Bloggers' Block?

[Nicola O.]

I've been reading as much as ever but finding it hard to get motivated to write reviews and posts. I'm in a bit of a slump. I think I'd like to take a bit of a break, but I'm torn because I don't want to lose my regular readers.

Anyone else in the same boat? Or managed to get rowing again? Or bailed out? Or... some other metaphor that works better?

[Lisa Sheppard]

Pick up on a couple of memes to fill in some days; generally they don't take very long to do and don't require near as much thinking!

[Farnoosh]

Gosh I know the feeling - sometimes I just want to curl up and tear into my books. Sometimes I want to keep writing, like right now when Madame Bovary is giving me a run for my money!
I approach book reviews from a wild angle. I can start talking about anything but if I can tie it to the book, then it's fair game for my review. How do the books affect you, your life, your approach, your perspective? Maybe it's easier to start thinking of it that way before we delve into character analysis.....Just some ideas. And whatever you do, don't force yourself to write. It just won't flow!

[Ginger B. Collins]

I like your "wide angle" approach. I tend to read several things at one time. Right now I'm listening to Wolf Hall while I'm working out, mainly because I love the intrigue of that period and the formality of the language. I have a copy of Cracker Queen - a Memoir, in my "study," (also known as the powder room) and love the short vignettes on growing up poor but proud. As a study project, I'm digging into Crossing California, set in 1970's urban Chicago. My own novel is set in Chicago and I'm studying how the author adds the flavor of the times into the story.

I'm reading each book for a different reason, so your approach of reviewing works well for me. Thanks for helping me clarify it in my own head!

Ginger B.
http://coppertopcollins.blogspot.com
www.gingerbcollins.com

[Helenita]

Hi, I have to say that I definitely was in the same boat as all of you. Just before the holidays, I joined the National Novel Writers Month. Although I didn't finish the 50,000 word quota, I think I was too burned out to write anything afterwards. The holidays also had an affect on me. While I read, I couldn't finish any of them. I was busy and exhausted. I did take a break and almost didn't return to blogging. Later though, I realized how much I missed it. I started blogging again last month. I haven't gotten a lot of comments lately but that's okay.

I absolutely think it's fine to take a break. There's nothing wrong with taking time for yourself. :)

[Lisa Roe]

Do something other than write!

*Do a picture review. Find images that relate to how you felt about a certain title and use those as your review. Strong emotions the book evoked can be represented by colors.

*Pose fun questions to your readers.

*Invite a couple of people to guest post for you.

hope this helps!