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Writer's pictureCherie Britton JD

The Curse of a Blank Page and the Missing Creative Spark

It feels like it’s been ages since I've unleashed my thoughts on paper. The most recent piece I penned was a food review slated for publication in the upcoming issue of the Java Journal – no spoilers here. However, when it comes to this blog, my creative juices have been on hiatus. Yes, now's the time to dust off the keyboard and get back to writing! What am I going to write about?


Sometimes, lightning bolts of genius strike at the worst moments, like during a snooze-inducing meeting or at 3 am staring at the ceiling. Then there are those days like today when inspiration plays hide-and-seek, leaving you high and dry. Hitting writer's block is like being trapped in quicksand for wordsmiths - it's a maddening, immobilizing, and ugh, just plain awful and frustrating experience. Notice my choice of words? Come back, creative spark!



Where are my creative juices? It’s like trying to find your keys in a massive pile of clutter – you know they’re in there somewhere, but where the heck are they hiding? It's like trying to squeeze water from a stone, or getting blood from a turnip - believe me, I've tried. The desire to write is there, lurking in the depths of my mind like a mischievous little gremlin, but the creative juices just refuse to cooperate. It's as if they're on an extended vacation in Tahiti without leaving a forwarding address while I'm stuck here trying to string together coherent sentences without any help. My brain feels about as empty as my bank account after a shopping spree, and no amount of caffeine or inspirational quotes can seem to kickstart the engine inside my head.


When my creativity hits a roadblock, I like to stir things up a bit. I kick back, stroll around, indulge in a bubbly bath, or simply do whatever strikes my fancy. Sometimes all it takes is a new backdrop to kickstart the idea engine. And before I can say "Eureka," those sneaky ideas come flooding in, leaving me drowning in a sea of inspiration!


So, finally, you've got this genius idea dancing around in your head, but what's the fun if you keep it all to yourself? Let those brain cells, nimble fingers, and trusty keyboard team up and get cracking!


Now, the last thing you want is for it to come off like some snooze-fest of a school paper. I mean, who wants to read something that makes them feel like they're back in their high school English class, right? "How I Spend Tuesday Mornings" may not be the most thrilling read, as it doesn't exactly scream excitement.


"Welcome to the epic saga of my Tuesday morning escapades - a

nail-biting tale that will have you glued to your seat! From the jarring

screech of my alarm to the epic battle of sock selection, it's a whirlwind

of action and suspense. Will I go for the cold coffee or the soothing tea?

The plot thickens! Amidst the daily grind, expect unexpected twists - will

today be the day I conquer Mount Laundry? Grab your snacks (popcorn or granola bar, your choice!) and buckle up for this wild ride through chores and adulting!"


No, it's not like readers are going to be jumping out of their seats in anticipation of diving into this article. I'm not expecting you to leap out of your chair and exclaim "Wow!" at this very moment, but I'm sure you catch my drift. We're aiming for more of a page-turner, not a nap-inducer.


Injecting your flair is crucial - no one craves a dull echo or a writer dishing out yesterday's leftovers. Be bold, be daring, and most importantly, be authentically you. It's all about being genuine, raw, and unapologetically you, but that doesn't mean you can't spice things up a bit with some style!


When you write, be original - it's like wearing a designer outfit to a party full of knock-off ensembles. Sure, everyone may be rocking the same trends, but only you possess that je ne sais quoi that sets you apart from the pack. Don't be afraid to let your creative flag fly high and proud; after all, imitation is not always the sincerest form of flattery. Take inspiration from the world around you but put your own unique spin on it - like adding sparkles to a basic black dress or throwing in an unexpected pop of color.


Who wants to read something as plain as untoasted bread, right? Make it engaging, interesting, and memorable. Sprinkle your writing with charm and humor to make it pop like a flamingo in a sea of pigeons. Channel your inner wordsmith and let those creative ideas run free! Let your creativity run wild but remember to keep it vibrant and engaging. Writing should be enjoyable, not a chore.


Be meaningful and relatable. Don't just spew out your genius like a broken fire hydrant; instead, craft your words in a way that resonates with others. Share personal anecdotes, make pop culture references, add a dash of some humor – whatever it takes to connect with your audience. Remember, communication is a two-way street, so listen as much as you talk.


Whether you prefer funky formatting, unconventional storytelling techniques, or a sprinkle of sarcasm in your prose, embrace your unique voice and let it shine through. After all, some of the most memorable and impactful pieces of literature have come from writers who dared to break the mold and think outside the box.




“But I am a serious writer,” you say. “I don’t want to inject humor into my piece. I want to be taken seriously,” you argue relentlessly. Then write like a ballerina - light on your feet but heavy on charm! Do it with grace, precision, and fluidity. Just like a prima ballerina effortlessly glides across the stage, your words should flow seamlessly from one to the next. Every sentence should be perfectly balanced and executed with finesse, just like a flawless pirouette. Pay attention to the rhythm and tempo of your writing, ensuring that each word lands with graceful impact. Don't be afraid to add a touch of flair or elegance to your prose, much like a ballerina adding embellishments to her performance. Put on your metaphorical tutu and plié your way through your next piece of writing with poise and style that would make even the most seasoned wordsmiths envious.


Creativity is a fickle beast that can’t be tamed or forced. It also works on its schedule – just try not to take it too personally when it decides to ghost you for a while. If inspiration doesn't knock on your door today, fret not! Tomorrow is a whole new playground of chances, hopefully with a side of fresh ideas ready to party!

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