Any writer or blogger will be familiar with the dreaded writer’s block.
It’s something I don’t normally have a problem with, as I explained in this post about where my ideas come from.
Over the years I’ve written newsletters, magazine articles, letters to the editor, recipes, short stories, quizzes, assignments, brochures, books, reviews, press releases, work instructions, poetry, speeches, and of course blog posts. I love working with words; writing is one of my favourite things to do!
But I must confess, there is one thing, one little tiny writing job, that never fails to give me massive writer’s block.
It seems so simple, and it’s something most people do regularly and probably don’t even think about it.
Whenever I am confronted with this task, I have no idea what to write …
So What Gives Me Writer’s Block?
Writing on birthday cards.
Oh how I HATE it!
I used to fret over every word. People KNOW I’m a writer after all, so I’d better perform – or else!
I sweat. I struggle. The pressure is on!
For a long time, I tried really hard to make every message meaningful. Do you have any idea how hard it is to come up with something original – not just once – but year after year after year, for your nearest and dearest, every time a birthday rolls around?
I’ve cheated more than once – I have a small book called “Completely Lost for Words” and it is packed full of “creative messages for all occasions”.
These days, unless it’s a “special” birthday eg 21st, 50th, or whatever, I generally take the lazy way out, by just penning the words “Dear X, Have a Happy Birthday, Love Me”.
Original, no?!
So tell me, what is your personal nemesis when it comes to writing – the one thing guaranteed to give you writer’s block?!
Linking up with My Home Truths for another Monday confession.
Mystery Case says
I’m completely the same birthday cards are the worst. I might need to ‘case’ that book!
Janet Camilleri says
I think it cost me all of $2 in a book club at work!
Hugzilla says
OMG yes, I get MAJOR performance anxiety with cards. Oh wow, you’re a writer. You can just whip off a birthday card that will have people weeping with sentimental tears and guffawing with laughter. Errr, no.
Janet Camilleri says
Glad I’m not the only one!
Ness says
My theory is that Hallmark (or whomever made the card) have already provided a corny verse for you so all I have to do is sign it. I’m lazy. I think I’d have writer’s block if I ever had to actually write anything important about a controversial or complex topic. Yeah, I’m deep. Ahem.
Janet Camilleri says
That’s true – except I buy the cheap and (not-so-nasty) cards that aren’t great in that department, they certainly don’t put in the TLC that Hallmark do!
Fran @ Travelgenee says
Me too. What I hate is the thought of having hunted for the perfect card, invested in it and then changing what I am going to write half way through the sentence so it comes out all wrong.
Nice to meet you at the problogger conference.
Fran
Janet Camilleri says
Oh I do that Fran, or make a big fat mistake so it looks terrible!!!! Great to meet you too – look forward to following ๐
Kathy Marris says
The hardest thing to write is a message on a card accompanying flowers for a funeral or a sympathy card. What do you write that is both heart warming and comforting to someone whose loved one has passed away? It is so difficult to find words to soothe such a sad event.
Janet Camilleri says
Have to agree with you on that one Kathy. Fortunately I’ve not had to write one for a while (touch wood) …
Lydia C. Lee says
Oh, yes. And farewell cards – and condolences…so bad. I’m also atrocious at funerals. no idea what to say and how to behave…
Pinky Poinker says
I completely agree with writing on condolence cards. It’s so difficult. Birthday cards… I just wing it. A very useful post Janet x You are the loveliest person by the way! Miss Bubbles is what I’m going to call you from now on.
Janet Camilleri says
Hahahah Miss Bubbles it is ๐
Tegan says
I get the same way with birthday cards. Or even finding one that says what I want it to say. It’s my brothers 15th birthday tomorrow and I struggled to find him one that wasn’t corny or sexual!
Janet Camilleri says
Finding a decent birthday card for a guy is a challenge, full stop.
Kirsty @ My Home Truths says
I think we have universal writers block when it comes to crafting meaningful messages on greeting cards. Love the idea of the book “Completely Lost for Words” – now that is clever!
Mandy says
Birthday cards are the worst for me too! I struggle to write something that’s not boring or cliche. What a interesting idea for a book!
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says
You know same here!! Why is it with that? And usually I just end up pointing to the well-written words inside and saying ‘this is so true’!! x
Ingrid says
Group birthday/farewell/congratulations etc cards are even worse for me. I always feel the pressure to write something clever or witty or even just interesting that hasn’t already been written already by the 20+ people who have already written a comment and signed the card. Why am I always one of the last to write on a group card??????
Sarah from Creating Contentment says
I think of writers block as an emotional problem, rather than a mental issue. I find that I cannot write because I am not sure how I feel. So, I dwell on that to come around.
I really detest cards too.
Francesca says
I’m the same with cards – absolutely useless!