audience.
Engage with Your Readers – Reply to comments, ask for feedback, and encourage discussions to build a community.
Share Your Work – Use social media, email newsletters, guest posting, community, and networking to expand your reach.
Overcoming the Fear of Publishing Online
Many writers hesitate to publish their work online due to fear of criticism or feeling like they’re not “good enough.”
Here’s how to overcome this:
Remember that all writers start somewhere – Your writing will improve over time with practice.
Embrace imperfection – Perfectionism can keep you from ever hitting “publish.” Aim for progress instead.
Take small steps – Start by sharing with a small audience and gradually expand.
Final Thoughts
Starting a blog or writing on an online platform is one of the best ways to gain confidence as a writer. It allows you to share your voice, connect with readers, and improve your skills over time.
Whether you choose Medium, Substack, or your own blog, the key is to start. The more you write and publish, the easier it becomes.
Start sharing your writing! Your words matter!
by Cori-Leigh | Blogging, Writing |
For many beginner and seasoned writers, the thought of publishing their work online can feel daunting. Self-doubt, fear of criticism, and uncertainty about where to start can hold them back. The truth is, every successful writer once started as a beginner.
The key to building confidence is taking consistent steps toward writing,
publishing, and sharing your work.
If you’ve ever wanted to write but felt unsure about putting yourself out there, this guide will help you move past fear and into action. Or maybe your a seasoned writer who struggles with finding the confidence to publish your work online.
Whether you plan to publish on a website, Substack, Medium, or even self-publish on Amazon, here’s how you can build the confidence to write and share your work online.
Overcoming the Fear of Writing and Publishing
Fear is one of the biggest obstacles that prevent new writers from publishing their work. Thoughts like “What if no one reads it?” or “What if people criticize my writing?” are common.
Here’s how to begin overcoming the fear of publishing and sharing your work:
- Acknowledge the Fear but Write Anyway: Fear is natural. Accept that it exists, but don’t let it stop you. Writing is a skill that improves with practice, so the more you write and publish, the more confident you’ll become.
- Start Small: Instead of aiming for a full book right away, begin with shorter pieces—blog posts, articles, or even social media captions. This helps you ease into the process without overwhelming yourself.
- Embrace Imperfection: No writer starts out perfect. Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for progress. Publishing an imperfect piece is better than never publishing at all.
Build Confidence Through Consistent Writing
Confidence grows with consistency. The more you write, the more you refine your voice and develop your skills.
Here’s how to build a writing habit:
- Set a Writing Routine: Whether it’s 15 minutes a day or three times a week, consistency matters more than creating a writing routine you can’t keep up with. It is far more important to just show up and practice writing as much as you can. By showing up to write regularly you’ll develop a strong writing routine.
- Freewrite Without Judgment: Writing without editing as you go can help silence your inner critic. Just get the words down first. Refuse to check for writing errors or edit any of what is written. When you critique everything and edit as you write – the joy of writing vanishes. When this happens you become restricted and frustrated which blocks the flow.
- Join Writing Challenges: Participating in challenges like writing contests, NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) or a 30-day blogging challenge can push you to write regularly.
Start with a Blog or Online Platform
Publishing on your own blog or a content platform is a great way
to start sharing your work without pressure.
Here are few options to consider:
- Medium: Writing on Medium is great for both beginners and seasoned writers who want to write essays, stories, or thought pieces without starting their own website.
- Substack: If you enjoy writing newsletters and building a community, Substack allows you to publish and even monetize your content.
- Your Own Website: Owning your platform gives you control over your content and brand. You can start with WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace.
Develop Your Unique Writing Voice
Many beginners worry that their writing isn’t good enough. The truth is,
your writing style is what makes you unique.
To develop your voice:
- Write Like You Speak: Avoid trying to sound overly academic or formal. Writing in a conversational tone makes your content more engaging.
- Read Widely: Reading different authors helps you discover what styles resonate with you.
- Experiment: Try different types of writing—personal essays, opinion pieces, tutorials—to find what you enjoy most.
Learn Basic Editing Skills
One reason new writers hesitate to publish is the fear of mistakes.
While professional editing is ideal, you can improve your writing with basic self-editing:
- Use Simple Language: Avoid jargon and overly complex words. Clear writing is better than fancy writing.
- Read Your Work Aloud: This helps you catch awkward phrasing and errors.
- Use Editing Tools: Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, and ProWritingAid can help you refine your writing.
Publish and Share Your Work
Once you’ve written and edited your content, the next step is publishing.
Here’s how to do it confidently:
- Start with Small Audiences: Share with close friends or a small writing group first.
