Techlearning blog

I think "writers' block" is a condition invented by people who can't write, and need an excuse to cover their inadequacies. Real writers do not suffer from it. However, if you think you are suffering from it, here are some things you can do with technology to help you snap out of it.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, writers' block is "a periodic lack of inspiration afflicting creative writers". Hmmm. Well, when I lack inspiration to write, I either write about that, write about something other than the topic I am uninspired to write about, or go for a walk. What I do not do is simply say "I've got writers' block" and use that as an excuse.

I believe that a true writer will always find something to do even if, like Oscar Wilde, he or she only inserts a comma and then takes it out again:

"I have spent most of the day putting in a comma and the rest of the day taking it out."

So, if you do  think you have the condition known as "writers' block", what can you do about it from a technological point of view? Here are my suggestions:

 
• Sign up to a micro-blogging site like Twitter, and start tweeting. You should be able to manage 140 characters, come on!
 
• Sign up to a more focused micro-blogging site like Blippr. I have started to use Blippr to get my mental and creative juices flowing at the start of the day. This morning, for example, I wrote a review of a book called "Biggles in Spain". The MD of Blippr has given me loads of invites to give away (it's in beta at the moment and so not publicly accessible). If you would like one, subscribe to my newsletter "Computers in Classrooms" (it's free) and then drop me an email with the word "Blippr" in the subject line.
 
• Use a mind map to start drafting ideas. I use FreeMind myself, which is great, and free.
 
• Start a wiki about anything, and invite people to contribute. Bouncing ideas off others always helps.
 
• Grab your digital camera and go out and take some pics, and then write about them. Or use my photos of patterns or everyday life as a starting point.
  
 
• Listen to a podcast about something other than your subject.
 
• Read a blog post about your subject by someone whom you tend to violently disagree with.
 
• Write a blog post saying that you have writers' block. I will probably pick it up and email you or comment to say I think you should snap out of it and to stop being such a wimp. That will wind you up so much it will be sure to galvanise you out of your despondency. You'll thank me for it in the end .