This was honestly so relieving and inspiring to read. Though writer's block feels like the worst, I think it's almost like a way of your brain saying to take a creative break and do something else to jumpstart the creative flow again. I find that even illustrating or journaling helps. Something that comes easier where it's not a specific topic, just letting my mind go. I also like your point about not adding to something mainstream if it's already been said. I look forward to whenever you create that article. It also brings the question of whenever I see Youtube videos of people talking about the same topic: Is it unnecessary for them to all talk about the same thing, or do they all have their own way or a different approach or perspective to bring to the table? So glad to see you on Substack, didn't realize it until I decided to give your page a visit today! Keep up the great work and I hope you're enjoying your new baby!
Hi Lauren! Writer's block is a killer. If you like to illustrate or journal, you should check out the work of Austin Kleon (he also has a Substack, but his blog, https://austinkleon.com/, has a lot more of his specific journaling practices).
I spent my early career basically rewriting other people's stories for sports blogs. I remember when the news broke that David Beckham was signing with a professional soccer club in France, my editor at a soccer blog called and asked if I could have a story done within the hour. What's funny is that I didn't have anything to say that wasn't already all over the internet. As a journalist, if you're not the person with the access, sometimes it's better to stay quiet. But I do think there is room for commentators and essayists. On YouTube, where I spend a lot of time watching film essays, you'll find that Like Stories of Old, Lessons from the Screenplay, Thomas Flight, Nerdwriter, will often talk about the same subject. But they come at it from their own expertise and niches.
If you want to say something someone else is already saying, look for what's missing. What are you especially equipped to offer. So...for example, I wanted to be a soccer writer for a long time. I have nothing to say that much more famous writers with access aren't already saying. But, I had an opportunity to carve out a niche covering Lady Vols soccer for a time, and I did. I'm doing the same now with One Knoxville SC.
So glad to hear from you. Whatever you're up to, keep going!
This was honestly so relieving and inspiring to read. Though writer's block feels like the worst, I think it's almost like a way of your brain saying to take a creative break and do something else to jumpstart the creative flow again. I find that even illustrating or journaling helps. Something that comes easier where it's not a specific topic, just letting my mind go. I also like your point about not adding to something mainstream if it's already been said. I look forward to whenever you create that article. It also brings the question of whenever I see Youtube videos of people talking about the same topic: Is it unnecessary for them to all talk about the same thing, or do they all have their own way or a different approach or perspective to bring to the table? So glad to see you on Substack, didn't realize it until I decided to give your page a visit today! Keep up the great work and I hope you're enjoying your new baby!
Hi Lauren! Writer's block is a killer. If you like to illustrate or journal, you should check out the work of Austin Kleon (he also has a Substack, but his blog, https://austinkleon.com/, has a lot more of his specific journaling practices).
I spent my early career basically rewriting other people's stories for sports blogs. I remember when the news broke that David Beckham was signing with a professional soccer club in France, my editor at a soccer blog called and asked if I could have a story done within the hour. What's funny is that I didn't have anything to say that wasn't already all over the internet. As a journalist, if you're not the person with the access, sometimes it's better to stay quiet. But I do think there is room for commentators and essayists. On YouTube, where I spend a lot of time watching film essays, you'll find that Like Stories of Old, Lessons from the Screenplay, Thomas Flight, Nerdwriter, will often talk about the same subject. But they come at it from their own expertise and niches.
If you want to say something someone else is already saying, look for what's missing. What are you especially equipped to offer. So...for example, I wanted to be a soccer writer for a long time. I have nothing to say that much more famous writers with access aren't already saying. But, I had an opportunity to carve out a niche covering Lady Vols soccer for a time, and I did. I'm doing the same now with One Knoxville SC.
So glad to hear from you. Whatever you're up to, keep going!