Headdesk: 1. Unification of ones forehead with a computer desk as a means to vent frustration, often forceful. (Thank you, Urban Dictionary.)
I feel like Jim these days. To be honest, my love affair with blogging has momentarily turned to a stale staring contest and my passions have been lured by other things - like reading or attempts to exercise.
I was talking to John about it last night, wondering where I'd gone wrong. "Well," he said, "you haven't been cooking much and your plants are dead." I took this as a huge insult and went on a rant about how I've only killed half my plants and I cook food, just not really creative and yummy foods like I used to.
Even though I am in no way a professional I do consider myself a writer. As such, I think I'm entitled to some difficult days of writer's block. It doesn't come without a serious case of headdesk though. I love writing, and have a lot to say. Most people would say I have a little too much to say, so what happens when I've got nothing?
The only cure for headdesk is to wait it out. Take a little break and come back to the project refreshed and ready to take it on, full force. So that's what I'm doing. The pressure to write here every day is off for a while and I'll post when inspiration finally hits.
Does this ever happen to you? How do you get past the block?
P.S. My apologies to all the lovely blogs I follow. I know I've neglected you lately. I wish I had the time, energy, and inspiration to surf the web for all your lovely thoughts and ideas. I care, I really do. But I want our interaction to be genuine. So don't give up on me. I'll be back soon...I'm absolutely sure.
Hannah - This absolutely happens to me. I can empathize with your frustration, friend :) I wish I knew a "cure" for the plague of writers block, but I don't ... like you said, it's just something you need to ride out. Take all the time you need & we'll looks forward to seeing you back here when you're ready! <3
ReplyDeleteIt happens sometimes. But I don't think we should look at a 'writer's block' or 'blogging block' as something so negative. We just need to step back a little and we'll find it in ourselves to write again. We're allowed to do so :)
ReplyDeleteSo funny to come across this post because I'm having the same experience. I've got a few time and mind distractions and, subsequently, feel like I'm getting behind. Less on my own blog (so far) and more on keeping up with others. I feel like I'm missing friends!
ReplyDeleteIt's always good to take a break! It will come back again.
ReplyDeleteWhen I don't feel like writing, I usually post my favourite photos.
I feel you, Im in one as well. I sit down to say something and I type it and then i think... does anyone really care? I feel like I say the same things over and over... so ... I just keep it to myself! haha No harm in that and then when something different happens I blog it.
ReplyDeleteIt is so hard to balance "life". If your like me... your creative meals are not exactly "healthy" so if your trying to excersize then you cant be creative cooking. Oh well... just hang in there! :)
Totally understand. I feel like Pam's face in the background is a face that says, "It's going to be ok, Jim." So don't worry, it's going to be ok! I think writing pours out of life experiences, so keep living, planting, cooking, loving... and the inspiration will come!
ReplyDeleteI turn on music and force myself to start typing. Something fun (usually) comes out of all the forcing. :P
ReplyDeleteTOTALLY!!! Some weeks all I want to do all day is blog. Other days, I just want to throw up a picture, one sentence, and just call it a day. It goes in waves, so you will probably be out of your writing funk in a bit. If I really want to push myself, then I find something that I am really excited about and write about that. Anyway, this is just to say that many people go through this. Either that or like Christine, I just post pics. :)
ReplyDeleteYou killed your plants?! Nooooo. I'm coming over now and help you get them back into shape! :) Haha! Yeah, it happens that you don't feel like writing and sharing and reading and all. Sometimes it's a good thing. It gives you time to live the real life, too. And yes, it kinda makes me post more pictures and write less, which can be bad at times...but as we so often say, a picture can say a thousand words?! Picture posts are fun, too.
ReplyDeletexoxo
it's okay, headdesk happens. at least it's not permanent or contagious. but i must agree with you, it is rather frustrating. especially when you feel partially obligated to write something because you generally post every day. too much pressure takes the fun out of it. enjoy your time and party with your gnome. that's what i'd do.
ReplyDelete1. jim is a cutie.
