Published by Deborah on 21 Jun 2005 at 06:47 pm
Blogging: A Cure for Writers Block or a Distraction?
Like most writers, I’ve had my share of bouts with writer’s block. You know the symptoms: mindless wandering thoughts or no thoughts at all. Sometimes a bad day can trigger a block. Other times, the ideas and words just won’t come.
When this happens, I drag out the old-fashioned pen and paper. If this doesn’t work, I walk away from my computer for a while. Sometimes I’ll blog my way out of a writing funk. Lately, I’ve noticed that I’ve spent more time blogging, commenting on other blogs, and checking my blog stats (i.e., Blog Explosion) than writing my stories.
That’s when blogging becomes a distraction. This reminds me of a Laura Scudder’s (?) potato chip commercial, where the people say, “You can’t eat just one.” Blogging has become an addiction for me. Do I need to go cold turkey and quit, or just manage my time better?
I can’t go cold turkey. Blogging is another way to write. It’s a great medium to connect with other writers and reach potential readers. So, I will continue blogging, but pay closer attention to the clock.
michaelm on 09 Nov 2005 at 2:37 pm #
Deborah-
I was thinking the exact thing the other day. Sometimes I feel that my writing tailors iself somehow to suit the blog. But deep inside I feel that’s the wrong way to go. Bottom line is I am writing. But at what cost?
I took a course 5 years ago at WVU called “The Artist’s Way” (by J. Cameron)
During the course we were asked to stay away from the computer/Internet for a week. Sad to say it was a long week. Ultimately, I survived and I think my writing saw benefits from the abstinence. I think attention to the management of time (online, as well) is part of the answer.
I am with you–no cold turkey for me…
~michaelm
Deborah on 09 Nov 2005 at 4:35 pm #
I’ve heard of that course. Is it any good? I took The Writer’s Digest home correspondence course back in 1998.
As for blogging interfering with writing time, it’s important to set limits and stick to them. Otherwise, you’ll never get that book or short story written. Most days, I’m pretty good at that. On the bad days, I forgive myself and shoot for improvement the next.