Thursday, January 14, 2010

Retro writing and blogging 101

I love finding ideas in my every day to blog about. I am also in love with photography. And, once I discovered the term retro blogging, I was hooked. Retro blogging is exactly how I feel. I can tell a story through my words or guide readers through pictures. But what do I do if I hit writer's block or blog burnout? Let's enter my Retro Writing and blogging 101 class...

A couple of things work best for me. First, I like to use a blank word document and write any ideas that come to mind. I try to remove all judgment and criticism. If I like an idea then I start to create or search for pictures.

Links are researched next to prove my points. I might jot down a couple of lines and then I walk away from the computer and let the idea sit in me and form.

And sure sometimes, I really should be wearing this T-shirt while listening to friends and family tell stories. Once in a while I hear myself saying out loud, "Now that would make a great post."





Between you and me, I miss the color and feel of pens for when I used to write my short stories. Now its the clicking of the keyboard that tells me I'm home and feeling creative and ready to blog.



Coffee shops are amazing for my creativity, especially if I have some music to rock out to. The coffee shop is not my work, or home and the smell of the coffee let's me know its time to create.



I get asked by my friends, family and followers of this blog how do I come up with so many topics. My response is, "How can't I?" I have so many thoughts, ideas and experiences bubbling inside. To write it all out has been a gift.

I love the blog advice, to become a success you need to live, eat and breath your blog...and I do. It has become a joy to work on and other times I just stare blankly at the screen. So the next time I start to feel writer's block, I will remember to go the coffee shop and think retro blogging 101. What tips so you use when you feel blocked for posts?

20 comments:

Jenn said...

If I am having trouble coming up with a post (which rarely happens) I look at other blogs for inspiration. Some have weekly prompts and sometimes just reading something makes me go "oh yeah!"

Nicole said...

I love this post and all the pretty pictures! lol. I also really like the topic, everyone of us who blogs goes through a blog "fart" where we have to think of a topic. I usually look to current events and talk about those or go through my list of blog topics on my navigation bar and pick one of those to write on.

Dollface said...

Hmmm retro blogging!! love the photos, as always... its so hard to come up with a new ideas for posts.... xxxooo

Char said...

always good advice - I free style - often when i open my new page I have no clue what I'm going to say!

Jamee said...

Love this post!

The Muse said...

Hello found your blog in my travels today! Very nice.I do love your post this day...and feel very much connected to your view points.

Finding that spark can be a journey, but sometimes that in itself is a POST :)

Ams said...

What a great post!
I have been having some serious writers block... so when that happens I just whine ;) lol.. kidding kidding. although it kinda seems like that these days.
I have a ton of drafts when it comes to blogging, so I will go and pick up where I left off on another post and usually that works for me!

Leah said...

I love this post and I love that you add pics to enhance the texts. You really write well.

Laura said...

Jenn: Getting inspiration from other bloggers that you admire is a great idea. Thanx for sharing!

Laura said...

Nikki: LOl blog farts is a great way of looking at it. I love your current events idea. xoxo

Laura said...

Dollface; Well at least we have each other!

Laura said...

Char: Freestyle is a great way of letting go. Happy Thursday sweetie!

Laura said...

The Muse: Welcome and thank you for lovely comment. Can't wait to read your blog!

Leah said...

Let's go shopping when I visit SF. Hahaha!

French Lover said...

Thank you so much for stopping by on our little blog ! Your comment totally made me smile from ear to ear. I love your blog too, by the way.
I'm off to read your archives now ;-)

Brandi said...

I'm so glad you wrote this post. It's precisely what I needed. You reminded me that I need to be better about organizing myself and my time (which is split between two blogs...well, four technically, grad school, and personal time). As for inspiration, I go to other blogs, etsy, and my GIANT MEGA bookmarks folder.

Caitlin @ Candyfloss & Persie said...

LOVE THIS! Especially the Twiggy shot.

Unknown said...

I came across your blog today and now following you. I echo your sentiments with this post. Because I think alot it is rare I find myself without something to blog but I do have to evaluate whether I unleash it to the world i.e if I am in a mood it may not be a very inspirational post!

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

Thank you for your lovely comment, stop by anytime