Writer’s Block vs. Writer’s Hesitation

From the looks of this blog, you may think I have stumbled upon a massive case of writer’s block.

Wrong.

What I am really suffering from is writer’s hesitation.

On a good day, I have up to 4-5 new post ideas. On those same days, I decide what is not worthy based on what other people may or may not think. Is this going to offend so and so, will this blog make me unemployable, is it okay to be honest about what really goes on behind the curtain. etc.

I let other people’s opinions get in my way.

I remember vividly when this all began. I started listening to the sometimes solicited, but mostly unsolicited advice of what a blog is supposed to be and what my writing should focus on. Why don’t I have a niche? Why do I think writing about my life is so important? Why do I not do this or why do I do that with my blog?

Guess what? This is not your blog!

If I wanted to write about my puppy one day and mortgage rates the next, what is stopping me?

Nothing.

I do try to be mindful of my readers and not bore you all to tears with tales of woe (of which there have been too many to count recently). If you are a first time reader you have probably not heard the endless droning about my old blog and how much better it was. One of the main reasons my consistency and content was much more robust is I never took the peanut gallery commentary to heart. I’m not even sure I knew they existed?

I just wrote.

That is what I loved about writing. There are no rules for a blog. There may be more effective ways to get readership and market your blog, but no rules for a personal blog. I would go so far as to say there are no rules for any blog unless you write on behalf of a company (and in that case, be mindful as you represent a brand). My readers are smart enough to exercise good judgement on this one.

The point I am really trying to make here, is I no longer choose to allow writer’s hesitation to affect me.

If you feel my posts are not for you, it takes one click to close the window. Don’t be shy. You even have my personal invitation to leave feedback in the comments on why you will no longer visit my page. I promise to take it all into consideration.

I want to make this last part clear:

What you don’t have is control of what you think I should be writing about. I have sincerely appreciated the feedback in all the forms in which it was received, but I am also ready to seize control of my thoughts, my writing, my desire to post about about anything I see fit.

I may just write about turtles next time. Because. I can.

Thanks for playing!

Tags: The peanut gallery, writing

Sometimes I Need to be Held, Accountable.

Lately, I have spent a lot of time rereading my old posts. Not just the ones I keep rambling on about that are no longer live (you’re welcome), but the recent published posts on here. The blog that was supposed to be my  fresh canvas. My return to writing. A fresh start about a wife, a life, a writer.  

The only thing remotely consistent on these posts are that I am talking about  how much I miss writing, yet notice the time between posts. What am I waiting for? I have at least 4-5 ideas a day that  would make entertaining or informative posts. It depends on the time of day. Some days are more  creative then others. Some days I learn something that seems relevant to share. Yet I don’t.

Why?

I have a few outside factors that influence me that did not previously exist when I posted regularly. Career transition, living with the DJ, freelance projects that pop up at all hours, a minor addiction to staying connected, etc. I spend more time working on projects or having conversations on Twitter/Facebook and less on actually doing something I love. Writing. I also realize that I put my passion aside because a simple lack of accountability. 

All that is about to change. 

I now have an accountability partner. Not just anyone either. Someone who truly inspires me! A person who I have actually mentioned before in a previous post, Jeff Turner. If you are not familiar, he is probably one of the most interesting and impressive people I have the pleasure of knowing.  I met him at the most likely of places a conference, New Media Atlanta, where he was a Key Note speaker and panel host. Though I enjoyed his speaking and panel moderation, he really blew me away when we had a chance to chat at the after party. 

One of the first things he said to me is “So, what do you DO?” and not in the standard conversation question way. There was something about his tone and and the conversation that followed that led me to believe there was something monumental that would follow from our friendship. I told him that I wanted to be a writer. Many questions followed about what kind of writing and what was holding me back. Good questions. Unanswered questions.

Then I learned a lot more about him. He runs several companies, Zeek Interactive, Real Estate Shows  and is well known for his world wide speaking engagements on emerging technologies. In addition, he and his wife Rocky have 6 (YES, six) children and run a non profit Mothers Fighting For Others (MFFO.org). As if all of this was not impressive, he is a genuinely down to earth guy with a true passion for engaging with people and not judging opposing opinions.

