Staring at an empty page can be daunting, a feeling familiar to many, whether involved in creative writing, preparing a research paper, or crafting a business presentation. This sense of unease, known as writer’s block, often becomes a significant barrier in the writing process.
Understanding Writer’s Block
Deirdre Egan, associate director of the University of Iowa’s Writing Center, explains, “The most intimidating thing for anyone is a blank page. It can trigger anxiety, especially as the deadline approaches and if you’ve been procrastinating. But it’s important to recognize that all writers have off days, days when they feel stuck or uninspired. It’s a myth that great writers are people who write all the time, easily and without difficulty. Writing is a skill to develop and make stronger, like a muscle, and the more you can make it part of your regular routine, the less likely it is to become stressful.”
Strategies to Overcome Writer’s Block
Set a Consistent Writing Schedule
Engaging in regular writing sessions can prove beneficial. Although writing daily may not be feasible for everyone, aiming for consistency, such as writing every other day, can help maintain the habit.
“Write regularly,” Egan advises. “It doesn’t have to be a certain number of words or pages. It can be jotting down a few ideas or making notes… But it is important to create a protected writing time, especially if you want to publish…”
Discuss Your Ideas
Conversing about your project ideas can stimulate creativity and generate new perspectives. This interaction can help you brainstorm and address questions that might hinder your progress.
“The best way to overcome writer’s block is to trick yourself back into writing…” — Rachel Yoder, author of Nightbitch, assistant professor of cinematic arts at Iowa
Break Down Tasks
Large projects can be overwhelming. Simplifying them into manageable tasks can provide a sense of progress and keep the momentum going. “Keeping goals small and manageable will help…” Egan notes.
Record Your Thoughts
If discussing your ideas with someone else isn’t possible, try recording yourself. This can help organize thoughts and may lead to new insights. Many smartphones offer voice-to-text features, which can ease the initial intimidation of a blank page.
“I’m one of those obnoxious writers who doesn’t believe in writer’s block. I believe in project block…” — Kaveh Akbar, author of Martyr!
Create a List
Generating a list of ideas can be a useful exercise. Evaluate these ideas to find which ones best suit your project and start drafting an outline.
Read Extensively
Reading various materials can enhance writing skills. “Reading is vital to writing,” emphasizes Egan. “Read a lot. The more you read, the more easily you’ll understand the rules and conventions of different kinds of writing…”
“What is the block, precisely? Everything that helps me be a healthier person… helps me be a better writer…” — Megan Gogerty, playwright
Read More Here
