Getting in the Mood to Write

NaBloPoMo asks:

“How do you find the energy to write when you aren’t in the mood?”

     To be honest, I wing it.  Bull$hit goes a long way in creating a great post.  On those days when I have nothing to say I resort to the timeless alternative of a picture post.  It works, you know?  

 

      The biggest energy booster for me when I am not in the mood to write is to take the time to read other blogger’s posts and leave lots of comments.  Even answering all the lovely comments others leave me and responding to each one inspires me to write even more.  Even when I have no idea what I am going to say the words simply flow through my fingertips.  Simply reading posts is enough to inspire me to write my own.  Sometimes surfing you tube and rocking along to my favorite tunes is enough to inspire me to write.  I love music.  Lots of times it is a particular writing prompt that inspires that I can’t resist writing about.

      Whatever the case, writing and commenting is addictive and helps me immensely to put my thoughts into words.  It passes the time and it makes life more meaningful.  I try to never force a blog because then it will never begin to measure up to the quality that I expect and demand of myself.  After all, who wants to post a blog that sucks a$$ for the world to read?  If I am not happy with it, chances are everyone else in cyberspace will think it is horse $hit too.  

       I often am amused by my 12 year old daughter’s tendency to moan and groan when she is expected to complete a writing prompt at school.  I thrive on writing prompts.  I love giving my take on the topic and reading everyone else’s take as well.  If I am sapped of creative energy I sometimes just skip it and hope for better creative inspiration the next day.  A girl’s got to do what a girl’s got to do.  It is a rare day when I have no words to share.  Just like a chatty Kathy doll, I always have plenty to say until next time when I give you another glimpse into the life of a trucker’s wife.

 

The Time and Energy Sucker of Blogging

    NaBloPoMo would like to know which blogging task takes the most energy for me.  Without a doubt, I use up more time and energy commenting than doing the actually writing.   Even though I do put a lot of time and effort into producing my blog, I spend more time visiting others and leaving comments.  Generally I participate in blogging challenges where writing prompt is given and a whole slew of people are also participating giving their take on the prompt.  Once I have the topic, I sit down in front of my computer and let my thoughts flow through my fingers.  I pick graphics that best compliment my thoughts.  Most of the time I also include a music video that is on topic which moves me.

     Once I have edited the crap out of what I have written, added graphics and music, I am ready to publish my post.  I used to think my job was done as soon as I hit the publish button, but I soon realized with experience that isn’t the case.   I share my post everywhere I can on social networks.  It is then time to read all my blogging friends blogs and comment away.  I thoroughly enjoy keeping up with other bloggers but I have to admit it is what takes up the most time and energy.  Reading others work and commenting is just as important as posting in my opinion.   It brings me joy and makes me feel apart of an ever growing community.  It is especially satisfying when my fellow writers return the favor and visit me in my little corner of cyberspace.  The comments make it all worthwhile.  Why?  Because you know without a shadow of a doubt that someone actually read your words, connected with you on some level, and was inspired to tell you so or share their thoughts.

 

      Since my husband is on the road more than he is not and my kids are both in school,  blogging and commenting fills up my days.  It keeps me connected with others in the world without ever leaving the house which saves a load on gas!  It keeps me busy and at times sane.  It keeps me from feeling lonely.  It has become a very important facet of my life.  There have been times when I have seriously thought about deleting this blog and hanging it up.  Then I wonder what I would do with myself if I didn‘t write.  I would miss the interaction with others.  I love passing on bloggy love with my comments.  I have always practiced a lesson my mother taught me early in life to find something positive to say always.  If I don’t have something nice to say, say nothing at all she told me repeatedly.  Fortunately there is always something nice that can be said, always.  While I can never see myself as a professional writer penning best sellers, I can see me sharing my personal thoughts here and writing for writing’s sake.  One of my dear friends advised me to always write for me while others insist I must write for my audience.  I have found my friends advice is the best for all.  

      I write for me.   I write for fun.  I love the friends my writing has led me to.  It has become a blessing that has opened a new world for me until next time when I give you another glimpse into the life of a trucker’s wife.

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