Writers Block
7 Secrets to Crush Writers Block
Writers block is a dreaded phenomenon that most people can identify with. I’m sure most people have dealt with it at least once in their lives.
I used to suffer from writer’s block, big time! I’m telling you from my own personal anguish and suffering, that it is definitely not a pleasant experience.
The pressure is really on when the due date for one’s project or paper is getting closer by the day and how about when the boss asks you “how’s that project going”? So you keep trying to avoid him or her as you sneak down the side of the corridor.
WRITER’S BLOCK IS DEFINITELY FEAR-BASED
Writer’s block is a fear-based emotion. For whatever reason, most of us go blank because of an incredible fear of committing ourselves to writing whenever we’re faced with a blank page or computer screen.
Fear it no longer! I’m here to tell you that writer’s block can be conquered! Each and every time.
You need to realize that writer’s block is really an irrational fear that keeps us from putting pen to paper. That’s half the battle. It’s actually a fear of the unknown, often coupled with the fear of failure.
We rightfully wonder just what exactly is going to come out of our brainstorming, and when it does, will we be revealing some kind of bungling idiot who doesn’t know what they’re writing about?
However, if we have done the proper research or practice, your rational mind knows that you can do it just like you did it all of those other times before.
Sadly, fear often wins the day when it comes to writing skills. As I said before, I’ve suffered from writer’s block for many years and it hasn’t been the most enjoyable of experiences in my life.
7 CRUSHING SECRETS
Luckily, somewhere along the way I slowly managed to develop a few tricks to overcome writers block. Some are obvious but others are not. Here are my personal hard-earned crushing secrets that help me to overcome writer’s block:
1. Don’t start your writing project too quickly
Before beginning to write, it’s important to prepare mentally for a few hours or days, of course, depending on the size of your project. Just think the project over in the back of your mind until your ready to write. As you know athletes don’t like to peak too soon so writers shouldn’t try to write too soon either! Not to worry, your sub-conscious mind will be churning away on the problem while you’re doing other things.
2. Do the Brainstorming
Research related material on your subject so that it’s fresh in your mind. I read through all background material carefully marking important points with a yellow hi-liter jotting down important notes and then review it all before I start to write. This is the material that your sub-conscious mind needs so it can do its job in the background while you’re doing other things.
3. Jot down a simple outline
When I first sit down to write I put together a simple list of key points I want to cover. Then I organize them in the order in which I will be using them. I know, I know… your Grade 6 English teacher told you the same thing… but it actually does work.
4. Keep your research material on hand
I like to have any research material I may need within reach of my writing area. This enables you to quickly refer to it without interrupting the writing flow once you get started. I lay my material open and keep it within my sight so I can quickly glance at it if needed.
5. Now just start writing
Yep, it’s time to start writing. You’re prepared mentally and done your research you’re ready to write, even if your writer’s block is saying “no”. Just start writing whatever comes to mind. Go with your thoughts. In a short time you’ll get into a rhythm, and the words will just keep on flowing.
6. The first draft is just that a first draft
When the words begin to flow don’t try to make it perfect. This is the first draft. You can always revise it later. The critical thing is to write those thoughts down as your mind sends them to you.
7. It helps to have an example or template
Get an actual sample of the type of project that you need to write. It could be something that you wrote previously, or it could be from your own files, a clipping from a magazine article, or a sales brochure you picked up. Whatever it is, just post it up directly where you can see it while you’re working. You’ll be amazed at how this helps the words and ideas flow. The main thing is to have an example to act as a sort of visual guide.
For me this last point is the ultimate secret to overcoming writer’s block.
I’m always on the lookout for good examples of writing that I see in newspapers and magazines. I clip out the useful ones for future reference.
