I think writer’s block is a myth.
Yes, I know that’s probably an unpopular thing to say especially if you suffer from what I like to call the Blank Page Syndrome (where you painfully stare at the page in your notebook or the blinking cursor on your computer feeling like you want to scream!)
But the reason I feel writer’s block doesn’t exist is because there’s a way to beat it every time.
It’s a method that also happens to be the secret essence at the heart and soul of powerful influential writing (and when you apply it you’ll see why I don’t believe in writer’s block!)
So what’s this magical method to say goodbye to writer’s block for good? Be yourself on the page and write in your own voice.
Everyone has a writing voice in fact most people have several writing voices.
There’s a business email writing voice that corporate types use to communicate with co-workers or bosses.
Example:
Hi there,
Today’s meeting is at 11 a.m. in Meeting Room 5.
The agenda is as follows:
- Discuss pricing plans and policies
- Workout next steps for website creation and branding
- Brainstorm ideas for next week’s client presentation
Attendance is compulsory.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Susan
As you can see this type of writing voice is formal, clear, precise and to the point.
Then there’s the BFF texting voice.
Example:
OMG! You have to check out this new cafe on Bleeker Street. The lattes are awesome and the baristas are HOT 😉
This type of writing is informal, friendly and often includes a ton of acronyms.
Depending on the writer, it could include an “Emoticons Gone Wild” type of situation too (I’m guilty of this!)
So, what do you do when it comes to writing your blog posts, social media posts and website copy, sales page and all the rest?
Aim to use your natural voice. In other words, your writing “voice” needs to sound like you and it needs to channel your authentic energy.
If you took the Spiritual Expression Archetype quiz your Energy of Expression is essentially your natural writing voice.
Your Energy of Expression begins with what you feel, what you believe, what you stand for, what you’re willing to fight for. This is the energy within you that will be projected out into the world.
BUT the Energy of Expression isn’t just what’s unseen – it includes what is seen and heard.
What you say. What you look like. How you present yourself on video, and interviews and of course — the words that you write.
When you’ve identified your core Energy of Expression you can begin to consciously tune into it to write as yourself.
Are you peppy, chirpy, and highly energetic? Are you quiet, calm, and centered?
It’s important the energy of your written words reflect this.
Why? Because when there’s a disconnect between who you are and how you write, it can start to feel like you’re being fake or false and that’s the last thing we want!
When you write in your own voice, there is no need to overthink and to painstakingly craft sentences. The words will flow with ease.
While your writing voice will come through naturally as you make writing a daily practice, when you’re first learning to write as yourself for your spiritual business, you need to purposefully connect with the energy of your writing voice.
The best way to do this is to listen to yourself speak.
Pay close attention to the words you use. Record yourself — or better yet get a friend to record you when you’re not aware that she’s doing it — and then playback and listen.
Transcribe what you hear. Remove the fillers and pauses “the aahs, and ummms” and carefully study what you have left.
Do you use certain words often, like “awesome” or “amazing” when you speak?
Then try them on for size in your writing. Don’t leave them out just because you think these aren’t “professional sounding words” or they’re not “serious enough.”
Keep in mind that spoken conversation is different from words on paper or on screen.
Speech is riddled with tiny grammatical errors that are missed in normal, face-to-face conversations but which will show up like a dinosaur-shaped ink splotch on a pristine white shirt when you type it out on a page!
So here’s what I recommend…
Try writing almost exactly the way you speak for a while. You can always tweak or edit your writing if you want to update or change anything.
Whatever you do, don’t ignore your unique voice or your Energy of Expression. If you do, you’ll diminish your ability to magnetize and connect with your ideal clients in an authentic way.
Remember, you’re not trying to be a professional writer and you’re not writing for someone else.
You’re harnessing your unique writing voice so you can authentically communicate with your audience…
And gracefully increase your income and impact as an aligned empowered, successful spiritual entrepreneur.