Blog

Beat the Blockage: 5 Steps to Removing Your Writer’s Block

If you are a writer who has experienced writer’s block, you know how frustrating it can be. The inability to express yourself when you really want to can feel overwhelming. Whether you are a songwriter trying to pen the perfect lyric, or a novelist in search of the ultimate ending to your plot, writer’s block can sometimes make you feel like ditching the entire creative process.

But fear not: I have compiled a list of several simple things you can do to break the dam that is blocking your word flow. Try one of them, or try them all. I’ve been there before, and I can vouch for each and every one of these as effective tools for ending the dreaded writer’s block. Good luck!

1.  Write something entirely different. Sometimes stepping outside of your comfort zone can free your creativity. Experiment with content or a perspective that is unique to your genre or typical subject matter. The same old themes, characters, and stylings can cause you to grow tired of the entire writing process. Once this happens, you might be a step away from unintentionally walking into a long and exhausting bout with writer’s block.

Explore new genres or sub-genres. Examine new trends in your chosen field. Discover one or more experts in your field who is doing something interesting, and mimic their approach. Variety is the spice of life. It is also key to keeping your content fresh and intriguing – both to you and those who enjoy your writing.

2. Write in a different setting and at a different time. A change of scenery can be the perfect antidote for what’s ailing the blocked writer. If you typically write from home, venture to the great outdoors. If you have a favorite table at your local Starbucks, perhaps it’s time you move on to a different venue.

Likewise, if you are a morning bird, spend a week holding off on your writing until after lunch. If you tend to write at night, flip things around and grab your tools of the writing trade first thing in the morning. Mix things up a bit.

3. Hang out at a bookstore. As a writer, there is something inherently inspiring about being surrounded by books and the people who read them. I very often find myself inspired by the mere sights and sounds of bookstores.

While most any bookstore will usually do the trick, I feel a distinct sense of creative motivation in older used bookstores. There is something about these hip storehouses of old and new ideas that unleashes my inner wordsmith. If there happens to be a used vinyl record shop in or near the bookstore, even better.

4. “Borrow” from somebody else. You have heard the saying that “there is nothing new under the sun,” right? Well, it is true. Even the most talented writers tend to recycle previously used themes, styles, and phrases. The trick is to borrow from the best while somehow making your new product entirely yours.

If you are a songwriter, find some of your favorite lyrics and use them as a starting point by paraphrasing the lines. If you write short stories, discover a character from another story and create a mirror image of that character. Or better yet, create a character that is the exact opposite.

The goal is to use the inspiration of other people’s work as a springboard for your own masterpiece. If all goes well, your song, book, short story, or blog post could very well end up inspiring another frustrated writer.

5. Stop writing for other people, and start writing for you. One of the biggest causes of my occasional word blockage is my tendency to write for other people. What do I mean by that? Well, sometimes I wonder to myself what a particular person or audience would want to hear in my writing. I then shape my writing based on that.

The problem with this method is that it can cause you to overthink your writing. Creativity ought to be relatively spontaneous and inspired by pure and unfiltered thoughts and emotions. Trying to figure out what a specific audience wants encourages the exact opposite of that. It can lead to forced writing that puts pressure on you. And if we were to break down writer’s block to its simplest form, it would probably have a lot to do with pressure, be it external or internal.

So relax. Write something you want to read or hear. If you genuinely enjoy your topic, you will be much more inclined to enjoy the process. Once you begin enjoying the process, you will very likely be on the verge of ending your writer’s block.

The Kids Are Alright: Comforting Thoughts for Parents Sending Kids to School

September has arrived and, like the first bell of the school day, a new school year is now upon us. With it comes the excitement and apprehension that comes from sending our little loved ones off into the world.

As parents, we are filled with an anxiety that can only come from handing over our kids to complete strangers in a completely strange world.

As difficult as it seems, I find that the best way to handle the uncertainty of sending our children off into the world is to keep in mind the big picture.

When they go to school, our children are encountering the people and ideas that will help shape their future. Every skill our kids learn from their teachers and their peers will help them in the long run, and will equip them with the tools necessary for future success.

Keep in mind that it often takes a village to raise a child. I take much comfort in knowing that our children’s school environment is filled with those who are often as committed to the village as we are.

The uneasy feelings we experience as parents during this time of year remind us of the special and enduring nature of the relationship between parent and child. The bond we share is unique, and is meant to survive time spent apart.

