"How do you possibly post to you blog so frequently and where do you get your ideas on what to write about?"
The query was submitted by a newish wine blogger who called me and wanted to get some advice. What he didn't know was that when he asked the question, I found myself, and still find myself, with a severe case of writers blog.
The irony didn't sit well with me.
The idea of writers block is pretty foreign to me. Since beginning this wine blog in November 2004, I've written an average of 28 posts per month. Not quite the "Daily" that is in the title of this blog, but not too far off either.
I told the caller I had to get back to them to take care of some work, then sat back in chair, opened Typepad, hit the "Compose" button.
Nothing.
New Jersey had passed a bad wine shipping law. The U.S. has again become the biggest buyer of wine. The intriguing "Pursuit of Balance" tasting is coming up. Northern California is in the middle of a remarkably dry winter where lawns are turning brown. The issue of "Points" and scoring is everywhere in the air. I'm sure 2012 is going to see some very interesting moves in the on-line wine world. Vintank just released a remarkable update of its fascinating "Social Connect" social media monitoring tool.
And I can't find a creative angle to any of it.
I just sat there. Staring at the screen; thinking of the bloggers question and wondering where writer's block emerges from after never visiting before.
About.com has a page concerning ways to overcome writers block:
1. Implement a Writing Schedule
OK...I can do that.
2. Don't Be Too Hard on Yourself
Too late
3.Think of Writing as a Regular Job, and Less as an Art
Anyone who has read my blog knows I've foregone thinking of my writing as art long ago.
4. Take Time Off If You've Just Finished a Project
It's called the "Daily" wine blog
5. Set Deadlines and Keep Them
See #1
6. Examine Deep Seated Issues Behind Your Writers Block
In the past sex, drugs and drink have always worked better than introspection. No need to change now, I think.
7. Work on More Than One Project at a Time
I'm in PR and have multiple clients. Anything else isn't an option.
8. Try Writing Exercises
Really?
9. Reconsider Your Writing Space
There is not a spot in my house I've not written in.
10. Remember Why You Started To Write In the First Place
There is was...they even put it last. The honest truth is that Fermentation: The Daily Wine Blog was begun out of sheer ego. I was convinced I had something to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on wine, the wine industry, wine marketing and wine politics. In addition, I had the courage to say it publicly and not get embarrassed by the exposure. Most importantly, writing—rather than speaking it or thinking it—it always clarified it for me.
I remember all that.
But in front of all that is the fact that wine and all that surrounds it is fascinating to me. The Politics, the history, the unique diversity of products that can be found in no other product category, the craftsmanship, the nothing of consuming what we adore. Fascinating.
What has always lifted me most are those times when I see connections between wine subject matter and human subject matter. The way judging a wine speaks to our need to know ourselves. The way control of wine policy making speaks to the way power is wielded.The way terroir touches as much on the components of soil and taste perception as it does history and culture.
It's all there with wine and gets really good when, like with the contemplation of art or language or the foundations of knowledge, we start to consider it in far broader contexts beyond the simple object, thing or idea directly in front of us.
I called back the newish blogger and told them I'm able to write so much on my blog because I like thinking about what I believe the refining my thought to suit my ego.
