By now you should all know that I will be speaking at the BlogPaws Conference in Nashville at the end of this month. My topic is Engaging Your Reader.
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I was a little nervous when I heard they were opening sessions for people to sign up. What if no-one signed up for me? But I’m happy to report, my session is full. For those of you who get into my session, don’t worry. I’m at conference from Thursday until Monday morning, if you see me there, grab me chat me up. If you aren’t attending, don’t worry, I’ll be writing a post recapping my topic.
Last Thursday to give peeps a little taste of my topic, I participated in a Google Hangout with Jessica Willams from You Did What With Your Wiener (who will be doing one on one sessions about increasing your Facebook interactions) and Carol Byrant, Marketing Manager of BlogPaws and blogger at Fidose of Reality.
You can watch the chat here or you can go directly to Youtube. (Honestly, could that picture be any more unflattering?)
I’m telling you up front, I fidgeted a lot and had a real problem keeping my eyes looking at the camera on my computer. I kept looking at Carol and Jessica on the bottom part of my screen. And I think I got off track once, but Carol was all cool about it. After the chat Jessica and I hung out a bit and answered a couple of questions.
One of the things Carol and I talked about was what to do when you experience writer’s block.
There are a number of things I do when the words just won’t come.
- I have a bunch of posts in draft form in my dashboard. I go through those and look to see if something catches my eye, (although some of them are outdated now).
- I will also flip through pictures in my computer and see if any of them inspire me come up with a post.
- I am also sometimes inspired by some of your blog posts, or one of your posts reminds me of a story and I’ll jot some ideas down.
These are some of the ideas I use when I’m at a loss for words, what methods do you use when the words just won’t come?
And just because who the hell wants to see my picture on the blog, here is a cute picture of my puppy on his solo walk this past weekend.
If you’re happy and you know it, lift your paw.
&
I don’t worry about it “when the words just won’t come”. After a lifetime of having to write book reports in school and then reports about customer service issues at my various jobs; I decided that I’ll write blog posts only when “the spirit moves me”. My days of putting pressure on myself to get something done are over. BUT I am looking forward to your recap.
Love the picture of Sampson!
Pictures do it for Mom, too. Of course they’re pictures of ME, so what’s not to like. I am adorable, sweet, and inspiring. And sometimes, when she doesn’t have an idea, she doesn’t blog! Problem solved.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
So far something always pops up, either Mom gets an idea from watching us or walking with us, or something comes in the email which gives us an idea. We know someday it will happen to us, but we are thankful it hasn’t so far.
He’s soo happy!
Love the caption on Sampsons photo. Your going to do a great job at blog paws!!!
Those are great tips! I have found myself searching through photos on my computer until an idea sparks from one of them. I think that works fabulously! I also have this sticky note app on my desktop which I have a ton of notes written down for ideas for future blog posts. WHen i’m stuck I turn to that!
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
I’m glad I’m not the only one who has a bunch of posts in draft! They are definitely helpful when I go through a dry spell!
One thing I learned that applies to every part of life…….If you have to force it, it’s probably shit.
Do any of us ever really enjoy looking at ourselves on camera or video? We are our own worst critics.
When the words won’t come? Well, I think you already know – I just completely shut down my blog. Problem solved. Hehehehe. But before that, I used a lot of the same methods you do.
P.S. I enjoyed Sampsons hokey pokey caption.
Oh dear. I meant Sampson’s. Can’t believe I forgot the apostrophe.
We would sign up for you! Hopefully next year
Snorts,
Lily & Edward
Thank you Jodi for posting the video. I watched every bit of it. I’m one of those 60% newbie attendees for the BlogPaws Conference but I’m only going to be able to attend on Friday.
I did not even know to sign up for individual sessions. I’m often clueless with too much in my brain so I do nothing well. I had no idea that video session happened, but I am so glad I got to view it on your website.
You did great on the video. I could never do that. I love your posts, they always make me read from beginning to end. You do a GREAT job.
I’ll check out the hang out later. But I’m sure you did great.
I find it tougher to relate to people through the computer than I do online. Do you?
Congratulations on getting your session filled. Those participants are lucky to learn from a master on engaging her audience. 🙂
You did a fantastic job on the Hangout, Jodi. And I am excited to see you in person at the BlogPaws Conference. TY for the tips!
That is great that everyone wants to be in your session and you did it without bringing a dog. I think. You aren’t bringing a dog, are you? Wish I could be there…
It’s hard to believe that you are stuck for a writing topic with your funny and creative inspirations around you.
Congratulations on your speaking engagement! To think I knew you way back when you were just starting your blog. Best wishes to you!
OMD Delilah and Sampson….. your mom was like on TV…. she is like a STAR!!!
Best of luck with your session.
That was a cool chat and I’m glad you posted it because I wasn’t able to make it on Thursday. Your session is going to be awesome – I don’t know if it gets any better than chatting with coffee and a good sense of humor. I love the community here and it’s so great that you’re going to be sharing some tips with other bloggers. Due to some stupid health crap I won’t be attending this year but looking forward to next year already.
Finding inspiration used to be a real problem for me when I was starting out because I was a bit self conscious about doing something “wrong” rather than just writing what was in my heart or head at the moment. Now I’m always finding inspiration from other peoples blogs; and it goes way beyond just taking headlines or ideas. Your blog is funny and entertaining and it’s made me realize how important that is to me as a reader and that I’d like to try and put a little more of my own personality into my posts.
I love learning from other bloggers and I feel like it’s helping me develop my own sense of writing style – or at least giving me the courage to try new things.
Best of luck with your presentation.
You know, there are times when I have more ideas than I have time to write about in the blog, so I try to keep a list of the things I couldn’t get to for future reference. I also try to remember the reason I started the blog, which was to have all my funny dog stories in one place, so sometimes I like to pull out an old favorite from before the days of the blog and write it down. Or look at quotes or some favorite websites and see if it fans a spark!
Your presentation will be awesome Jodi.
I watched most of that this morning and really appreciated what y’all had to say. I so wish I had time to attend the sign up sessions. Maybe next year …
Good luck with your session – I’m sure it will be great. I have a bunch of posts in draft too. The other thing that we frequently do is a series…like our A-Z Ingredients and the Health Check Series…always material then.
Great job and tips. I also have drafts, look at photos, get out an about at events and watch what’s trending for ideas. It is demanding to write and then promote each day. Look forward to seeing you in Nashville
I thought your Hangout was wonderful, and I’m so excited to catch up IN PERSON at BP! For the camera thing, I actually stuck a fluorescent sticky note arrow that pointed directly at mine… otherwise, I find myself looking anywhere but the camera (typically at whichever dog is asleep at my feet).