Fighting Writers Block

Previously, we discussed Keeping an Idea Book and Writing In A Journal FreeWriting, Brainstorming, Mapping, Incubation, Shaping and Grouping Ideas , Topic Sentences and Knowing How To Outline – today we will be discussing:

Fighting Writers Block

I know this discussion was going to be about Drafting and Revising, however, I felt it necessary to first give some tips on fighting writers block.

If you ever have trouble getting started when the time arrives for drafting (or any other part of the writing process), you are not alone.

When experienced writers get stalled, they recognize what is happening and deal with it. If you run into a writing block, it may be helpful to remember these points:

• Avoid staring at a blank page or screen. Relax and move your hand across the page or keyboard. Write words, scribble, or draw while you think about your topic. The movement of filling paper or computer screen can help stimulate your mind to turn to actual drafting.

• Visualize yourself writing. Many professionals say they write more easily if they first picture themselves doing it.

• Picture an image or a scene, or imagine a sound that relates to your topic. Start writing by describing what you see or hear.

• Write about your topic in a letter to a friend. Relax and chat on paper to someone you feel comfortable with

• Try writing your material as if you were someone else. Once you take on a role, you might feel less inhibited about writing

• Start in the middle. Begin with a body paragraph. Write from the center of your project out, instead of beginning to end.

• Switch your method of writing. If you usually typewrite or use a computer, try writing by hand. If you usually use a pen, switch to a pencil. When you write by hand, try to treat yourself to a good quality paper. The pleasure of writing on smooth, strong paper helps many experienced writers want to keep going.

As you write, seek out places and times of the day that encourage you to write. You might write best in a quiet corner of the library; at 4:30 a.m. At the kitchen table before anyone else is awake; or outside when people are walking by.

Most experienced writers find that they concentrate best when they are alone, working without the risk of interruption. But occasionally, background noise-in a crowded cafeteria for example-might be comforting.

Be sure however, not to mislead yourself: You will not write well or efficiently while you are talking to other people, stopping now and then to jot down a sentence or two.

Also, do not mistake delaying tactics for preparation. You do need pencil and paper (or their equivalent) to write, but you do not need fifteen perfectly sharpened pencils sitting in a neat row.

Next time, we will be discussing: Drafting and Revising.

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