Ten days ago, Murray Lunn of Murlu.com issued what I felt was a challenge that one should strive to over deliver with every blog post. He suggested that if you are struggling to create fresh content on your blog every day maybe you should take a break from blogging so often.
I was struggling on this blog that week. The problem was not so much lack of inspiration. I have many, many posts I would like to share. I seemed to be stuck with two problems:
- I felt like a lot of the material I wished to share was constrained by forces outside my writing. For example, I had been holding off on a post recommending you market your writing with business cards while waiting for approval of my Vistaprint affiliate account. (Still no word, but their loss, eh?) I have several posts which are waiting for other projects and collaborations to move forward.
- In other instances, I was waiting to develop a unique take on the subject. Who needs another “110 Tips for Finding Article Topics?” Okay, maybe you do, but my point is that I didn’t have a new way to present that information ten days ago.
Murray convinced me that when I run into roadblocks like these, instead of producing unremarkable content to meet a demanding publishing schedule I should take a break from blogging and seek new inspiration away from my desk.
I did not fully apply all of Murray’s suggestions. As a freelance writer, I have obligations that I cannot simply ignore. I still spent much of the past week at my desk. I think though, taking a break from this blog gave me some time to focus on other projects AND some space to get creative about the content I will produce here going forward.
I leave you with the thought that sometimes you do have the option as a freelance writer to focus on a different project or just step back and let your ideas ferment. When you do, your writing will be better for the break you were able to take. I hope you forgive the time I took to refocus and will agree I have come back better than before.
Do you ever feel the need to step back from your writing pursuits? Do you find this helps or hinders your progress?
Where do you go to refill the creative well?
Thank you for sharing your thoughts in the comments below.
This really resonates with me because I was soooo stuck before my move. I had so many ideas but nothing was coming out right when I tried to write. Taking nearly 2 weeks off made me feel refreshed and ready to blog again. I also think I was setting high expectations for myself. Now I’m comfortable just writing, enjoying the process, and learning what I can along the way!
.-= Kathleen O’Connor´s last blog ..Why Ranking for Your Own Name Is Important =-.
I can imagine how overwhelmed you were leading up to a move to the other side of the world. I hope all is well and you are feeling settled in your new home.