Just Do It

/ Ann Coleman

I’ve loved writing for as long as I can remember.  It was my favorite class in elementary school, and  by the time I reached college I just had to major in English, never mind the fact that jobs for English majors were few and far between.  I remember sitting at my father’s desk as a child, happily typing my stories even though I knew no one but me was ever going to read them.  The joy was in creating the story, and readers were just the icing on the cake.

To this day, I find it much easier to express myself in the written word than by actually speaking.  In fact, when I do have to talk, I often find myself a bit tongue-tied and nervous, searching desperately for the right words.  The result is not pretty, and I rarely manage to get my point across in any meaningful way.  Hours later, when I replay the scene in my head, I think, “I should have said this.  Or I wish I had said that.”  But in the heat of the moment, the words I wanted so desperately just didn’t appear.

So on those rare occasions when I find it difficult to write, I don’t quite know how to handle it.  When it’s time for another blog post, I sit at the computer and try to concentrate on just exactly what I want to say.  Usually, it takes no more than five minutes for me to come up with a topic, and get started.  Admittedly, these days it takes an additional ten minutes or so to remember how to work Word Press’ new Block Editor so that I can actually type my post, but that’s a minor inconvenience that I’ve managed to solve……so far.  Still, once I get going, the writing flows and I usually feel satisfied with the result by the time I hit the “publish” button.

But then there are the days when that doesn’t happen.  The days when I know it’s time for another blog post, but no topic comes to mind that I think anyone could possibly find interesting.   There are times when I honestly feel that I have nothing of value to share, no new insights to offer, and no spiffy phrases that will entertain.  Those are the times when I type a first sentence, read it, and delete it over and over again, and when I begin to think that maybe six years is a long enough run for my blog, and maybe it’s time to call it a day and do something more useful with my time….you know, like learning Latin or reorganizing my junk drawer.

But the thing is, once I give myself permission to step back a bit, and maybe not write if I really don’t feel like it, my attitude begins to change.  Just subtly at first, as I type out a few rough drafts whose quality makes me eternally grateful for the “delete” button.  Yet I persevere, because I know that if I just go through the motions enough times, I’ll find my groove again.  And I’ll rediscover the joy of writing, of communicating my thoughts and feelings in a way that I hope others will relate to and find helpful, and that I’ll once again find the courage to not only string together a whole bunch of words in a way that finally feels right, but that I’ll manage to hit that “publish” button when I’m done.  Because when all is said and done, what writers do is write.  And half the battle is just doing it.

116 thoughts on “Just Do It”

  1. This was just what I needed to hear today!! I had an interview and did my best but I didn’t walk away with that “I nailed it feeling.” Thanks for sharing! 😃

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    • Sometimes we don’t get that feeling, Krissy! But the important thing is that you showed up and did it. I remember once when I was quite sure I’d blown a job interview. And not only did they offer me the job, but they actually offered more money when I hesitated to accept!

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  2. I think we all experience that same moment when we think that there is nothing left to say or that there is nothing original left to express…. But then we find that we do have words that are aching to be written. Glad to know I’m not alone!

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    • You are not alone! I think all writers feel this way at one time or another, and during the pandemic (I mean, what’s left to say about that which hasn’t already been said?) it’s even worse. But if we sit down and start typing, eventually our words will come!

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  3. I always enjoy reading your posts, Ann. The joy you get from writing comes through to your reader. And I can relate to your description of those days when everything flows magnificently, and those other days when getting it down is like cracking open a coconut with bare hands.

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    • Yep, that’s part of writing. Sometimes it’s easy, and other days it’s a struggle. But the joy is in the writing, and I can tell that from your posts too. Honestly, I think that’s the definition of a write: someone who just HAS to write, one way or another. For some it’s blogging, for others, it’s writing a book, or in a journal, or a magazine article. There’s so much variety, but it’s all about the writing!

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  4. Ann when you are creating a new post, look at the top where it says new. you can select classic post still. i can’t figure out the new format either. Love your posts.

