Writer's Block
It is ironic that I have somehow landed in this potential new career of content creation for content marketing. In my past life (past career) I had speech writers and PR people who did all my writing for me, freeing me up to focus on strategy and other matters as a CEO. I would always edit into my own words, but rarely stared at a blank sheet of paper. You almost lose that skill if you don't use it over so many years.
I am only 2 and a half weeks old with WA and still in Course 3. Yesterday it was time to produce post number 3 for my website. I was frozen into procrastination and non action most of the day. I didn't have any ideas. I told myself I was foolish to have selected this career path that requires a skill set in which I have so little experience, especially at my age. I whined a little on Live Chat with DrSusie that I needed a sponsor, I sent a PM to Kyle asking why I didn't have a sponsor, I guess I did everything possible to feed my victim thoughts about my inability to think of anything to write. Then I did something right. I took a break.
When I returned I selected my next keyword phrase, opened a blank Word document page, and just started typing authentic and real words from my own experience. Yes, it took a couple of hours to finish up the post with graphics and links. That's where the work comes in. In a way. But in another way, I was in the "flow" and it was more fun than work. That is where the juicy stuff lies!
I posted my work here on WA and asked others to comment, not sure what would happen. Within a few hours I had 6 comments on my web post, a private message, and numerous encouraging words from fellow WA members under my comment asking for comments and reviews. I know I have a long way to go, but I no longer feel I have little to offer.
My spirits went from being discouraged and disheartened to confident that I could do this! Yes, yesterday was a really good day. Thank you to all who helped me. I will not forget your kindness when I needed it. What a very special community we have here at W.A.!
Recent Comments
19
By "shared" I mean I went to your site (the five tips post) and shared the post link on FB, Twitter and G+. Great content!
I just finished lesson 3.10 in bootcamp and the ending discussion by
(https://my.wealthyaffiliate.com/training/wa-affiliate-bootcamp-giving-your-site-social-value-phase-3/build-build-and-build),
Kyle was about finding your greatness, and how with practice and time this is how most of the greatest performs, athletes, etc, became great. I'm not the most natural writer myself, but I don't think you have to be, you just have to be able to communicate your point. And you don't have to be perfect. These are points I've learned here at WA from the classes and webinars. You have a natural flow and style to your writing shweid. Just keep taking the classes, try Jay's webinars, they're great. You will come up with tons of ideas to write content. Keep going! One day at a time.
Cheers,
Todd
Great post, Shell. Authentic and from the heart! It has always amazed me that often the most competent among us doubt their self so.
With a new post, up above and just under "Add Media" you can select either numbering or bullets to add to your post. When you click on either they start immediately. When you are through with them click again to turn off. Shell, I won a spelling bee in the 8th grade but after 50 yrs. of dictating anything I needed to write I can't even send email without a spell checker and have no idea where to put a comma! That can be my next task to tackle? Happy Saturday and congrats!
Harold
I used to believe that creating good content was something that some people where just born with. It turns out that you do get better with practice. It took me 6 weeks after joining WA to create my first post so, there is hope! :)
LOL - At your age! No one is allowed to use age as an excuse round here. John one of our most senior members is 82 and he's currently off writing his fifth novel as well as running his websites.
Seriously having read your profile you clearly have the skills to make a success of this - just keep holding on to that self belief that you had in your former life.
Well done for overcoming your writer's block. It happens to us all at some point and some of us more regularly that we would like.
Nice to see the start of your site - you clearly write very well. Just one comment to make - if you're going to have a post with numbers - eg 'five tips....'. It helps if you number the five points within your article so the reader doesn't have to search for them. :) Beverley
Hi Beverly, Thank you! Good point about the numbers. I wanted to insert them yesterday as I was developing the layout, but for the life of me I couldn't figure out how to do that in my Wordpress theme. The ability to change font and design graphics seems limited in the software. Or at least I haven't figured it out yet. I am looking forward to becoming fully proficient in Wordpress and really let loose my creative genius (lol - not.) By the way, why isn't there a full functioning spell check on here? :)
you did a great job composing your blog post about writer's block
- how did you do it?
Lock into the feeling you had as you were composing this blog post and try to revisit that same creative mental state.
Another crazy idea might be to talk your thoughts out. Get an app for your phone to record your thoughts and then transpose your recording.
btw, I am with you in the struggle to create a written post, so thank you for composing and posting this blog post!
all the best,
Thanks adaba063. How did I do it? For me, the most amazing thing was walking away for awhile and doing something else. I went to Target and bought some groceries and to Starbucks for a coffee. Then when I returned home, I opened my computer and started typing. Frankly, maybe the coffee helped! Whatever it takes. :)
For me the most most amazing thing in life is when I get into those times of flow when I am so absorbed in what I am doing that I lose track of time and space and am one with the universe. Having been retired for 4 years before landing on this affiliates marketing concept as a second career, I am so enjoying such creative experiences again!
Good luck to you adaba063,
Thanks Tallell97. May the force be with you today! Send me a link...I'll be happy to comment on your site!
I can certainly sympathise with the writer's block issue, I was in exactly the same place yesterday and likewise, I took a break and am hoping and praying that when I return to the task in hand this evening, that I will be able to finish what I started. Your website is looking great by the way
See more comments
Thanks for sharing Sherri. It is always great to hear that we are not alone and how others 'climb out of the hole' - well done :-)
Thank you for your comment Matu. That meant a lot to me.