The most promising method of overcoming writer’s block is to figure out the cause of blocking and to solve it. However, finding the cause of your writer’s block may not be as easy as it sounds, due to an array of things that cause blocking. If you cannot determine the cause of your writer’s block, there is no need to worry, there are many general strategies for overcoming it. If you find yourself in the midst of a writer’s block, try one of these strategies.
Set realistic goals
Pushing yourself to do too much during a certain amount of time can often trigger writer’s block. If you become overwhelmed with a task, it is hard to write at all. If you feel that goals are a necessity in your composing process, make sure that they are attainable. In setting realistic goals, it is helpful to forget how fast–paced others may write and to determine a timetable that works for you.
Make notes
Writing down your thoughts about a subject before you begin composing is helpful in eliminating writer’s block. Doing so gives you a chance to jot ideas down before you forget them. Not only this, but it also provides a written plan that will aid you in developing the direction of your paragraphs. These preliminary notes should be written in a format that works best for you, whether it is a chart, box, drawing, or outline.
Take a break
Writer’s block can sometimes be overcome through a simple break, whether it be a few hours or a few days. However, before beginning the break, it is important to establish a date and time when you will continue writing. During the break, you should not think about writing. Rather, engage yourself in something enjoyable. In returning to the writing with a fresh perspective, you may find that the writer’s block has vanished.
Free-writing
If you believe that your writer’s block may be caused by a dislike of the topic you are working on, put it aside and write something that you take pleasure in. Merely write whatever comes into your head, even if you must write that you cannot think of anything to write. Free- writing can consist of writing about your summer, describing what is around you, or working on a piece that you have set aside. After you have written something you take pleasure in, perhaps your mind will be clearer and you will find it easier to go back to the project that you are having trouble with.
WIRMI
When you find yourself stuck looking for a particular word or phrase, use the acronym WIRMI (What I Really Mean Is) and proceed saying your sentence they way you are thinking it. Then, continue writing the rest of the paper. When the paper is complete, go back and examine the section that you were having trouble with. Often, once you have an idea of what you mean, it is easier to perfect the phrasing. If you are still experiencing problems, use a thesaurus or talk with a tutor.
Piecework
Many times, it is easier to start writing a paper from the middle, or a paragraph that discusses an idea that you feel confident handling right off the bat. To write the paper in this manner is perfectly fine. After you have acquired enough confidence, you can go back and smooth out the sections that you were having trouble with. After all, the reader will not be able to tell that the paper was written backwards.
Talk the paper
This method requires a partner who is willing to take some time to listen to you talk about your topic and whose goal is to aid you in beginning your writing. The partner can be a friend, spouse, teacher, or even a tutor. When using this method, it is effective to have your partner take notes on the things you are saying. This method is helpful because talking about a topic is something that we generally feel comfortable doing. Considering this, we will feel more like we are telling someone about the subject of our paper, rather than satisfying the terms of the assignment.
Relax
Entering a state of relaxation is an effective method of overcoming writer’s block. Allowing yourself to become stressed out about the blocking only makes it worse. No writer is immune to the curse of writer’s block; so keep in mind, you are not alone. The important factor in dealing with writer’s block is the manner in which you handle it. Remember, you should control the block; it should not control you.
Work with a tutor
Sometimes, it helps to get another point of view, even if it is only for piece of mind. Tutors can offer answers to questions about brainstorming, organizing, formatting, developing a thesis and much more. If you would like to see a tutor, feel free to make an appointment or visit the Writing Center as a walk-in.
This handout was compiled using several Internet websites that discuss Writer’s Block.
