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Are You Suffering From Blogger's Block?

By
Real Estate Agent with I.V.P.G. - Inland Valley Professional Group

Hi All,

As some of you may have noticed, I had been a little quiet of late... try about four months or so.  For one who had hitherto-fore been among the most prolific and long winded, for me to go silent was quite some feat.  I know you may not believe it but I was suffering from "Blogger's Block".  I knew where I caught it, but up until recently I had not the foggiest notion how to cure it. 

Oh sure, I tried, in fact my admin was littered with the fits and starts of tounge tied, fumbling fingered, humor impaired attempts at creativity.  Finally, I gave up.  I admitted defeat (something I rarely do) and decided that the muse had forever deserted me and I would just have to go on with my life.  And I tried.  But the lure was too strong and my desire not to be thwarted by an unseen and unarmed foe was even stronger.  Still, I was not sure what, if anything I could do to remedy the situation.

Then one day, about three days ago to be exact, I was talking with my hubby about something else entirely and the subject came around to writing.  Now, he is a good writer, a really good, truly gifted writer.  But here's the thing, as much as he would like to write and as talented as he is, with the exception of emails, the occasional white paper for work and some online forums he frequents he doesn't write.  So I asked him why and he told me it was because he had nothing to say. 

I told him that was silly and that the only way to find things to say was to start saying things.  When, BAM!  It hit me right between the eyes... There it was, flopping right out of my lips and dribbling down my chin, the answer to my problem.  I couldn't write because I wasn't writing.  Simple as that.  I was getting so worried about what I would say and about how it would be received that I scared myself into silence.  I got what I call an "Attack of the Shy's", and I let it overwhelm me. 

I backed away from the very thing that could be my salvation and I know I am not the first and I know I am not alone.  Blogger's Block can strike anyone but there is a cure - start blogging.  Don't worry about who's reading it, or what "they" might think.  Don't censor yourself just let the thoughts drip through your hands and rain out your fingertips.  No, they won't all be Tolstoy, and thats OK.  They don't all need to be.  Just don't let what happened to me happen to you. 

Writing is like going to the gym, it is a whole lot harder to go back than it is to keep going.  So keep going, write what you want, when you want, the way you want.  Damn the torpedo's, full speed ahead!

Take care all, help lots of people and have a wonderful day!

Tisza

Dagmar Sands
Real Estate International, Inc. - Johns Creek, GA
International Real Estate Agent, CIPS, FIPC, ABR

Hi Tisza, that's a great post.  I related to it in many ways... first of all the GYM... I paid for 4 months to go and I keep thinking about going but I don't go.  Secondly, I've thought the same thing sometimes - what do  you say... and you're right... just say that is on your mind.  We're glad you're back.  Keep writing!  Dagmar Sands

Jul 21, 2008 07:31 PM
Kim Harris
Sound Realty - Kirkland, WA
Designated Broker/Owner/Sound Realty

  Yes I know what you mean...For me I keep thinking it must be really good so I usually end up with lots of drafts and no post.  It is getting better but there is a long way for me to go to just be natural with writing.  Besides I live with one of the best bloggers in the country (Ardell) who can type faster than I can think.

Jul 21, 2008 07:31 PM
Cheryl Johnson
Highland Park, CA

I think the idea of "blogging for business" got pushed so much ,,,, and the whole business side begat rules and guidelines and experts,,, and the pleasures of simply sharing ideas kinda got lost. 

On the other hand .... sometimes some people really truly do not have anything to say, and its OK.  :-)

P.S. You should invite hubby to Active Rain, but have him sign up under a pseudonym; if people don't know who he is, he wouldn't feel pressured to keep up with his spouse.

Jul 21, 2008 11:10 PM
Lorrie Semler, REALTOR® in the Dallas area. Call/text 972-416-3417
HomeSmart Stars - Addison, TX
Real Service. Real Results. Real Estate

I am so glad you are back, Tisza!  When I got meme'd, I listed YOU as my favorite AR blogger!

Jul 22, 2008 02:01 AM
Mary Warren
Las Vegas, NV

Hi Tisza - excellent posts for someone with 'writer's block' - I too have been suffering from this disease for several weeks - it must be contagious.  Soon I will get back to posting.  I agree with Cheryl. Mel shoud blog as the spouse of a blogger much like Theresa Boardman's hubby does. 

Jul 22, 2008 02:41 AM
Harold Watts
Teles Properties - Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs Real Estate Blog

Tisza,

I too suffered from Bloggers Block....I went on hiatus for about 3 months.  The inspiration to write disappeared from me.  I was getting caught up in the day to day business trappings, listening to the dire outlook of the real estate market, and just plain gave up.

Thanks for the reminder to just starting to write without all the hangups....Just do it.  Now I have to get myself back to the gym.  Have fun in SF.

 

Jul 23, 2008 05:07 AM