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Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / blog & handmade advice / 31 days / {Handmade Business in 31 Days — Day 20, Tackling writers block.}

{Handmade Business in 31 Days — Day 20, Tackling writers block.}

October 20, 2012 · 10 Comments
Filed Under: 31 days, blog & handmade advice

Day 20// Sometimes I sit down to write — I have an editorial calender prompting me to get going on a few posts, but NOTHING comes out the way I want it to. Instead of spending an hour writing, re-writing, reading, editing + re-writing, you know what I do?

I walk away from my computer. I take Bauer for a walk. I read a book {this one or this, or even this*}. I watch a show online. I outline new ideas. Anything that is fun is game, I say :) There’s absolutely no way for me to perform well with a blog post if I am having writers block. Oftentimes it’s a sign I need to be living life in a more present way, instead of with my MacBook or iPhone under my fingers. Too much time watching {instead of doing} = confidence + enthusiasm dwindling = every idea I have seems like a boring idea. And that’s when writers block sets in.

So… Close your computer and go do that thing you’ve been wanting to do for some time.

PS. Dine and Dish created an amazing Summer bucket list that you should definitely refer to next time you have writers block {they may be geared towards kids but aren’t we always supposed to be channeling our childhood spirit?}. And here’s a Fall bucket list by Shabby Apple — oh my goodness, I’m actually excited for the next time this hits me! ;)

* Includes affiliate links

Homework// Make a list of things you want to make, accomplish, write and keep it handy for when you experience writers block.

What’s your typical go-to solution for writers block? Be honest ;)

 

read the entire series here

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10 Comments
Filed Under: 31 days, blog & handmade advice

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« {Noteworthy Links — a new book, natural beauty products + sponsor links/discount codes}
{Handmade Business in 31 Days — Day 21, Create an editorial calendar.} »

Comments

  1. Diana says

    October 20, 2012 at 3:56 pm

    I used to love to write letters to my future husband, when he lived in California and I lived in Buffalo, NY. I still love to write emails to friends across the country. But when it comes to blogging, just the thought of a “subject matter” makes me shudder. It flows in my mind, but can’t get it on the screen. I’m going to work on it this coming year and try to start blogging at least once or twice a month. I “think” I mean it this time. hahaha

    Reply
  2. sarah says

    October 20, 2012 at 5:49 pm

    I just started my first blog(business related that is!) and other than jewelry I am not a very creative person, so I was just sitting down with my notebook trying to figure out WHAT exactly I was going to blog about lol.

    Reply
  3. Katy says

    October 20, 2012 at 6:14 pm

    I get this often. I have trouble blogging about my personal life on an intimate level. I try to keep it biz related and I will add personal bits in the post.

    Reply
  4. Franchesca says

    October 20, 2012 at 7:40 pm

    “Oftentimes it’s a sign I need to be living life in a more present way, instead of with my MacBook or iPhone under my fingers.” THAT is exactly what it is for me too. My typical go-to these days is baking! I am blaming little girl on the way for that too, because I’ve never been a cooker/ baker but oh, so enjoying it these days!:)

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      October 20, 2012 at 11:44 pm

      @Franchesca, Oh my, I’m loving your baking solution :) How fun to be baking yummies!!!!!

      Reply
  5. Debbie says

    October 22, 2012 at 5:52 am

    I am a crafter but have a business that involves a long time passion with horses. I never thought I would be blogging about ‘horse products’ but I am. I have hit writers block so often lately and could not figure out why! After 2 moves in 2 years and getting just a little ‘resetteled’, I feel like I can start to find my roots again (that seems to help me – need those roots for some reason :). You have ‘hit the nail on the head’ with spending too much time on computers, ipads, etc. rather than doing. I love sewing and having on-going projects, I love riding and doing my bible studies, besides working at our office. So thank you for helping me to see that I need to get away from my work station to ‘go do’! I have an editorial calandar to go work on, some books to find and start to read and as well as balance work…. this is more than 5 lines.. need to work on that too! :) Thank you!! Debbie

    Reply
  6. Kelly says

    October 22, 2012 at 9:35 am

    When I have writer’s block or even difficulty during a brainstorming session, the only thing that can break it & get the ideas flowing is crafting. I’m deep into a knitting or crocheting project I’m off in my own world & for some strange reason that is the ‘place’ where all my thoughts magically come together.

    I wish I knew what the trick was when I was in college! Then maybe I wouldn’t have had so many late nights struggling on that one problem that I just couldn’t get to work out.

    Reply
  7. Rosanne Bane says

    October 23, 2012 at 3:22 pm

    I’m not surprised that so many of you turn to crafts and creative play to get around writer’s block. Manipulating things with our hands engages the sensory-motor areas of the brain (not surprising) but also engages cognitive areas that involve creativity (that find was a surprise to a lot of brain scientists). My favorite way through resistance is to use 15 Magic Minutes — short, frequently repeated sessions reduce anxiety, which allows the creative cortex to contribute. (If you’re curious about the connections between brain science and writer’s block, check out my blog http://www.BaneOfYourResistance.com or my new book Around the Writer’s Block: Using Brain Science to Solve Writer’s Resistance.)

    Reply
  8. Karem says

    March 19, 2014 at 1:13 am

    . Ain’t no ange limit on gorgeous. They have som fine old ass out here that can take them deurntes out n rick your world. Sanaa belongs on this post . Thank u.