- Use Social Media: Platforms like Twitter (X) , LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram can help you reach new readers.
- Engage with Readers: Reply to comments, answer questions, and appreciate feedback. It helps you build confidence and community.
Self-Publishing on Amazon
If you dream of publishing a book, self-publishing on Amazon is a great option.
Here’s how to start:
Write and Format Your Manuscript
Use tools like Scrivener or Microsoft Word to format properly.
Design a Professional Cover
A good cover makes a big difference. Use Canva or hire a designer.
Upload to Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Writing and publishing to sell your books/eBooks online worldwide through KDP makes it easy enter the self publishing market.
Promote Your Book
Use social media, email lists, and book launch teams and others strategies to get readers.
Keep Growing and Improving
Confidence comes with experience. The more you write and publish, the easier it becomes.
To keep writing and growing:
- Join Writing Communities: Online groups like Writers’ Cafe, Facebook writing groups, or Substack communities can offer support.
- Take Courses: Platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, and Coursera have great writing courses.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Every published post, every new reader, and every positive comment is a step toward greater confidence.
Final Thoughts
Gaining confidence as a writer doesn’t happen overnight, but taking small, consistent steps will help you overcome fear and self-doubt.
By writing regularly, embracing imperfection, and gradually sharing your work, you’ll find your voice and grow into a confident writer.
Whether you publish on a blog, Medium, Substack, or Amazon, the key is to start—and keep going. Your words matter, and the world needs your voice – keep writing!
by Cori-Leigh | Writing |
I used write regularly for a while, feeling motivated and inspired, then suddenly fall off the writer’s wagon. The busyness of life, distractions, and other circumstances would crash in, making it impossible to carve out time for my writing.
Eventually, writing stopped feeling enjoyable, and I began to dread sitting down to write. I decided to make a change. And it wasn’t just a small change—it was a mindset shift. I chose to take control of my writing life again, and the impact it had on me was truly transformative.
One of the most important shifts I made was committing to write every day. It didn’t matter if I felt inspired or not. I’d show up each day and write!
Writing regularly is just like exercise—the more you do it, the easier it becomes.
When you make writing a habit, something incredible happens: you start improving without even realizing it. That consistency is what transforms you from a casual writer to a true writer—someone who creates, refines, and shares their work.
In this post, I want to share with you some key insights from my journey that will help you stay focused and committed to your writing practice.
Commit to Writing Everyday, Even if it’s Just 15 Minutes
Writing, like anything else, requires commitment. And in order to develop the discipline to write consistently, you must start by committing to write every single day.
Start small: If 15 minutes is all you can manage, that’s perfectly fine. Just make sure you write every day. The key is consistency, not length.
Call yourself a writer: Own your identity. The more you embrace being a writer, the more you’ll feel driven to write.
Writing is a habit: The more you write, the more natural it becomes. And over time, you’ll find yourself writing longer and with greater ease.
Share your work: Telling others that you’re a writer helps solidify that identity in your mind. The more you say it, the more you’ll believe it.
Show up every day even when you don’t feel like it.
There are days when I don’t feel like writing. Maybe I’m tired, distracted, or overwhelmed by life’s challenges. And I’ve learned something important about these moments: waiting for inspiration rarely works.
Inspiration comes after action: Motivation doesn’t always precede writing. Sometimes you just have to sit down and start, and inspiration will follow.
Push through resistance: Even when you don’t feel like it, showing up is half the battle. The act of writing can often bring clarity and creativity, even when you’re not in the mood.
Write without expectations: There’s no need to produce a masterpiece every time. Just write. The goal is consistency, not perfection.
Set aside a specific time frame to write.
We all have busy lives. Family, work, and personal responsibilities can quickly fill up our schedules, leaving little room for our passions.
I know how challenging it can be to balance everything, especially when you work from home and feel like there’s always something demanding your attention.
Here’s the truth: if you don’t carve out dedicated time for your writing, it won’t happen.
Schedule writing time: Set aside specific time each day. Make it as important as any other task on your calendar.
Be consistent: Make writing a part of your routine. Whether it’s the first thing in the morning or late at night, find a time that works for you and stick to it.
Start small and build: If 15 minutes is all you can spare, that’s fine. Just start, and gradually increase your writing time as it becomes a habit.
Publish your work and share it with the world.
Writing for yourself is wonderful, but if you want to grow as a writer, you need to share your work. You need to publish. I can’t tell you how much my writing improved once I started putting my work out into the world.
Put your work out there: Don’t wait for the “perfect” draft. Publish your work, even if it’s not flawless. Perfectionism can stop you from writing altogether.
