Constant Content

I'm having an odd kind of writer's block. As I'm researching topics, I keep getting the feeling that everything about everything has been said, that there are no new ways to say anything, and why both writing something someone else has said better or with more authority. Since I'm not an expert on anything, my articles are compilations of other people's discoveries, observations, etc. in my own voice, yes, but nothing novel or exciting.

Has anyone else felt this way? If so, how do you overcome the quicksand I can see it turning into?

It's like when pondering the size of the universe - sometimes you're better off not thinking about it

Actually, I haven't felt this way that I can remember. Sure, there's hardly a topic that hasn't been tackled before but no one has the same experiences or way with words as each of us. When you're drawing a blank, try thinking of a different angle, a different audience, a different perspective. For example, let's take a topic that's been done to death: filing taxes. Now, think of a unique angle. Maybe: "Tax Filing Tips for Former Tax Evaders," "Tax Help for the Incarcerated," or "From Shoebox to Tax Refund: Tips for Organizing Your Tax Documents for the Disorganized Tax Filer."

Plus, even the basics that have been said before often need to be said again, especially on the Web where webmasters need unique content (for SEO purposes) and good information for their sites' visitors.

Look at the requests. Treat a couple as assignments that have to be completed. Write the topic from three different angles. Repeat and enjoy.

This makes me think of an experience I had just now.

A few days ago, I was feeling SO lazy and uncreative--could not motivate myself to do anything, including writing. I kind of bummed around all day and at the end of the day I felt depressed about my non-productivity. I noticed that a lot of negative thoughts were bouncing around in my head and making me feel worse and worse--so I jotted down the thoughts in my journal in my computer to think about later (which in itself made me feel better). You know the type of thoughts--"I'm lazy," "I've wasted the whole day," blach blach blach.

The next day as I read the notes I'd made, I realized that as well as analyzing the thoughts for my own benefit, I could get rid of the first-person POV and write it as an article. I wrote the article in about half an hour ("Five Beliefs That Limit Your Productivity as a Freelancer"), submitted it, and forgot about it. It went live today and sold right away for $75!

I think when I write something for my own education--to figure something out--it often feels fresher and more original than if I am trying to write for an audience. I'm going to see if I can play with this approach....when I feel the quicksand sucking me down, I'll try taking a more loose, personal angle and then edit it later.

The other thing I want to say is that I usually feel that particular kind of writer's block when I'm mentally exhausted. So, don't forget to take a break!

Thanks, everyone, for all the encouragement

Antonia! I saw that article in the Recently Sold and wished I could have read it.

I guess I was taking your approach a little while ago when I started browsing around looking up why writers might get depressed. I stumbled on this interesting study in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology about whether creativity leads to mood disorders. It gave me an idea for an aritcle and I started working on it. Time will tell if it comes to fruition. Sometimes I start a cache of articles but don't finish them for weeks, having been distracted by something more time-sensitive, like a public request that suits my fancy.

((((((((((DEBBI))))))))))))))

My CC writer buddy. Dude, you're a psych grad. You already have it all figured out.

It's hard for me to give ideas, since I stick to tech. But, when I don't know what to write or I can't figure out some brilliant hack in tech, I slip into something that is simple. I recently sold an article that was a basic concept, but even basic concepts are important and have a market.

I kinda feel ya - my goal is 1 CC article a day. I'm already behind! Another idea is to experiment with other places. I've recently been playing with Associated Content and writing news, which has no market here and it's far from the DS format. I'm having fun with news writing.

Lys,

Puh, don't you know only people who don't have it figured out go into Psych?

What kind of news are you writing? Are you a celebrity stalker?

Debbi wrote:Lys,

Puh, don't you know only people who don't have it figured out go into Psych?

What kind of news are you writing? Are you a celebrity stalker?

I'm kinda ashamed to say it, but I indulge in perez hilton and thesuperficial.com, and I'm trying out the celeb garbage that I enjoy so much! The superficial writer just cracks me up. You know it's not easy to write humor, and this guy (or a group of guys) have it down and I crack up!

I'm also writing some tech news to even it out. It's kinda fun. It's a whole different style. I jump around a lot and never stick to one place (story of my writing and love life), but so far, I'm having fun with it. I like trying out new stuff.