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  5. Wow, Ann, your post was so relevant for me. I’ve pretty much laid off of blogging – except when something eventful pops up. I miss the feeling I used to have about writing. It was so intimate and a huge release for me. I was giddy!
    Last week, it was the 11th anniversary of my blog. I felt a bit of sadness that I’m not as connected to my blog. But I will always have the memories of my journey logged within those posts. And who knows? When the writing bug hits (and sometimes it does), I feel so blessed that I have the space to share my heart. Pressure hasn’t made me more productive – so I’ve let that go.
    I appreciate my blogging friends and I enjoy your writing. Somehow, you found a great topic with your post today!
    And here’s a tip on the WordPress changes. I like it the way it used to me. So at the very bottom on the left side you have to go to “WP Admin.” Once you’re there, you can go to all your posts to edit things in classic editor. For a new post, I just copy an old post – save it with the new name. Then I reopen it through WP Admin. It’s a bit unwieldy, but it works!

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    • Thanks for that tip! All I’ve managed to do so far is use the “classic” block, I think, which is a little similar to what I had before, not as easy or good. I’ll try that!
      Also, congrats on 11 years of blogging! I think you are wise to write when you feel like it, and not write when you don’t. Our blogs do allow us a space to share our writing with others, and that’s a gift. But after a few years, sometimes we just don’t feel as motivated to do it, and then it can become a chore. So we do have to ask ourselves if we really want to blog or not now and then. So far, my answer has always been “yes” but that can be different for different people. And even during the times we choose not to write, we enjoy reading other blogs and the connection we have with our blogging community. I’m glad you’re part of mine!!!

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    • There is an easy way to start a new post in Classic Editor. Go to WP Admin. Then hover over Posts and click on All Posts from the menu that appears. Then, at the top of the screen, where it says ‘Posts’ it also says ‘Add New’. Click on the down arrow next to ‘Add New’ and choose Classic Editor.

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  6. I have a problem with verbal diarrhea, so I try to hold my posts back and blog less but the ideas/poems keep rolling out … I also still use Classic editor!

    You and Miriam always have thoughtful post layouts on a regular basis, I should watch and learn 🙂

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  7. I can deeply relate to your variant abilities of speaking and writing. Often, when I am speaking, there is a gushing of ideas that I just manner to turn into sounds. But I am a totally different person while writing. At times when I sit down to do that, which is getting rarer and rarer as I get grizzlier and grizzlier, the idea presents itself to me in a lone thread that I go on weaving like a crazy spider into specific geometrical patterns, aware fully of the end result. It all makes me deeply believe in the expression of that venerable deity of writing, Hemingway: For a long time now I have tried simply to write the best I can. Sometimes I have good luck and write better than I can.”

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    • I’ve never read that quote, but I love it! And I think it describes the writing life very well. Sometimes we do get lucky, don’t we? I also like the way you describe a writer weaving the thread of an idea through an intricate web that is the finished product. Sometimes hanging onto that idea while we’re writing is hard, at least for me, and I find I get sidetracked. But when it does work, it is satisfying!

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    • Thanks, Lorie! And trust me, you hit “spiffy” a whole lot. But I did want to let you know that I’m still not able to comment on your posts. I’ve tried the last three times or so, and I can type the comment, but when I hit “post comment” I get a “unable to connect to server” notice. Still, I’m enjoying your blog even if I can’t comment!

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  9. Amen. That’s exactly what writers do. I tell my writing students that the difference between someone who says they are going to write a book someday and those that actually do it is simply putting your butt in the chair and doing it. You can’t wait for an invitation or inspiration, you just do it.

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    • That’s great advice! Sometimes, we just don’t feel like writing. But if we have a deadline (even a self-imposed one, like I do), then we have to write anyway. And once I actually get started and get past the first hurdle, I’m always glad that I did!

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    • It certainly does! And I try to remember that old saying, “easy writing makes for hard reading,” or something like that. Basically, it means if we’re going to come up with something worth while, we do have to put in the effort.

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  11. You need to listen to your brain and body and the what they’re telling you. Taking a pause isn’t a bad thing, it’s just a pause. Writers write…that doesn’t mean they’re always a fountain of words…sometimes the words, ideas and phrases are stuck. But we do our best, and put what we can on a page

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    • Thanks! I’ve learned to do that, finally. Because sometimes I’m just too distracted by something to be able to focus on writing, and that’s okay. As long as I don’t stay away so long that I don’t come back, which is why I do make myself sit down and write something eventually. It’s a matter of balance, I think.