The power of feedback: Getting feedback on your work, whether positive or constructive, helps you grow as a writer. Embrace the learning process.
Share your progress: The more you publish, the more confident you’ll become. Each piece is a step forward in your writing journey.
Remember: Writing is a Journey, Not a Destination
At the end of the day, writing is a journey. It’s a process of growth, self-discovery, and creative expression.
While the journey may feel challenging at times, it’s the act of showing up, writing, and sharing your work that leads to true growth.
Focus on progress, not perfection: It’s easy to get discouraged by setbacks, but remember that every day you write, you’re moving forward.
Celebrate small wins: Whether you write for 15 minutes or finish a chapter, take time to appreciate your progress.
Embrace the process: Writing is an ongoing journey. There will be highs and lows, but each moment contributes to your growth.
What are you waiting for? Take the first step today. Set your timer, clear your schedule, and get writing!
by Cori-Leigh | Writing |
Defeating writer’s block isn’t easy unless you know what helps. For a long time, I struggled with this often. I’d face that blank computer screen or page but the words seemed frozen inside my mind failing to come out.
Eventually, I learned to integrate these following steps when challenged with writer’s block. In this post, I offer 5 remedies that work to help free your mind to write.
Let’s get started!
1. Journal Writing
Years ago I developed a daily habit of journal writing. This practice changed my life both personally and as a writer. Through keeping a daily journal I discovered my love for writing.
Journaling is a great way to keep writing even when you don’t want to.
You’ll clear your mind which will help you put your thoughts into perspective.
It’s encouraging to go back and read what you’ve previously written.
You will develop a consistent writing routine.
To explore the subject of journaling further you might enjoy this post written by Bryan Hutchinson
Journaling Can Be a Life-Changing Tool ( You Just Need to Know How to Take Advantage of it)
2. Write from your experiences
When writing from your own life experiences you’re writing what you know. You’ll write with a passion and a purpose. Your writing will be richer when you write about what matters to you. When you’re not interested in what you write about then it will be difficult to write about it all the time.
My friend Anne Peterson always says “Write the scary stuff. The things that you are most afraid write.”
Anne was recently interviewed about self-publishing and writing. You can view the video interview here.
3. Write something every day
Making a point of writing every day is crucial to developing a consistency and sharpening your writing skills. You’ll develop a writing habit that will help you grow as a writer. Doing this makes the act of writing more enjoyable. You’ll progress over time into becoming good at what you do. Writing consistently is important to your growth as a writer.
Tips to help you write each day…
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- Free write: This is one of my favorite things to do. I just start writing about whatever is on my mind.
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- Read a blog post someone else wrote and comment on it.
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- As referenced in point 1: Write a journal entry.
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- Join a writing community where you can engage with other writers and bloggers. You’ll feel more encouraged by others. Frank McKinley founded the Tribe Builder’s Network. A Facebook group I highly recommend for all writers and bloggers seeking to get the attention your writing deserves!
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- Time Blocking; Set aside a time to write. One you can commit to. Decide how long you’ll write for and stick to that plan. Like exercise even starting small and working up. More important than the time spent is the consistent action of writing for a period of time. This will develop discipline and consistency.
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- Word count: Decide on a word count. Commit to writing a certain amount of words each day.
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- Write something every day even if you don’t want to.
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- Inspiration and motivation may not always be there but press on… write anyway.
4. Read
Are you a reader? Reading is helpful for when you can’t find the words.
- If you can’t find the right words to write then reading will feed them to you.
- Vocabulary and spelling will improve.
- Sentence structure and grammar skills will sharpen.
6. Let go of perfectionism
One of the problems writers and bloggers face is with perfectionism. We want our writing to read well and be interesting to others. Something I’ve discovered many of us face. The truth is we’ll never write perfectly.
Yes, it is important to create good quality content. It isn’t important to be perfect. It is impossible to please everybody. What you write about won’t benefit everyone. Sometimes you won’t publish your best work. That’s okay. Often what I’ve thought was not my best work got the most attention!
The main thing is that you keep writing and publishing your work. If you are consistent in writing and shipping it out you’ll grow over time. Your writing will get better and better. I’ve never met a successful writer or blogger who likes everything they wrote. Most important thing is to keep writing!
Further reading;
How to Kiss Writer’s Block Goodbye Forever – In Just 10 Minutes by Frank McKinley
Writer’s Block: 9 Things You Can Try to Cure Writer’s Block When The Words Won’t Come by Anne Peterson
Join the conversation.
What helps you work through those times when you’re challenged with writer’s block?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
