a man resting on a table

Write, Delete, Repeat: The Blogger’s Block and Navigating Views

I diagnosed myself with blogger’s block. It’s kind of like writer’s block, but since I am a blogger—well, you get it. Although it’s a made-up diagnosis, the block feels genuine.

For those of you who create, you know that feeling in your gut when you need to express yourself through your craft? It burns, kind of like reflux, but not—the medication needed is not Tums. It’s creating something.

How Many Views- Did I Win or Lose

Some of my best blogs were written in 20 minutes. Likewise or unlikewise (is that a word?), some of my worst blogs were written in two weeks.

How do I determine a good blog? I use the very unscientific and unhealthy criteria—the equivalent of Facebook post likes—I see how many views I get! I love it when WordPress taps me on the shoulder and says, “Vickie, your numbers are soaring today!”

Raising Jess
“You didn’t mind when I tapped your shoulder., with my slobber”

There are times when I’m convinced I’ve written a fantastic blog, only to find that it’s not getting the views I expected. Is it the title? The keywords? The meta description? Maybe all of the above. It’s enough to make me question my sanity. But I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way. Hmmm. Ok, I hope I am not the only one who feels this way.

How Much Do You Earn?

I don’t know what a good view count is, and I am afraid to ask my fellow bloggers. I fear that what I think is a good number of views is really an exaggeration of my ego. And is it like asking people, “Hey, how much money do you earn?” 

Wiser folks than I have suggested, I continue writing because I love it. I am connecting with a group of people who identify with my prose. So, why do those numbers keep needling me? 

Blogger’s Block- Write ~Delete ~Repeat

So, what is a blogger’s block?  For me, it is sitting down to write a blog, and then I only hear crickets….. write, delete, repeat.

On the other hand, my dad has writer ZEAL. He has created his second blog in a week!  His next blog will focus on Tradition – think Fiddler on the Roof. Click here for Dad’s first blog.

Writing Began With Jess

But back to me…. I have a lot of thoughts and ideas, but they are not translating into text.  Is that how our daughter Jessica feels?  She has a rare chromosome deletion and is non-verbal.  She has so many thoughts and feelings yet cannot communicate them with the spoken word. My writing journey started because of Jessica – I felt the power of the prose – the love of each word describing our life with Jess in my book , Raising Jess. Later, I started blogging and expanded to COVID (so much on COVID!!!), RV travel and family. The husband would like to remain anonymous, yet I keep writing about him. Sorry, Mitch (he does get final approval on blogs, so it’s not a blindside).

Time Will Tell

Anyway, this blog is the most I felt like writing and the fastest I have written in a while. Am I back? Time will tell…. Maybe I broke through the block by admitting my name is Vickie Rubin, and I have Blogger’s Block. Suggestions welcomed!

Your Turn! Would love to hear your comments

12 thoughts on “Write, Delete, Repeat: The Blogger’s Block and Navigating Views”

  1. Ab

    Oh that blogger block feeling, Vickie! Acid reflux is such an apt term for that nauseating visceral feeling! 😆

    I get the sense one of your primary motivations to blog is to help advocate and raise awareness. And for that, you are doing a bang on job!

    For me, I definitely know I ain’t quitting my day job from blogging. 😆 But so many invaluable gains, such as meeting you!

    Reply ↓
    1. raisingjessstory Post author

      HA! Yes, this definitely is not a good day job! Thank you for your note – I am grateful that we met and hope one day it will be in person – my son and grandson went to Toronto last night to see WWE – the pictures are incredible –
      I love how every one of your blogs, no matter what the topic, always relates to FASD – I have learned so much from you and apply a lot of your lessons to my neuro typical grands…
      and Maybe there is a TUMS for Writer’s Block – Hmmmmm 🤔
      XOXOV

      Reply ↓
      1. Ab

        When you find the Tums, let me know too! And I’m glad your son and grandson got to see the game. I’ve seen nice write ups about it. 😊 Yes, I think there’s a good chance we may meet for real one day!

  3. Debby (McElwain) Rapp

    This one statement in your blog, was all you needed to say to unlock a stream of thoughts in my mind….
    “ I have a lot of thoughts and ideas, but they are not translating into text. Is that how our daughter Jessica feels”?
    That statement sends me on a journey remembering so many experiences working with people with developmental disabilities… and loving and learning every day of those forty years. But we do learn so much about ourselves in how we interpret their unique responses to our often non verbal interactions.
    And now, as I’m writing this comment, my mind shifts from that same sentence you stated, to some of the quiet, unsaid responses from my husband when I have been impatient or abrupt, or just plain mad… when he doesn’t respond to me, as I expected. I find myself in introspection thinking about your Jess’s challenges communicating and somehow relating that to my own circumstances. I’m going to use that one statement from your blog, to be mindful of my words today and the response that follow, either verbal or non-verbal from those around me. Thank you for having and sharing your ‘writer’s block’ !

    Reply ↓
    1. raisingjessstory Post author

      Debbie- I didn’t initially relate my sentence to your experience, but yes! And thanks for sharing that You have always been such a huge loving advocate for individuals who receive services like Jessica! I feel blessed that the four of us are in each other’s lives! ❤️

      Reply ↓
  4. Victoria

    I’m so glad to hear your Dad is writing again – can’t wait! And thank you for the oh-so-relatable reveals about getting stuck. I was feeling that way last week and ran across a couple of really good tips…coming sometime soon in the next Victoria Ponders post. Hugs, hugs, hugs! 🥰💕🥰

    Reply ↓
  5. WritingfromtheheartwithBrian

    Great post Vicki! Oh you’re not the only one who feels that way about that stuck feeling and a post not doing as well as you expected. The highs and the lows. We all feel that way at times. I know I do! Thanks for putting words to the feelings of frustration! You’ll get through it and feel like writing again.

    Reply ↓

Your Turn! Would love to hear your comments