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  12. Thanks to a friend’s advice, I’ve been trying to do only what I feel like doing and only for as long as I feel like doing it. Some days I despair of ever getting anything done, but then a day or two later I’ll effortlessly complete several long put off tasks in a day.

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    • I think your friend’s advice is good. Lately, I’ve definitely had days when I just needed to take a break from everything, and I’ve learned to go ahead and do just that. Like you, it gives me much more energy after the break, and I can get so much done!

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    • Your blog is focused on your garden, and your words and photos show that off very well! My blog is more about writing, so that’s where my focus is. But the variety of blogs is what makes them so very interesting!

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  14. I have the same problem. I also struggle with communicating effectively when having a conversation. Searching for the right word often prevents me from expressing my thoughts and feelings. How different it is when I sit down to write a post, a letter or a story! I often write a draft first on paper. Words seem to flow more naturally that way. We all have to face the writer’s block. As you said, the best solution is to keep writing. Greetings from the Arrow Lakes!

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    • Thanks, Peter! I hope the temps in Arrow Lakes continue to rise, at least just a little bit. But I do think that most writers are probably like us, they find the written word comes so much more naturally to them than the spoken word. I used to write all my drafts on paper, too, but eventually became more comfortable with using the computer. But I think whatever feels right is how we should do it!

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    • Yes, I think most of us are at the end of our ropes, one way or another. If not from the virus, then from the reaction to the virus. In the future, I’m hoping we figure out another way to respond to a pandemic other than months of isolation and lock downs, because that’s so very bad for our mental and emotional health. As for the economic effects, only time will tell, but I have a feeling that the future will be challenging for a while. Still, I know I’m fortunate because I didn’t lose a loved one to this disease.

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  16. This is so true, Ann.
    Once upon a time, I suffered from what would later come to be known as social anxiety disorder. It was awful, excepting for those times when I was called upon to read aloud for the class something I wrote. For some reason, I was fine with this. The writing, it anchored me to something.

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    • I’m so glad you had an anchor, and that you realized what it was. That’s the key to dealing with any kind of anxiety, I think. The problem is, sometimes we have no idea what that anchor could be, and so the struggle continues far too long.

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  18. I always enjoy your posts. Always.
    And I get this way too, sometimes, when I show up to the page/screen, and all I feel is “meh.” And once I stop pushing myself around, go for a walk, go brush my hair, Meh can turn to Maybe the next time I sit down.
    Cuz that’s how we roll…❤🥰

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    • That’s exactly it! I was feeling nothing but “meh” all afternoon, and then my husband suggested we go to dinner at a restaurant that had a heated, but open air, patio. Privately, I thought it was a bit cold for that, but went along with it anyway. I’m so glad I did, because when I came home I found it very easy to write the post…it may have been about writing struggles, but hey, at least it was a post and it was honest!

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  19. I enjoy reading what you write here. I understand how some days it takes more effort than other days to hit that publish button. I admire your ability to know yourself and what you need to keep going but like you find that spoken words often elude me. Right when I need them. Words can be elusive little devils.

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    • They sure can! And it’s only gotten worse as I’ve aged. A couple of years ago, I was talking to a friend who is my age, and neither of us could think of the word for “kennel”….as in a place where dogs are bred and raised. Honestly, after searching for the right word for several minutes, the best either of us could come up was “dog farm.” I still laugh about that!

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  20. I think Little Ann and Little Debbie would’ve gotten along famously! I, too, always loved writing, and if an apology was in order to one of my family members, I always left a note rather than speaking those “I’m sorry” words out loud.

    You know, sometimes I wish I had the time or the wherewithal to post every single day. I have blogging friends who do and they tell me it’s important to “prime the pump” regularly. But everybody’s circumstances are different. Lately, I’ve fretted over the time it takes to read and comment on others’ blogs, often to the detriment of writing for my own! Still, the blogging community as a whole is most kind and forgiving, and if you need to take a break now and then, you’ll be welcomed back warmly upon your return.

