Frozen Fingers Syndrome?
- November 14th, 2008
You’ve been waiting for this moment all day; the time you can get on your comp and blog away. You sat down, turned your computer on, powered up the net, but your fingers won’t move. You hesitantly wiggle them around, hoping that they’ll magically come to life and pop out an amazing article to post on your blog. But nothing happens. You sit and stare hopelessly at your computer, trying to rack your empty brain for an idea… any idea. Nothing, just echos of “what to write, what to write, what to write… ” Yep! You’ve got it, frozen fingers syndrome that is.
My advice? Step away from the computer. Very slowly. Just kidding; but really, get away from the computer. Find a quiet space away from any and all distractions. All you need is a pen and a piece of paper. Start thinking about what inspires you (aka brainstorming). Write everything and anything that comes to mind in a column down the middle of the page, leaving room in between each idea in case something else comes to mind. Once you have 8-10 ideas, pick one that you like the most and expand on the idea; write random thoughts that come to mind when you think of this idea. When you have come up with 4-6 different thoughts about this inspiring idea, you’ve all of a sudden got something to write about. Not only do you have a topic, but you’ve got solid, concrete thoughts that you have associated with the topic in your brain (which was failing you earlier, but now is all revved up and ready to go). This time around, you sit down at your computer, and just like magic, all that brainstorming pays off. You now have a clear and concise idea of what you’re going to write about. Viola! Writing done!
You’ve got your topic, the article is written, and it’s posted to your blog … toss that paper with the chicken scratch in the trash, right? No, no, NO!!! That list contains 8-10 different ideas that can be expanded upon. Just because they didn’t inspire you today doesn’t mean that those ideas are garbage! Keep the sheet tucked away for another day when your fingers freeze up. Then, start the process all over again.
This is what I’ve found to work for me… What do you do when you have frozen fingers?
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Your tips are really great, and are many I use. I have the worst time coming up with articles when I stress over them…it’s when I’m not even trying that I become inspired. And then I write like nuts.
I keep notebooks and scratch paper all around the house. I drive my husband crazy because I won’t throw out paper if the back is still blank, I’ll just add it to a pile of “scrap paper” where I can quickly jot notes to use for later.
Now, I just need a marker board in my shower. Haha
I tend to get all my ideas when I’m reading/learning, so if I’m blanking on something to write about, I’ll go for a walk and listen to a podcast or audiobook or take a bath and read for a bit.
We tend to think that ideas are something we’re supposed to dredge up from some inner font of creativity, but really they come from without.
Good morning Rachel:
I sometimes have so many ideas at once that I can’t focus on just one and actually finish something. I think I can write a post from just about any conversation or picture, I hope I don’t lose that enthusiasm!
This is a great idea Rachel – and one I’m going to begin using! That frozen finger syndrome – I’ve been there!! This just sounds like a great way to really drum up some ideas…
Great post Rachel! I find myself with frozen fingers syndrome. If only I could invent some brain cream or finger cream and market it as a non fda approved cure-all……..hmmmm I love brainstorming.
That is so true for me. I have a ton of topics and notes, then for whatever reason I cannot ………………….. continue…..SEE it happened again.
I tried to subscribe to your feet but did not work. Is there something I am not doing?
@Laura-Whateverebay:
Hi Laura! Thanks for the comments! I think that the RSS feed should be working… try again and let me know if you’re still having trouble. Have a great day!
Rachel
@Lindsay:
good point! I have to resort to these methods sometimes too. My mind isn’t always a plethora of ideas! I do get my inspiration from outside sources as well.
@Dee Langdon – BloggerNewbie:
I think that’s exactly my problem! I find that getting out a sheet of paper and putting all the ideas into writing helps me to organize all of the thoughts and ideas that are swimming around in my head
Hi Rachel – I’ve had frozen fingers many times. For me, I have to step away from the PC and go do something that’s not technical related. For some reason, washing dishes seems to revive my creativity. Maybe it’s those undone chores weighing me down.