    Reply
  9. TollyJoy says

    March 19, 2014 at 11:21 am

    Hi Jock…well, at least your human had the good sense to put you in her quilt, mine didn’t…hmmph, humans! Hope you get some atttneion now..Woofs and Tail WagsJindi the Kelpie

    Reply

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ABOUT MAGGIE WHITLEY DESIGNS:
Maggie Whitley weaves her writings around joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith, and simple living. She homeschools her children, enjoys a quiet room while reading, and roars with laughter over the challenges & delights of motherhood. Maggie and her husband, along with their four young children, live in metro-Detroit. She has been writing online since 2008.
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maggiewhitley

JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨

maggiewhitley
Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect o Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect on the moments I’ve felt my mind spinning, my emotions swirly, it’s almost always when I’m not feasting on the word of God. Not that reading scripture is the cure for anxiety —no! Rather, it’s hard to worry when we’re worshipping.
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A quiet night: the furnace is running, the tea is A quiet night: the furnace is running, the tea is hot, and the whisper of a page turning. ♨️☕️📖 // We are breaking from school this week, my plan is to read a lot, walk a lot, and rest a lot. How about you?

#mothersofinstagram #tea #winterreading #hygge
I fought every internal comment I could think of a I fought every internal comment I could think of and took my kiddos for a looooong walk today before dinner. ❄️✨ There’s just so much work required to raise children! I’m feeling like a tired lady. But sunshine & fresh air are good companions to keep around. 

We came home and I made “the best dinner ever”. Max specifically announced, “it’s so great you’re launching new meals to the world”. LOL— kids! 🤣👏🏻💓
How about a little Wednesday night introduction? 😘Social media sure has changed over the years and we don’t always SEE who we’re following or remember WHY we’re following certain accounts. 

So, hello! As you can gather, my name is Maggie ;) 

I started writing online (almost 13 years ago) to share the handmade products I was sewing. My shop was called Gussy Sews. ✂️👛I love the community that has grown from sewing & sharing online.

Let’s FFW to today: Zack and I live in Michigan and have four young children (2 boys & 2 girls). I slowly left the handmade industry and walked right into homemaking, homeschooling, and encouraging women through writing. 💕📝

Motherhood has been very hard on me. (And not just because of how close in age our four children are.) It’s been hard for me because I fought for years to accept that *it’s supposed to be hard*. 

I mean, how do you effectively teach another person to know and love the Lord? Bc that’s how I think of motherhood: a calling to nurture others by studying the One who nurtures me. So I gotta make the first move: study the Bible and seek Him first. As my friend Autumn reminded me, vulnerability births transformation. 

(I’ve had to be really vulnerable!)

So, yes motherhood has fully transformed me. But even more so, Christ has fully transformed me. My list of “all that He’s done for me” is off to a beautifully long start.

Something else I want you to know about me: I stalled for years before acknowledging I have anxiety and depression. It’s hard to talk about this because of course this isn’t forever “my hardship”, but rather because acknowledging this means to heal I have to work through some really difficult things. ✨

But my friend Jesus walks alongside me. He’s already done a mighty work in my heart, including helping me process my anger in healthier ways. I’ve also adopted a heart for sisterhood, mothering, and Titus 2 mentorship.

Sometimes our greatest losses are our greatest gains? That’s what I’m clinging to!

How about you? Tell me something about yourself so I can get to know you on a deeper heart level. 🖤🖤
How do you play in the winter? // We had a really How do you play in the winter? // We had a really great time visiting family in northern Michigan. On my blog I share a few ways we played outside, plus I describe a memorable childhood game ❄️☃️. Did you play it as a kiddo?
We had gotten a bit lazy with our rhythms: screens We had gotten a bit lazy with our rhythms: screens in the morning (HGTV), playtime before lessons, and not enough quiet time after lunch. This made for a really, ummm, unenjoyable learning experience. 

But today! Today we reset the rhythm, and we have had a much happier home & time learning together. 👏🏻
Visit my stories for a quick message from ME — t Visit my stories for a quick message from ME — think outside the box in terms of how you view the definition of “motherhood” 💓😘 (also: look at my little friend, she’s sooooo snuggly)
It’s another cold, winter day. ❄️Today I hop It’s another cold, winter day. ❄️Today I hope to bundle up for another family nature walk, knowing the fresh air sweeps out any & all frustration, inviting inspiration inside. ✨That’s something we all need more of.
seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming the Laundry Beast (as a family of 6). Who wants the inside scoop? ✔️🧺👏🏻
Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomo Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomorrow :) small celebrations like this are very life giving! PS. thinking of starting a zoom book club — I need more sisterhood in my life. 👏🏻📖
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Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his ful Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his full costume and laser blaster and of course the Buzz action figure he flys around 🌟💚💙💨someone has discovered a superhero crush! #joyinmotherhood #slowmornings #surprisedbymotherhood // Landon @ 2.5yo
Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to read this year. Plus my reading goal for the year. And a few practicals ways I fit in reading as a mama of four young children & homeschooling them. Basically, all the good stuff ☺️💓📖 #maggiewhitleydotcom #readersofinstagram #read #readmorebooks
It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the fu It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the furniture as we took the tree down Tuesday midday. Def one of my fav things to do.🎄👋🏻 We made it through our first week back to school since mid-December! It was rough to begin but ended with high fives. ⭐️✏️This morning I zoomed with a mama friend and I’m impressed with the many topics we covered. Sisterhood is sooooo necessary! ☕️👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼

Just a few cheery memories from my week! How about you?
Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activiti Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activities. I finished my last book moments before 2020 ended, which brought my started list to a close. Small joys add up to big joys ;)

What are you reading this year? Currently?

How many books are you planning to read? What’s your goal?

I’ll share what’s on my list for 2021 soon as I received some nice titles at Christmas. 📖✨🤍
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