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    • I know daily bloggers too, and have also heard the advice that you must post daily. But I think it’s more a case of “to each his/her own” and we have to figure out what works for us. I honestly don’t have the time to write a post (and then answer the comments) every single day, so I don’t. Once a week or so works best for me. As for reading and commenting on all the blogs I follow, I just do the best I can, and trust the other bloggers to understand. I know I don’t get offended if someone doesn’t “like” or comment on all my posts. We all have lives beyond our blogging activities, and that’s just fine!

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      • I follow a lot of bloggers. If they all (or even many of them) posted everyday, I’d have to unfollow most of them just to keep my sanity. I also find that most of the bloggers who post a lot just write a bunch of words of little interest (to me). I love how you write interesting posts but only when you want to. Once a week, once a month… I’ll always be happy to see a new post of yours show up in my inbox.

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        • Thanks so much, Janis! And yes, some of the bloggers I follow also post daily, and I can’t always keep up with those posts, because some days are just too hectic for me to sit down at my computer. Please know that I always enjoy your posts, too! I don’t actually remember how I found your blog, but I do know that I immediately hit the “follow” button.

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  21. You know how much I love your blog! It does not seem to matter what topic you write about, I always feel caught up in the story. You were smart to write those stories as a child; you found your gift early, and I am so glad that you share it with us!

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    • Thanks so much, Linda! I always enjoy your blog too, although it still doesn’t come up in my emails, and I can’t seem to fix that. So sometimes I’m a little late to read and comment on one of your posts, and I’m sorry about that.
      But your gift for writing is evident, as is your gift for affirming and encouraging others. In an age where the current trend seems to be to try to “knock others down a peg or two,” it is refreshing to read someone’s comments that are consistently positive and understanding. I’m grateful for the comments you leave on my blog, and I am very impressed by the comments I’ve seen you leave on other people’s too. You really do make a positive impact on others!

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      • Thank you Ann! In these times of upheaval that we have been through, trying to stay positive has been a task for us all! But, I believe that as we each have lifted one another up, so much good has come from that. I have found in the blogging world, that I often read a post that I so much needed to read. It happens fairly often! It might be a poem or an encouraging word…sometimes, even a photo. I am sorry that following my blog is a little bit of a snafu, but I am so glad you keep reading anyway! 🙂

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        • Please don’t apologize, it’s just some tech glitch that no one can control! But I agree on both counts. I think in times like these, the more people we can uplift, the better. And personally, I find that helping others also helps my mood, because I feel as if I’m doing something worthwhile rather than just complaining. Also, I can’t tell you how many times a post, or even a comment on a post, has been just what I needed to hear (read) at that very time. I think that’s just another example of how we all help each other, sometimes without even knowing it!

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  22. I needed to read this. I’ve been struggling to sit down and write too. I find myself questioning my own purpose – What’s the point? Who even cares? Am I just complaining? That last question is a frequent one. It takes a lot of energy to write something personal and throw it out into the void of the internet not knowing if anyone will read it or anyone will care especially when it comes to something as meta as writing about writing (which I’ve done as well). In this case though, it looks like many have read it and we care deeply. 💛

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    • I think one of the bravest things a writer can do is to hit that “publish” button, and send their work out into cyber space. But I’ve read your posts, and I’m glad that you blog, because you’re good. It takes a long time to build up a blog’s readership, but you’re doing it the right way: reading and commenting on other blogs you enjoy, writing quality posts, and just keeping at it. All of us feel “what’s the point?” now and then, but if what we write speaks even to one person, then sharing it is worth it!

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  24. I really like this post. Just in time.

    I am not good with words and so I postpone “writing ” all the time but recently I found out that I am not keen on creating a post even with photographs. Either I am too tired or I lack inspiration.

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  25. Your post was just the inspiration I needed. Thank you for sharing your frustrations and solutions on writing. Yes, I guess we just need to keep on keeping on, and you gave me good advice on how to do it. And thanks for the info about Block Editor. I’m such a klutz about web design; I need all the help I can get.
    Keep writing; I’ll keep reading!
    Kate

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    • Thank you Kate! If you get a chance, scroll up through comments because there are several good tips in there on how to use the classic editor, which many of us find much easier to use for writing our posts. Web design is something I struggle with too, and one of the main reasons I haven’t changed mine for years. I look forward to checking out your blog!

