WHAT'S HAPPENING TO MY MUSE?
Now that I've decided to go ahead with it, I'm quite relieved that I'm going to tackle the AtoZ Challenge again this year because I'm having one of those moments where my Blogging Muse seems to be taking a nap. Maybe she has a few of those Midlife aches and pains and feels like a little rest would do her good. Whatever her reason, she just isn't running full steam ahead at present and I'm not having to chase her to keep up - instead, I'm sitting around, twiddling my thumbs, and waiting for her to regain her momentum.HAS THE WELL RUN DRY?
So, with April looming I was running a bit on empty and wondering what I was going to do to keep myself powering ahead - usually I have so many things buzzing around in my head that it's difficult to keep track of them all - but lately.....not so much. I've been thinking that maybe I've written all there is to write - what a scary thought!I'm hoping that writing about something a little different than my usual blogging stuff might give me some refreshment and set me back on track - hopefully by the end the April Challenge my Midlife Muse will re-awaken and I'll be bursting with blogging ideas and feeling inspired for the rest of the year ahead.
CHANGING THE SCENERY
I think every blogger I know has experienced these times of dryness where you wonder whether you have anything worthwhile left to say. The advice is usually to stop and take a break - maybe take a month or so off and see what happens. I'm doing the opposite, I'll be writing almost every day and pounding my laptop keyboard until I have callouses on my fingertips. But it will be different and I really hope the change of scenery will rev my engines back up again.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
So, fingers crossed that the AtoZ Challenge lifts me up out of the dry well, wakes up the Midlife Muse, and fires me up for the months ahead. Have you ever had a time of low inspiration? Do you ever feel like maybe you've reached the end of the journey? What advice would you give me?
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This reminded me of when I was coming up with the idea of blogging, and my hubby said "are you sure you'll have enough ideas for a year?" Ha...and that was 3 years ago. I still struggle at times with ideas, but I find that it comes in spurts!! I just have to remember to write all my ideas down when they start flowing. Or ask others for ideas!!
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Jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com
You're so right Jodie - I thought I'd last 6mths and here we are more than 3yrs later and still going strong. I don't know what I'd do with myself if I stopped blogging for a month - so hopefully the AtoZ will give me time to mull things over and some new inspiration will descend.
DeleteI have been in a dry spell for a while!
ReplyDeleteThat would explain why things have been very quiet on your blog - hope your Muse gets enthused soon x
DeleteThose pesky dry spells will definitely hit. It's great to have a couple of guest posts lined up for just those occasions. In the meantime the A to Z challenge is sure to prime your pump.
ReplyDeleteI like the pump priming analogy - fits in with my dry well metaphor. I'm hoping while I'm distracted with the A to Z, a whole lot of new ideas will pour down and refill the well.
DeleteI love your gentle thoughtful pieces, and as long as you keep writing from the heart I don't think you'll ever dry up. I'm looking forward to following your A to Z challenge and oh wow, I think that's a sure way to find out if the Muse will be with you! https://lifestylefifty.com/australian-hearing
ReplyDeleteI figure if I pump out the posts over April it might wake her up a bit Jo and she'll start inspiring me in time for May - fingers crossed!
DeleteI go in circles wondering whether it matters whether I blog or not. And in the grand scheme of things, that 'big picture', it doesn't matter at all. Except it is an outlet for my writing. And that's why I do it. Heading over to read about the A to Z Challenge now. My curiosity is piqued.
ReplyDeleteI'm a bit the same Leslie - I wonder why I do it and who'll read it, then I remember that I actually just love putting my thoughts down somewhere and interacting with all those lovely people who come to visit me.
DeleteAnd YES come join the party at the A to Z - it's not too late if you can think up a topic to write on. You even have time to throw in a Theme Reveal post and link it up over the next week or so.
Crossing fingers and toes for you...and you know what? I think that I'm in on the A-Z. I'll do a books and writing theme me thinks...What better way to procrastinate over starting the next book...the one that's catchily titled Book No. 6
ReplyDeleteI'm SO glad Jo - if you write a quick intro post you still have time to link it up to the Theme reveal thread.
