What Causes Writer’s Block
Writer’s block is often caused by conflicted feelings. We want the writing to be perfect and we want the paper done as soon as possible. We know what we know but we don’t know what our readers know. We know how the memo should sound, but we don’t have all the facts we need. We know everything about the software, but we don’t know what an article should look like. We know what we have to say but we are afraid that it won’t measure up to our expectations or to our readers’ expectations.
All of these feelings are natural and normal. Everyone finds writing a challenge. Many writers, however, compound their problems by employing weak writing strategies. When these methods fail, they give up.
Weak Strategies for Dealing with Writer’s Block
Using trial and error
Since our short-term memory is limited, trying to juggle in your head all the possible ways to phrase something usually means we repeat the same rejected phrases over and over. One way to avoid this is to make a quick list of alternative phrases.
lnsisting on a perfect draft
Perfectionism is the surest way to writer’s block. Expecting everything to come together at once leads to paralysis and heartache. Insisting on a perfect first draft is really much slower than writing several quick drafts focused on different goals.
Waiting for inspiration
Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. What seems like inspiration is usually the result of internalized hard work. In a moment we’ll talk about some useful strategies for pushing “inspiration” along.
Using words looking for an idea
We all know those phrases which click so easily into the keyboard but then go nowhere:
due to the fact that…
it is imperative that…
a wide variety ranging from … to….
These phrases can be building blocks but they won’t help much until you know what you’re building.
Effective Strategies for Avoiding Writer’s Block
Taking notes
Jot down ideas and phrases as they occur to you. Free yourself from paragraphs and sentences for the moment–use flow charts, arrows, boxes, outlines, even pictures. Right now, you are worried about getting things down before you forget them.
Freewriting/Brainstorming
When you’re not just blocked, when you’re stonewalled, try freewriting. Sit down for ten minutes and write down everything you can think of about your topic. The object is to write without stopping for the whole ten minutes. If you can’t think of anything to say, write “blah, blah, blah” over and over. If other things occur to you as you write, go ahead and record them, even if they are not directly related to your topic. These distractions may be part of what is keeping you blocked.
Freewriting is good for uncovering ideas–it’s a good way to nudge “inspiration.” But the main purpose of freewriting is to get you moving! Most of what you write in those ten minutes will go in the recycling bin, but you’ll be warmed up and your serious writing should go more smoothly.
Brainstorming resembles freewriting but is more goal-directed. You start not only with a topic, say PROFS, but also with a goal: What do new users need to know about this system? Then allow yourself to jot down ideas for a set amount of time without censoring any possibilities and without striving for perfect prose. When the “storm” has passed, you can rearrange ideas, put thoughts into complete sentences, edit, and polish.
Piecework
Sometimes, starting at the beginning induces Perfect Draft Syndrome. It may be easier to get started if you approach the task sideways. If you’ve got a plan for the article or manual, choose a section from the middle or a point you know well and start there. Then do another section. After you’ve gained some confidence, you can work on the opening and smooth out the transitions.
What I Really Mean Is (WIRMI)
When you’re stuck in a quagmire trying to find the perfect phrase, switch to What I Really Mean Is and just say it the way you think it. Once you know what you mean, it is easier to refine the phrasing.
Satisficing (satisfy + suffice)
You “satisfice” when you take the first reasonable solution instead of searching endlessly for just the right word or sentence. If you’re unhappy with the choice, you can bracket it and promise yourself you’ll fix it later.
If you liked the article and wanted to know how to cure writer’s block instantly, please tell me in the comments section.
Amir.H.Ghazi
I love these tips! Thanks for sharing!
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Welcome:)
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I must admit-I’ve never experienced writer’s block. But it is coming….and when it comes, and it will come-I will refer to these strategies. Thanks for posting!
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But now I’m experiencing it for 2 month.
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Yikes! Hang in there….I can ‘ghost write’ for you if you want. Kidding.
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😀 thank you anyway
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Sure. Am sure the last thing you want (or need) is a half-crazed American writing on your behalf-your dedicated readers would know right away!