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  26. Well you’re probably going to hate reading this, but I have written blog posts through next fall! I’ll see a recipe, or have a food memory, and off I go. But then, yours isn’t a food blog, and food is the only thing I can write about!

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    • I don’t mind reading that at all! I think it’s great that you have so many posts already planned and written. We each have our own way of blogging….and besides, knowing that means I’m guaranteed access to many more great recipes!

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      • Aww, that’s sweet! Thanks. I remember when I told my sister I wanted to be a food writer and she told me it wouldn’t happen, so I made some attempts, and got published. For heaven’s sakes – it’s writing about food! It’s not a novel!

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  27. …and we’re all the better for your words ❤

    Also, guess what I found? I found (by accident) how to see how many words you have. There's an "i" in a little circle at the top left of when you're writing the post. It will show you character and word count!

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  28. Have you read the book “Mr. Penumbra’s 24 Hour Book Store”? I won’t spoil the story, but for me it was the introduction to the idea of a ‘Codex Vitae’ which I interpret as capturing all you are learning throughout life. To you, perhaps “communicating my thoughts and feelings in a way that I hope others will relate to and find helpful.” So, for many, a blog is where it gets captured.

    My writing usually has to start with a photo because that is how I capture the world around me first!

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    • I haven’t heard of that book, but I’ll look it up. It sounds very interesting….thanks! And I think it’s also interesting that you start your posts with the photo. I love photos, but am not very good at photography, so I approach it from the opposite angle. I write my posts, and then see if I have an appropriate photo to go with them. Sometimes I don’t, which is why not all my posts have photos. Isn’t it fun how differently we all approach blogging?

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  29. I cannot imagine waking up and thinking, Ann’s not writing anymore. I guess I need my regular dose of enlightenment, commonsense solutions and fits of giggles.

    Daily blogging isn’t for me either. My Lenten reflections are the exception – and only because I think God asks that of me. It takes so much to be out there in the world and yet cut out all the unnecessary noise so that I hear not my foghorn-loud opinions but the still, small voice of my Lord.

    I’m also glad you shared about that nice dinner outing you had. It really makes a difference, doesn’t it, to go into another world for just a few minutes or hours? On a bigger note, you probably just ‘gave’ someone ‘permission’ to step away and to take a break. We all know we need a break from time to time but many of us often forget.

    That’s just one example of why you should never stop blogging.

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    • Thank you for that incredibly encouraging comment! I do think that sometimes we just need to take a break, and just let our creative batteries recharge, as they say. Other times, we need to push ourselves to do something whether we want to or not, and I think your Lenten posts are a good example of that. I know posting daily is not something you usually do, but it is a great practice for Lent, for all the reasons you stated. And I can tell from your posts that your heart is getting lighter as you go along. Your daily Lenten postings are a spiritual practice for you. They are also a gift to the rest of us….and they most certainly are for me!

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  31. Hi Ann – you write beautifully and it comes across so naturally. I understand the blocks. Sometimes I’m really excited to write a blog post about a book I’ve just finished and the words just flow right out. Other times, it takes me hours to get it going, and even then, I often have to put it away until the next day. I think what you say about stepping back and letting the ideas return naturally is a great way to persevere.

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  33. It is such an astonishing sensation when words flow freely onto the page, unobstructed and without over-thinking. When I first started blogging, I read that becoming a travel writer was easy. All I had to do was travel and write. Of course, it is not that easy, but still makes a lot of sense. Just do it!

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    • Yes, few things are better than when the words flow freely, almost as if we’re just “channeling” them. But most time, we have to put in a bit of effort into our writing before we’re satisfied that we’re communicating exactly what we want to. My guess is that whoever told you being a travel writer was going to be easy wasn’t a writer! But I love your blog, so please just keep at it. We’ll be traveling again one day for sure.

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  34. First, a technical tip. In WordPress, when you pick your first block, you can just choose classic. Then everything is just as it was before they added all the new bits. Saves me a bunch of time and frustration.