DeleteThere is a FB page for A to Z (https://www.facebook.com/atozchallenge/) and there'll be a daily thread to link your post to.
It's good to keep your posts fairly short - less onerous to write so many and easier for others to read.
Bring it on!! PS - Love that book title btw :)
This happens to me too. At the moment I have so many ideas and lots to say. I think it does us good to have a break from the blog OR change tack and write about something different for a while. I think the A-Z challenge will be great for you! I can't wait to read all the posts! :-) #TeamLovinLife
ReplyDeleteI'm a bit jealous of all your ideas Min - I think I'll use up a bit of my Muse writing the April posts and then see if it gave her enough of a boost to come up with something fresh for May - time will tell.
DeleteI have never done this challenge, but I feel an idea brewing!
ReplyDeleteIt's not too late to throw your hat into the ring - check out their FB site and join the party - don't forget to tell me if you decide to join the fun :)
DeleteOh yes, I totally identify with you. First I was NOT going to do the A to Z challenge. No ways I have time to tackle it. Then I got enthused on a topic and definitely HAD to learn more - and the only way I could justify that was to do the A to Z. Signed up and did the Theme Reveal. I planned to schedule all the posts a month in advance. And now I'm sitting with one post scheduled (M for goodness sake) and I'm back to the "What next?" phase. See my latest Thankful Thursday for some responses to your question! Do you ever wonder how you'll get through everything and survive? https://shirleycorder.com/thankful-thursday-week-12/
ReplyDeleteGood grief Shirley! I would be having a nervous breakdown if I only had one post finished - I'm about 2/3 of the way through mine and feeling like I'm on top of things - I just don't have any ideas for the months ahead. Hopefully your Muse will get her act together and inspire you with multiple posts before too much longer!
DeleteI know exactly how you feel. I used to have post written weeks ahead, but now I'm struggling to get one done a week. It may have something to do with having just been on a 6 week holiday and returning home to absolute chaos. Maybe my mojo will return this week with any luck. Good luck with the A-Z challenge. #eamLovinLife
ReplyDeleteI think you get into holiday mode Kathy and it takes a while to settle back into a routine - I can't use that excuse unfortunately. So, I'm hoping the AtoZ sparks something and I'll be fired up and ready to go in May!
DeleteI think we all go through these times Leanne but it’s great to hear we’re not alone. I rarely have posts written in advance so I applaud you on your A-Z for April. You have so much to offer in your posts and I always look forward to them, although like you I wonder if anyone would miss me if I didn’t post semi regularly �� keep up the great work you do. X
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how our blogs are so important to us, but would we make any dent in the interwebs if we quietly sailed off into the sunset? I'd like to think we'd all miss each other Deb - I know I'd certainly miss the interaction and discussion. I also love how blogging stimulates my mind - not sure what would replace it if I quit?
DeleteLike the weather, dry spells come and go. I just have to remember to jot things down when I think of them, or they too, like the weather, come and go. I find I get my best ideas for stories when I'm visiting (my favourite thing to do!) with family or friends. Stories from the past just seem to pop up out of the nowhere!
ReplyDeleteI think you're right about dry spells Diane - I'm hoping that the rain will come while I'm distracted throughout April and it will be all green and fertile when I start afresh in May - fingers crossed!
DeleteI did the A to Z a couple years ago and it really helped get the thoughts flowing again. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThat's what I'm hoping for too Kimberley - it tends to introduce me to new blogs and new ideas and takes me off my usual beaten path - all good things.
DeleteMaybe write about what you want and figure out how to assign the letter to it. For instance, if you want to write about cupcakes, but the letter is "f", mention something about frosting. Does that make any sense?
ReplyDeleteI'm all set to go with the AtoZ Laurie - it's what comes afterwards that is making me wonder. I have all of April for the Muse to wake up so here's hoping :)
DeleteI've been a bit in the doldrums but, from the first I thought of my A to Z theme, I am thinking about those posts. It's not totally a departure from my regular blogging but I hope it gives me a little shot of energy. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteMy theme sits well with my usual posts and I'm hoping it will give me food for thought and things to write about after it's all finished Alana - I'm hoping for that little shot of energy too.