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gosh, I meant ‘half-crazed’ in a good way-really. Just brimming with laugher and good intentions….
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No problem: D
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😉
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*laughter 🙂
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Great and very helpful tips. Thank you.
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Welcome!:)
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When I get writer’s block for work, I just start putting anything down that’s relevant and I know I will use. It eventually comes together, and there’s always several rounds of back and forth editing. I just have to remember not to panic when a deadline is hanging over my head.
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But sometimes I love writer’s block. I love fighting against it.
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For me, writer’s block leads to partial panic, which leads to writing because I have to meet my deadline. So yes, maybe sometimes it spurs me on.
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What’s your writing style & genre?
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For work, I am a medical writer. I write the science for proposals that are sent to possible supporters. It’s interesting, but after writing 20 proposals on diabetes in a row, I am fried. Personally, I write my blog, poems, and am working on a book.
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Great! I’ve a lot of questions abt some medicines & illnesses. I’m going to write a novel.
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I’ve been doing this for over 20 years. Medical writer of some sort. I was once 2nd author on an article published in a medical journal. Good luck on your novel.
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I may ask some questions abt depression & drugs use to cure it.
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Use my personal email: peace4me521@yahoo.com. Will help if I can.
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Oh thank you so much Kathy!
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Excellent advice and tips in how to successfully defeat the WB Monster! LOL Thank you; I was grappling with that nasty wraith just this day … before I wrote “Someone Is Watching.” So, btw, thank you for popping into my little corner of the big, bad World of Blog! All the best to you and yours.
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Oh, thank you so much! I’m glad to hear that:)
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What great ideas for writers block! If I get a writers block I will definately use some of your tips! Thanks again! http://www.segmation.com/blog
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How can you have writer’s block?? Isn’t this like the third post you’ve completed today? Amazing work! Music helps my writer’s block. I play the piano and also love listening to all sorts of music.
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Unfortunately I’m suffering from WB for two month.
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I’m sorry 😦 You write fantastic posts on your blog, so it’s not a complete blockage. 🙂
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WB always occurred when I want to write stories, novels.
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*occurs
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Have you ever read Stephen King’s ‘On Writing?’
He says the cure for writer’s block is to add a new problem. Let tragedy strike your poor unsuspecting characters!
I notice that I reach a dead end at times when my writing becomes too comfortable with no real conflict or tension happening in my writing. King says that that’s the time to delve into your dark side and introduce some kind of tragedy to your character.
Anyway, that has always helped me, Amir.
Good luck 🙂
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I’ve read it. Thanks for your advice miss:)
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Great tips! I can attest to some of these but as of the moment I’m stuck in a rut 😦 Ideas refused to flow. So instead of giving myself a headache from overthinking, I make an outline–a very disorganized one–for what I want for each chapter on my manuscript. I make note as well every time I could visualize a scene in my head. And I have a weird habit of writing at night instead during day hours. I write freely at night than during the day. 😀 HAHA!
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I write at nights too;)
I think the reason for me is my genre.
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Are you a night owl?
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Yes, somehow.
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Reblogged this on Ancien Hippie.
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At times I suffer photographers block when the little images in my head turn off their lights and I can’t see them 🙂
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In my next posts I’ll explain how to cure WB instantly;)
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Somewhere there is a very disappointed 4th grade teacher who was so sure I would grow up to be a novelist. I’m sure she looks at my Art Performance, Teaching and Photography and shakes her head at the waste. As for writers block I have always found the looming deadline and possible impending shame very encouraging.
But, those are probably not good places to write from. 😉
Thanks for sharing your informative posts. 😀
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I hope I could help you at least:)
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Amen to all of this. Thanks so much for sharing!
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You’re most welcome Judy:)
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Looking forward to reading more of your blog. I too am a huge fan of horror.
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Great!!! We’re at the same boat. I love horror too. It’s self evident from my blog:D
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Reblogged this on poetry and chocolate and books.
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