That being said, we stayed in touch over Social Media channels like Facebook and Twitter and one random Saturday he busted out with a tweet, “Why are you not writing?“. Given all of the things he has going on personally and professionally, it was amazing to me that he even remembered our conversation at all. I was honored to have made an impression on someone who I am so inspired by. 

We talked about our mutual desire to write more often and formed a pact to keep each other accountable for writing. Not only am I thrilled to have Jeff as my accountability partner, but I get to be his. I sense that he does not need the motivation as much as I do (have you been to his page yet, he has more then 4 active blogs), however, I am taking the role very seriously! 

I have no problem admitting that sometimes I need to be held… Accountable!

What activities do you find it helps to have an accountability partner? Do you have someone that helps keep you motivated and inspired? Where and how did you find them?  I would love to hear your thoughts!

Tags: Accountability, writing

Does Content Have an Expiration Date?

Success Expires on My 35th Birthday Day, Does Content?

“Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgetten lore, while I nodded nearly napping. ” – Edgar Alan Poe

If you are familiar with this poem, it’s possible you wonder if I have been nearly napping or abandoned this blog altogether? Truth be told, I heard no rapping or tapping at my window. Of the things I have heard, I only wish I could sum up with such elegance as Mr. Poe. 

Instead, I find myself on a more shallow path and the quest to uncover a question that has been plaguing me.

Does blog content have an expiration date?

For new readers who may have stumbled upon this blog via Twitter or any other method of making your way here, welcome! You may not be aware that I have kept a few other now defunct blogs. Unless of course you count MySpace, which not many of us do anymore.

In an effort to connect with my creative self again, I decided to do some blog research and came across some really funny creative material. My old blog, Randomly Fabulous. This was by far one of my favorite explorations in blogging as it was the most raw, the most real and it appeared I had limited myself from all the corporate constraints, other people’s opinions and attempts to do anything other then what I know and love; WRITING. That was until I was told by previous employers, perspective employers (actually recruiters) that this style of writing was not going to do anything for my professional career. 

It was not that I was planning an evil conspiracy to attack anyone (former employers/mean girls/my constantly entertaining mother/people with an apparent lack of fashion sense) that caused the peanut gallery to ask me to retreat to my shell of an existence. It was the honesty. The true raw emotion of a writer, an observer. A person who genuinely enjoys the pleasure of watching life happening and writing about it in an entertaining manner.

Which leads me to my point… Does good content expire?

Upon conducting my research I found a series of old posts that with a little updating would still be funny today. Some of the posts that were relative to what was going on 3-5 years ago may not apply. Some are worthy of sharing and I wonder what my newer and loyal readers would think of the concept of having a throw back to the days of yonder, where my writing was not under a microscope (or if it was, I was blissfully ignorant)?

I know a lot of good bloggers that use old content to remain consistent. I am not talking about taking my journals from my formative years or my old ICQ or the lost geocities pages and trying to recreate content. I am focusing on blogs that were once posted that may be a nice little throw back for old and new readers.

I would love your feedback? Is this a blogging do or don’t? For other bloggers (writers at heart), do you always move fresh content forward or do you ever dig back in your archives for material when you have the arsenal to do so?

Tags: Best if used by 1/26/12, blog archives, Blog content, content expiration date, Journals, writing

Pay No Attention to the Blogger Behind the Curtain

 I have been writing almost everyday since I was very young. I started when my  Stepmother gave me one of the best birthday presents ever. I was 7 years old and my parents were in a War of the Roses style divorce. The present was a book filled with blank pages to write in and a black and white cover which you could color in yourself. I remember drawing and writing while locked in my bedroom. 

I wish I still had that book today. I can only imagine what kind of interesting detail I would have about during those years. Surely, there was some mention of why this woman was buying me a book when my parents divorce was barely finalized and she was already engaged to my father? Maybe I wrote about the time my brothers handcuffed me to the stairs and left the house for several hours? I could not tell you because I eventually destroyed the book.

Somedays I have vivid memories of my tumultuous childhood and feverishly write (or type) whatever comes to my mind. I have known since the day I received that empty book and after keeping a journal for over 20 years that I wanted to be a writer. When I started my first blog in 2005, I knew this was a great way to express myself and actually publicize some of my writing. Unfortunately, I was informed that the majority of my content was not necessarily the stuff Corporate dreams were made of. My day job was getting in the way of my dream job. I was approached by management and told to keep my thoughts to myself (urgh). 