DeleteHi, Leanne- I bet that your muse has not gone far and is simply resting up for the A to Z Challenge! I look forward to seeing you there.
ReplyDeleteWe're going to rock the Challenge Donna - I'm really pleased that several bloggers I'm friends with are doing it - we can cheer each other on and spur each other to the finishing line :)
DeleteHi Leanne - a dry spell is hard - but I'd say instead of thinking about it - do other things you love. The ideas will come back to you and know that we, your readers, love reading your thoughts. I'm looking forward to your A to Z posts and, foolishly, have decided to take part in the Challenge again this year.
ReplyDeleteYou had a last minute change of heart Kalpanaa - the Challenge does that to us doesn't it? I'm glad you'll be joining in the fun and we can all visit each other throughout April - and hopefully it will wake up my Muse!
DeleteI run dry on a regular basis. I write my posts right before publishing so I never have anything in reserve. I find by reading other blogs and living life something always comes up to write about. Good luck on your challenge.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't not have a few posts up and scheduled Victoria - the stress of wiritng just before publishing would kill me! You are amazing if that's how you regularly write!
DeleteOh yes I can so relate. I usually take a break when I'm feeling at a loss for words or feel stale or said everything that needs to be said. And usually I find my voice reappears. It might start via lengthy facebook updates or instagram blitherings and then I need to get words out.
ReplyDeleteHaving said all of that I do wonder if there comes a time when you need to move on and I'm very much in that frame of mind at the moment. xx
I'm feeling a little bit the same way Deb - my blog has become such a big part of me but I wonder whether all good things eventually come to an end? I'm hoping inspiration seizes me by the throat before too long and I'm back to hammering away on the keyboard again.
DeleteThis is something that happens to me regularly Leanne. I think it's because my blog isn't my main focus - I run a full-time business, plus work a part-time job, chase two teenagers and then run a blog ... Like Deb, I've contemplated whether it's time for move on or persevere :) #TeamLovinLife
ReplyDeleteI am always gobsmacked by people who work fulltime and manage to blog as well - to do all the extra stuff you have on your plate and still put out regular posts just blows me away. I feel like my blog is good for filling my leisure time - and I have a LOT more of it than you do! We'll see how the next month or so pans out.
DeleteI go through stages Leanne, sometimes I have too many ideas and then none at all. It also depends on my mood. I'm so pleased you encouraged me to join AtoZ because it is a good focus. I've also found that having my focus this year as Thrive has helped but sometimes it just all feels a bit too hard doesn't it? You aren't alone and I always enjoy reading your thoughts. xx
ReplyDeleteThanks also Leanne for linking up to #BloggersPitStop. I love the image in this post BTW. xx
DeleteI'm thrilled that you are AtoZ-ing too Sue - and so are quite a few other bloggers that we know - it should be quite a party for us over April - and hopefully it will refuel my Muse and I'll be ready to write again in May - fingers crossed!
DeleteHi Leanne,
ReplyDeleteI've known of you for some time, but am just now getting to exploring your site for the A-Z blogging challenge. I look forward to reading your posts during the challenge and beyond.
I blog at https://profoundjourney.com. We have lots of similar interests. My theme for the challenge is Snack-Sized Wow Notes for Women Midlife and Beyond. Like you, I reply to every comment. I think that matters.
It's a great idea to battle the temporary departure of your muse by pushing on and writing 'as if' - as if you had a million ideas again and couldn't stop your fingers from pounding those keys. Have a terrific challenge.
It's lovely that you've stopped by to comment Karen - and your AtoZ theme sounds really interesting. I'm popping over to your blog to catch up with you and to bookmark it for the posts I want to read during the Challenge. Fun times ahead!
DeleteI did the A to Z Challenge a few years back and really enjoyed doing it. I also did it when I was feeling a little bit sluggish in the blogging arena. I'm happy to say that it showed me that I do have things to say and that finding content is quite easy, once I was motivated to do so! Looming deadlines seem to be very motivated!
ReplyDeleteYup I go through this at times too Leanne. Much prefer the times when my head is full of ideas and I'm bursting to get them out on to paper (or the computer)!
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