When Writers Fall Off the Chart

 Alas, into each writer's life, stuff happens. Not all bad stuff. Its the stuff of making a living and dealing with what comes your way. No excuses here, just a reality check of why this blog bogged. 
Did I stop writing? Not at all. I have written zillions of words, in mostly academic articles and book chapters which is my profession (Counselor Educator for a graduate program).  So now with a bit of chagrin, I return.

When you fall off the chart, how do you recharge your writing mode? Here's an easy tip: Review your files both completed works and outlines yet to become what they could be. Do you deliver conference presentations or trainings?  There is more material on which you can rewrite, expand or update.

Here's another benefit to digging into your printed or computer writing files - its a reminder of your creativity! Yes, you have ideas; some need polish, some are good and frankly, some are great. But how will we know if this work never leaves your hard drive? I am preaching to myself here but feel free to receive it as well.

My motivation to dig into the many files of writing was to clear, sort and decide what to save before transferring to my new Big Mac (Apple Desktop with blazing fast M1 chip). Ideally this process needs to happen annually - like my New Year's Day reminder to check batteries in the smoke detectors. Like many educators and others who work online, at the end of the day I am ready to flee the screen. So I need to return to making an appointment with myself to review files at least quarterly.

Are you busy? So am I. However writing is a habit, like exercise. It may seem hard to get started but with persistence it becomes your new, positive, energizing habit!  So refill your coffee, tea or water and lets get started!

How new is new?

From my news reporting experience, what is "new" may only last a matter of hours before replaced by new "news".  That means a constant flow of writing is required. The best part of that pressure is that I did not know the meaning of "writer's block". In the news business, writer's block is also known as "fired".  I had no idea how useful that training would be for writing in the future.

I say this to give perspective for writer's who want to produce what is fresh and new. As rapidly as content goes up on line, new is a highly perishable commodity in a wired world. Trends come and go, few last. So how can you be "news worthy"? Basically, don't try. 

Instead of going for "new", aim for relevant. Yes, there is a difference. Being relevant within a group, cohort or genre is current. Granted it will not last. Few of us will write a "War & Peace" or "Gone With the Wind" yet we can make a valuable written contribution. 

Be sure you have something to say that is worth reading to an interested audience. That means more than your family and friends will want to read it and read more from you. This all goes back to a tried and true writing concept; finding your voice. That voice distinguishes you from dozens of others who grind out content. 

The next time you promote or defend your writing product, let go the notion that your work is totally new or different from anything else printed. Show the relevance to an interested, identifiable group and there is the seed for an audience. Like birds scattering seeds that the farmer placed in one field to another field, the fans of your voice just might scatter your work to another group. 

When NOT to write

Even the most prolific brains need a break. Irritating as interruptions in creative flow may be, they can be a blessing if properly used. That's where I have been recently; on a brain cell break for fiction writing. Yes, even experienced writers need breaks.

Creativity is like a battery that cannot be "ever- ready".  Before you pour out insightful concepts and sparkling words, you need to fill your creative battery with new input. Forced writing is rarely good writing. I think that this lack of refilling is the real reason for writer's block.

 Get out of the office and put down the computer! Look around you. Walk in a crowd. Listen at the mall, airport or coffee shop. What are people saying? What interests them? What fascinating words or phrases do you hear? And the added benefit is, of course, a latte break.

Until you are brimming with thoughts so that the words are pressing to get from your brain to your typing fingers, put aside creative writing. For fiction writers, you will know its time to get back to work when the characters in your head are getting pushy to have their story told.

Share Your Writing with Affinity Groups

"If you've got it, flaunt it" is the writer's imperative for sharing talent and building your audience. Look first at your affinity groups as prime places to give "the write twist" to a column or blog.  Here are a few recent examples:

From my professional counseling and university teaching background, I am connected with AACC, a major counseling organization that serves 50,000 members. Now that's a solid reader base. Playing off the Olympics and increasing need for activity among older adults, read about my take on Breaking the Age Ceiling for Activity and Fitness

As a member of The Sophisticates, Tampa Bay social and networking group, I have a regular series titled, "Yes You Can".  Incorporating a news item that caught my attention from National Public Radio, I prepared the latest; Yes You Can: Revive the Art of Conversation.

Now it's your turn to identify affinity groups that relate to your interests from work,  education, hobbies, sports, networking, technology, cooking or whatever. Then start writing for online publications with that audience.