Our young ones might spend countless hours with other adults and children throughout the school year, but they will always be ours.

They might learn valuable information and life lessons from unknown teachers, but they will always carry with them the core values that we have instilled in them.

They might spend numerous hours in strange classrooms and crowded buses, but they will always return home to us.

Knowing this makes our kids’ departure for the new school year a much more pleasant experience.

Good luck to you and your kids this school year!

5 Tips for a Most Spectacular School Year

Somehow, someway, school is once again upon us. Millions of students all around the world are starting to feel the butterflies associated with the rapidly approaching school year.

The start of school can also be a stressful time for us as parents, but it doesn’t have to be. There are several things we can do to make the transition from summer fun to autumn studies a smooth one. I have compiled a list of five helpful tips that will ensure a successful school year for you and your child.

Develop an organized nighttime routine: Sleep. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of sleep in your child’s school success. A tired child is a tired student. A tired student is typically an unsuccessful student. By establishing a sensible nighttime routine, you can put your son or daughter in a position to succeed.

The most obvious element of this routine is an early bedtime that allows for at least eight hours of sleep. Some other things you’ll want to do include deciding on the next day’s outfit the night before, limiting the amount of sugar and caffeine your child ingests after a certain time, and participating in a brief winding down activity before bedtime.

Establish an organized morning routine: Just as important as your nightly routine is a daily routine, one that is simple, organized, and efficient. Mornings can be hectic and, as a result, can be the source of much anxiety. The good part is that they don’t need to be. Having a plan from the time your kid wakes up until he walks out the door is the key to a smooth – and stress-free – morning.

Before school even starts is when you will want to establish the order of events. Be sure to leave no stone unturned, as you will want to map out each and every activity of your morning well before you encounter them. These activities include waking up, getting dressed, eating breakfast, brushing teeth, grabbing backpacks and other belongings, and leaving for the bus.

Kick off each day with a healthy breakfast: God only knows what your kids will eat throughout the day when they are away from you, but you can get them off to a great start by feeding them well before they leave.You want them to feel energized, both mentally and physically, so a nutritious meal packed with protein is an essential part of a breakfast that puts your kid in a position to succeed.

Label everything your child wears, uses, eats, etc.: Kids lose things. It’s simply a fact of life. As much as you teach, preach, and practice responsibility for their personal items, you should expect your kids to lose at least one item of theirs during the school year. It might be a sweater. Or it might be a binder. Worst case scenario, your child loses a backpack containing both their sweater and their binder.

Since you already know that your kid will lose something, your best defense is to label the heck out of everything. And yes, I mean everything. This includes socks, shoes, shirts, pants, sweaters, coats, textbooks, pencils, pencil cases, individual food items, and the backpack that carries them all. Seriously. Label all of it. You will feel much better knowing that these items will eventually make their way back to you once they are inevitably lost.

Set aside one-on-one time to discuss daily goals and expectations: A friendly morning reminder of the day’s plans, goals, and expectations is always a good idea. Having a brief face-to-face before your child leaves for school is an excellent way to reassure him that there really is a plan for the entire day – and that you believe in his ability to successfully maneuver his way through that plan.

Discuss any big items that might be a source of stress, including upcoming tests, project due dates, and altered plans for after school. Also, the morning is a great time to nudge a kid in the right direction as it pertains to behavior, manners, and the like. Most of all, remind your child that you are his biggest fan. After all, once school is over and summer makes its triumphant return, you will still be there.

The start of the school year can be stressful, but following the above tips will make things much more tolerable. Feel free to comment with any suggestions you have for parents. And most of all, I hope you and your kids have a great school year!

The Final Countdown: 10 Things to Do before Summer Ends

With the calendar now turning to August, I am reminded that there is less than half of our precious summer left. Like most things in life, I have little doubt that the next 4-6 weeks will fly by.

As a result, I thought I should jot down a list of 10 things you should definitely do before summer ends. I hope it helps you get the most out of everyone’s favorite season. Enjoy!

1. Watch a movie at the drive-in. Expect the lovely twangs of nostalgia to hit you as you enjoy the type of outdoor cinema you loved as a child.

2. Attend a music festival. Live music + warm weather = one of the joys of summer. Nowadays there are literally thousands of festivals featuring all genres of music, and they’re happening all over the place. Hunt one down and go for it.

