O.k. So the Writer’s Block Demon might not be quite as frightening as ghosts and goblins at a haunted house, but it can still do plenty of damage. Along our journey of “writing to make a difference” we all have to deal with it at some point. