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If you write long enough, writer’s block will strike. Instead of giving up, try a different strategy.
1. Spend 10-15 minutes reading the writing of someone who inspires you. For me, that can be as simple as going to a quotation website, browsing current events, smirking at the wittiness of satire, or picking up a book by John Irving or C.S. Lewis. Whatever your inspiration, let it occupy your mind. Then, when you have taken that mental break and read the writing of others, you will return to your computer with increased motivation.
2. Change your writing venue. Enjoy a beverage at a local coffeehouse or bookstore. Sit at a picnic table in a nearby park. Find a secluded niche in your local library.
3. Write with a group of like-minded friends with whom you can share your work. Set a specific time for socializing (and food) and a specific time for writing (try the online stopwatch to make sure you are productive). At the end of your time together, you can even exchange computer screens or notebooks to give feedback to each other.
4. Use a recording device to talk through your ideas. For those who are very verbal, but struggle with getting those ideas down on paper, expressing ideas in writing can be invaluable. When done, play it back, while typing it up.
- Tip: Invest in a quality, portable recording device (you never know when you will have an idea)
- I recommend the devices pictured below:
5. Turn off your computer monitor and type without worrying about grammar, correct ideas, complete sentences, etc. Be silly, be awkward, and write whatever enters your mind regarding your topic. Again, set a time limit. When time is up, turn the monitor back on and read through what you’ve written, highlighting the parts which offer possibility for your draft. Cut and paste these parts into a new document and continue writing.
6. This may be obvious, but get organized and gather your resources. Make sure you have access to all of the books, files, notes, etc. that you need and that you have a plan. Sometimes, writer’s block comes from lack of clear planning and feeling overwhelmed with all of the details.
7. Indulge yourself; buy your favorite snack and beverage. Sometimes, page 9 of a research project looks a little less daunting with a box of junior mints at your side.
8. Think positively about your project, review the guidelines, and set achievable goals. Trying to write a 20 page paper in a day may not be realistic, and if you fill your mind with negative thoughts it will show in your writing and cause you to be less productive.
9. Your writer’s block may be caused by lack of information about the project. Have you talked to your professor yet? Believe it or not, most professors will be thrilled to make an appointment to talk through your ideas with you. You will be sure to come away from this conference with renewed focus and several good ideas.
10. Lastly, I would advise you to relax. If you have time, distance yourself from the project for 24 hours. Focus your energies and thoughts elsewhere and come back when you are ready.
If you are looking for more tips, be sure to check out Rachel Gardner’s post: 10 Exercises to Make You a Better Writer.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Great tips.
I find point 4 very useful to me. I’m quite an ‘animated’ person shall we say – I tend to wave my arms and make lots of gestures when I speak.
I generally find I can come up with ideas and ‘flow’ better when I verbalise things first so I find it easier to use the voice recorder on my mobile phone to firstly record ideas, notes and to-dos which I then translate to paper/computer.
Plus my mobile office (pics available on http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnlifeasitis) is geared specifically to be prepared so that I don’t lose any of notes I come up with.
Writers block is a pain. However writer’s inspiration is even more of a pain if you forget to capture it – particularly as inspiration can often happen at the oddest of times
Hi Chung,
I’m a number four person myself. Inspiration will usually come while I’m driving in the car or at the grocery store or on a walk; like you said – the oddest of times. What a lovely view you have from your office; I can’t imagine inspiration stays away very long if you look out the window.
-Lindsay