Impossible. I started writing mostly on MySpace ignorantly thinking they would never find me if I hid my name. In 2006 my alter ego, Randomly Fabulous, took over and created a page on Blogspot. I loved her! She was the me I could not be at the time. Always honest, whip smart and ridiculously fabulous. I never paid a lot of attention to other bloggers or the blogs that told you how to blog. I found that distracted me from what I really wanted to do which was write and be me. I connected with my audience without any promotion or attempt to monetize the blog. I felt so liberated with my writing. I loved feeling like a part of me was out there even if it was semi-anonymous. I always used the same nicknames like calling my little brother Punk Rock or talking about The DJ. It could have been called Randomly Obvious. I didn’t care. I just loved writing.

I have every post saved, but sadly it’s not live anymore. I began to fear The Man. The industry I was working in at the time was very volatile and it was suggested that I take down all social media sites or make them private. I often told people my stalkers were to blame for the impulse removal of years worth of writing, but the truth is I did not want to lose my job or potential future endeavors. Thanks to the economy my job was eliminated anyway. It left me free to write whatever I wanted. Sort of. I still have to think about what future employers or perspective clients might think.

Which leads me to the point of this post (in case you wondered if I had one)… I have had a lot of conversations this week with people that want to know why I am not “writing” and I started to feel like some disclosure was necessary. The truth is, I am writing. Always. I am just not posting. Somewhere in the past year my neurosis took over and I feel a little lost inside myself. It’s not writers block because the words come to me everyday. It’s personal.

I’m dealing with what life has handed me in a less public manner (which totally sucks). Lately, most of my writing has revolved around darker days. I choose not to write a series of Debby Downer posts on here. I have bad days. I have bad months. I have bad breath first thing in the morning or after eating Sushi. I am not a bad writer though because I take a post pause for an undefined amount of time. There are no rules despite what you read on other blogs. Post frequency is entirely up to the author. On my professional or freelance writing projects, obviously I recommend posting more.  

Thank you to all that have reached out! I am so flattered that people enjoy my writing and care enough to ask for more. I am a notorious people pleaser, so ask and you shall receive. This was just little Friday night share for those that care. 

xo

Tags: Blah Blah Blah, Blog Pause, Friday Night Share, Journals, People Pleaser, Reflection, writing, Writing vs Posting

Addicted to the Noise

I probably should not post anything given my current state of mind (lost), but I am breaking habits hard and fast. Watch out world. You have been warned.

I generally admit to addictions at my convenience. Right now, I am coming clean about my social media obsession. I have been without Twitter during the day due to new employment and some upgrade delay. I just read about DJ AM about an hour ago and decided to log into MySpace (a rare occurrence these days) to update my profile song. At the very least, you must admit MySpace was the forefront of music media scene.

I’m tired of Twitternerds talking smack about MySpace. When everyone left and went to Facebook I bitched about it. Now that everyone is on Facebook, I still find something to complain about. I feel all these Facebookers are making up for lost MySpace time or lack of Friendster experience.

While I may have taken down some of the old “digital dirt” in my portfolio, I still write behind the scenes.

I am and forever will be, addicted to the noise. It makes life sound better and you can expect more where this came from.

My current profile song DJ AM “Attention Deficit” is what life sounds like when you have that much talent.

RIP DJ AM. Thank you for making an impact in this world!

Tags: Addiction, DJ AM, Facebook, Myspace, Noise, Respect, Sadness, writing

Please Stop “Pitching” Me!

Seriously.

I am a writer. At heart and at the very least on Myspace (holla). 

I observe and report. Although I appreciate all of these lovely stories about colorful characters that enter your lives, I am not lacking original ideas. I have been silent due to current state of employment, not creative energy.

If you promise to stop regaling me with “what I should write about”, I promise to come back and entertain with Random Fabulousness. I miss my old blog too! I guess I am ever the Aquarius to take down a couple years of posting because some girl commented about my flabby arms (which are toning quite nicely thanks to her motivation). 

I have thicker skin and waterproof mascara. No more tears for fears!

Tags: Aquarius, blog, characters, Random, randomly fabulous, writing