3. Invite your loved ones over for a BBQ. Food, friends, and family. I don’t really need to add much to that, right? Summer is the perfect time to meet and eat, so plan an outdoor BBQ today.

4. Go hiking on your own. Nature and some quality alone time are always a good combo. You will experience the ultimate source of relaxation as you enjoy the great outdoors with the one person you usually don’t get to spend time with: you.

5. Sip wine somewhere outside as the sun goes down. If you liked the previous suggestion for its ability to help you wind down, you’ll love this one. Nothing says summer relaxation like slowly sipping a tall glass of your favorite red or white wine as the sun starts its descent.

6. Roast s’mores over a fire – preferably with kids. This simple – and delicious – summer favorite can be enjoyed right in your own backyard.

7. Go swimming at your favorite beach. What would summer be without a dip at your preferred beach? By now, the water has probably reached the perfect temperature for you to dive right in, so go for it.

8. Go for a long walk. You might want to aim for early morning or evening to do this, as things can get a bit hot during August and the early part of September. But taking a long walk during the summer can be excellent for your mind and your body.

9. Take your family camping. If you’re like me, you love making memories that last a lifetime. Camping is one surefire way to do that. Whether it’s in the woods or on the beach, your kids will never forget the summer you took them camping.

10. Take a short road trip. Summer is the perfect time to gas up your car and hit the road. Keep in mind how the winter weather can make you feel trapped, and then take full advantage of the sunny skies and superb road conditions. Sometime you don’t have to go far to feel like you’re getting away. Safe travels!

Live and So Alive: Why I Love Performing Live

This Friday I’ll be performing at the Orange County Fair in Sacramento, CA. As I prepare for the show, I am reminded of why I love performing live so much. Aside from the addicting adrenaline rush that every performer feels as they take the stage, there are several reasons why one of my favorite things to do as a musician is to perform my songs in a live setting.

I am fortunate enough to have fans who know my songs. I never take this for granted, as I am fully aware that not every musician can say the same. I’ve been blessed to see so many familiar faces at different shows. I have come to know many of these music lovers, and I am genuinely overwhelmed by their support.

I cannot describe the appreciation I feel for those who join me in singing my songs. These songs of mine were never intended to be kept to myself, so part of the pleasure of playing live is having the opportunity to sing them with those who know them. There is a sense of camaraderie that grows from singing songs with audiences. When the songs are yours, the entire process is even more satisfying.

Of course, as I belt out my songs tomorrow, there will be audience members who have yet to hear my tunes. Their presence is also a blessing. I love the feeling of meeting new people and trying to turn them into future fans. Some will become friends, too, which is even better.

I recognize that in today’s digital age, there are now more musical options than ever before. As a result, I do consider it a worthwhile challenge to win over those who are seeing and hearing me for the first time. The challenge is to connect with new audiences, to make them feel what I’m feeling as I sing and perform these little pieces of my heart and soul.

One of the best parts of being a musician is having the opportunity to perform my songs in front of both familiar and unfamiliar faces. The live show is the lifeblood of most performers. On a night like this, as I prepare for tomorrow’s big show, I am lucky to feel this alive.

This Place, This Hour: Why Your Dog Is Happier than You

The above cartoon says so much about why we, as humans, struggle to find, and then keep, happiness. We often lose sight of the present by focusing so much on the past and future. Very often, the things we think about are negative in nature, or are sources of anxiety and fear.

In contrast, dogs are completely content in the here and now. They enjoy the moment for exactly what it is. There is no yesterday, and there is no tomorrow. There is only the present. They see and hear what is in front of them, and that is all they need. If you’ve ever watched a dog spend time with his owner, you know that it is impossible for that dog to be mentally anywhere else.

I’m not denying the fact that humans have a plethora of things to care for that other species don’t. There are bills to pay. There are relationships to tend to. There is the planning for the future that every responsible person must do. We certainly have our hands full juggling the ups and downs of everyday life.

With that said, it is possible to push all those things to the side. It is possible to be completely present in the here and during the now. It is not easy, but it can be done. Like most good things in life, being content takes some effort and usually requires some practice.

Walt Whitman eloquently summed up the determined approach we must take when trying to mimic the life approach of our canine friends:

“Happiness, not in another place, but in this place. Not for another hour, but this hour.”