ReplyDelete2. sometimes i wonder, what the hell am i doing? shouldn't i be living life as opposed to blogging about it? it's a tricky balance.
i am permanent case of "headdesk". but when it's really severe, i just take a couple of days off from it all :-) ive blogged alot lately, but i really have no issue going a week without doing it :-)
ReplyDeleteI always take the weekends off, to live my life and enjoy time not obsessing about what to blog about - it gives me a good balance and every time i think about giving it up i get a great comment or a boost in views and i remember why i love it so!
ReplyDeleteWe are here for you when inspiration strikes :o)
Aw, girl! This SUCKS. headdesk... as amazing a definition as you've given it (and cute/funny post) i'm SO sorry you're going through it!
ReplyDeleteFind something that relaxes you... I go for walks, take photos, or go work out... and i'm sure all your beautiful ideas will be flowing in no time!
The biggest thing is to trust yourself and your knowledge. It will come to you when it feels right.
I think this article will soothe you right now. As long as you excuse the fbombs:) It's really quite wonderful:
http://therumpus.net/2010/08/dear-sugar-the-rumpus-advice-column-48-write-like-a-motherfucker/
I got such a severe case of head-desk last fall I shut my blog down entirely for 6 months, ha! I think something is going round blogland, because this is the 3rd or 4th post on similar lines I've read today. So just know that you're not alone. I now shoot for one or two posts a week. Then if I post more it's a lucky draw and I don't have to feel guilty for not posting as much as I want to :)
ReplyDeletei think all of us have suffered a bout of headdesk and/or blogguilt. don't sweat it. my desire to blog waxes and wanes. hmm, maybe it's a moon phase thing.
ReplyDeleteI've been going through the same writer's block too. I've been so stressed/busy with real life that I haven't felt inspired or motivated to write something interesting. I think taking time off to relax isn't a bad thing- everyone goes through it.
ReplyDeleteTake your time! I've been feeling the same way lately. Sometimes, all you have to do is take a break to revitalize your mind. You'll be back to a more creative place in no time!
ReplyDeleteI think everyone gets a case of headdesk when summer arrives :-) Don't feel guilty about taking some time away from the computer - you're sure to come back with even more blogging material!
ReplyDeleteHope you're feeling better soon :) And you go crazy and do fun stuff for a while :P
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why don't you blog about your reading or attempts to exercise? or whatever it is you're trying out that is keeping you from blogging. Or your job. Or whatever :)
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's just necessary to take a break. If you are reading, you may want to read along with us. We just started a book club blog: http://andnowwithbooks.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteOur first book is Impossible by Nancy Werlin.
I need to just attempt to exercise....
Hannah, I completely 100% know how you feel! I sometimes feel like being a blogger kind of takes the fun out of blogs! Don't get me wrong, I love blogging - it's satisfying, creative and heaps of fun but sometimes I just don't have a whole lot to say! Take a break, put your feet up, relax, revitalise the plants and get your cooking mojo back! We'll still be here when you get back!
ReplyDeleteNice photo, ha! I completely understand and I think a break is probably the best thing to do in any case of writer's block. A break + something new. I remember I had writer's block on my novel when I was writing it and I was nearing my deadline for the project and I had writers block for a whole MONTH! The added freak out of each day probably didn't help. Well, I hope you'll feel inspired soon!
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain! Some week's I'm feeling creative, inspired and ambitious, others I spend the majority of our nights with food from a box and hot dogs. I feel that my best posts come with creative or delicious food. However. We will survive. Sometimes I feel that my posts are so boring, I start to write then give up. I've since deleted the many drafts sitting in my blogger dashboard, but life is hard and busy sometimes. Good luck with work, blogging, and being inspired! You'll get back to it soon enough!
ReplyDeleteI feel like this more and more lately. After spending a long day at work, my brain is pretty spent and I have a super difficult time creating new blog content. I used to be so good about posting everyday and going to all the blogs that I love, but it's a huge challenge to keep that up on a daily basis. Well, unless I win the lottery and decide to sit at home on my computer all day :) xoxo
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