    Other than that, just do it can take you a long way. It won’t work all the time (nothing ever does), but it’ll work a lot better than thinking up reasons why you can’t! Great post. : )

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    • Thanks! I’ve read different ways to do that, but picking the “classic block” is what I’ve been doing so far. It’s not exactly the same as before (and for some reason, my font is now much smaller), but it works. The first few times I tried it, though, I kept managing to start other blocks as well, and that was really frustrating. But now I’ve figured out (mostly) how to stay in the classic block. Honestly, I’ve yet to figure out just what blocks have to do with writing, but apparently Word Press thinks they’re important!

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      • Everybody’s got to constantly update everything. Mostly, it’s just a pain. I think it’s just people trying for some kind of job security. If nothing else, staff will be needed to address the problems they just created. 🙂

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      • I can’t seem to add a comment of my own, so I’ll have to piggy back on someone else’s (I hope that’s okay). I was afraid of the Block Editor and put off using it as long as I could. Then, I finally tried it and wondered what I had been afraid of. You have a fairly clean layout like I do so it shouldn’t be too complicated for you. I have always written my posts in Word, then copy and pasted them into WordPress so maybe that’s the difference. Anyway, it worked pretty much the same and it was easy to add photos in between the paragraphs if I wanted to. I’ve had a few issues but I’ve also discovered a few cool new tools that are now available. Anyway, don’t give up!

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        • I’m sorry to hear that my blog won’t let you comment, Janis! And of course it’s okay to add to someone else’s comment. I think something is going on with WordPress, because sometimes I have trouble “liking” other people’s comments on my blog too. Hopefully it will work out soon.
          And thanks for telling me that you managed to use the block editor well. I tried the first time, but couldn’t figure it out. My guess is if I played with it long enough, I’d probably catch on. For now, I’ll stick with using the classic version within the block editor, but someday…..who knows?

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  36. I nodded along throughout most of this post, Ann. I was more a reader than a writer when young, but I know the feeling that “I could have said better” always manifesting after the event. I’m also not the type of person to unburden my feelings verbally – I do it through writing.
    And that damned new editor is not fun.

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    • I think some of us just have a harder time finding the right words when it comes to talking to others, especially if it’s during an emotional time. All we can do is our best! And yeah, I’m not a fan of block editor at all. But thankfully, there are ways to cling to the classic, at least for now. There are some good tips from others on this post if your interested!

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  37. I’m a fellow “rehasher.” When I speak in public or with individuals, I rehash what I say over and over. I try not to, but I can’t help myself. Please don’t stop writing your blog. I am always late to the party, but I sincerely enjoy your posts every time. They are very relatable and well written. I’m so glad you persevere, Ann. Take care! ❤

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    • Thank you, Brenda! For now, I will continue for sure. I know they’ll always be days when I don’t feel much like writing, and don’t feel as if I have anything worth sharing, but I think those are the times when I just need to take a break rather than quit altogether. I hope you never stop blogging either, because I’d miss your stories!

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      • You’re very kind! Taking a break is better especially during these times when (at least for me) I often feel like the day progresses in slow motion, my mind a little dulled. It’ll pass, I’m sure. I hope you don’t mind me asking, but has your mom gotten her vaccine yet? My dad got his second one last week and that was such a relief.

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        • Yes, she did, thanks for asking! It is a huge relief, because of her age and the fact that she needs to be able to live a more normal life. This pandemic has dragged on far too long! I’m glad that your dad was able to get his too!

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  38. My ways are not your ways, but that’s fine. We all have different approaches to this little endeavor! I will pass on something I came across the very first year I was blogging. A young Danish woman had as her blog’s tagline, “If I don’t have anything to say, I won’t say it.” Bingo! Sometimes she’d post five days in a row, and sometimes she’d go a couple of weeks. It depended on what she had to say.

    Something else that’s kept me sane is deciding in the very beginning that I was going to write what I wanted to write, without any regard at all for writing “for” some imagined audience. I intended to use my blog to learn how to write, and if someone else showed up, that would be great. I went about three years with very few comments; ten was an unusually good response. Over time, I’ve roamed through a whole assortment of topics, and a few more have joined me, and it’s great fun. In the end, that’s how it should be: fun. This isn’t a class assignment, and we’re not going to be graded! It’s just a chance to explore ourselves, our views, and what piques our curiosity about the world. What could be better?

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    • Exactly! I started blogging as a creative outlet, because I like to write. I wasn’t worried about attracting a huge audience as much as I wanted to simply write the best posts I could. Sometimes I do let myself get sucked into the whole “stats” thing, but then common sense kicks in. I just have to remember reading a post once on a very popular blog that simply said, “Dear birth mother: I still hate you.” And that post got almost 10,000 likes! I saw that and realized the insignificance of stats then and there.

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  40. Yeah! 😀 I’m so glad you pressed that ‘publish’ button! You give voice to many of the emotions of us ‘longtimers’ here on WP. There have been times I’ve wondered quite what I was doing but gave myself permission and time to step back when I wavered in my commitment, when other life events took over. And I realised everyone does the same! Yes, writers write and my writing has improved as a result and more importantly I value the friendships made through blogging so much and can’t imagine what I did before!😀 Blimey, I am in awe how you can just sit down and think of a blog topic, and laughing how it take an extra ten minutes with the new Editor. At least I figured that one out a while ago but still give a lot of time and thought to posts and photos! Lovely to read your astute and candid reflections, Ann.

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    • Thanks so much, Anika! I think all of us bloggers have our moments of doubt, and our “blocked” times, which is simply a result of trying to write. Sometimes we have to push on and do it anyway, and other times we need to give ourselves permission to step back a little bit. I’m getting better at the balance as I go along. And hey, I’m in awe of you and your writing skill! Getting published is a huge accomplishment!

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  41. I am so glad I found this blog. Still finding my way around this community and who to follow. Somebody once told me to write 500 words a day, no matter what else happens. So I do that and sometimes I get pretty cross about being forced to write all these words. But because I know that nobody else is going to read them it can be fun. If I manage to write fast, without thinking much, there are usually a few sentences that I like later on.

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    • Welcome to the blog world! And please don’t think you have to write 500 words a day in order to be a successful blogger. Blogging is supposed to be fun, so just write in a way that feels natural to you. Follow blogs similar to yours, and your readership will grow. Best of luck!

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  42. Lots of wisdom in your post, Ann. I think a lot of us probably experience the same… that the satisfying words aren’t always there, and by allowing them to be less than perfect, we shake the clog loose that prevents them from showing up. I write crappy stuff all the time, but usually that’s just part of getting into the groove.

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    • I think all of us write crappy stuff from time to time! Sometimes that’s how I get started blogging: I write a few paragraphs, read them over and immediately hit “delete.” But that is what it takes to help me focus on what I really want to say, and how. Thanks for your comment, and I apologize for my slow response. Somehow your comment (and Terre’s) slipped through the cracks and I didn’t notice them!

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  43. Ahhhhh . . . you like to write . . . that helps me understand why/how you do it so well. I have a self-imposed posting schedule and I used to give myself fits trying to stick to it . . . . lately, I’ve let it go. If I have something to say on one of my posting days, great (and keep in mind my “somethings” are loosely translated) if I don’t, I don’t stress about it. I am so impressed that you are using the alternative editor. I still use the classic. I type a letter in the title then save it then when I go to “all posts” it gives me the option to use the classic editor. I don’t have time for the blocks. I just got an anniversary notice from WordPress . . . 12 years.

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    • I think I’m using the classic with the block system? But honestly, I’m not quite sure. Some of it is the same and some of it is different, but I keep trying. And I’d say that blogging for 12 years is a huge accomplishment! Congrats!!!!

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  44. You sound just like me! I often have times when I feel I have nothing to say, when I feel like my travel tales are simply that and people are tired of reading the same things. But then a spark is lit and, like you said, when we start the words just flow. So glad you’re still writing after all these years Ann, I’ve always loved your posts. I guess writing is a bit like life, and about the ups and downs. And so we kept going. Enjoy!!!

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    • I think all of us think we don’t have anything to offer from time to time, which is so sad, because our own, unique voice is exactly the best thing we do have to offer! I love your travel posts, and not just because I learn so much about your country, but they also inspire me to get out and appreciate my own surroundings more. So we do keep going, offering our best for others to read, or not, as they choose. But the important thing is that we keep offering it!

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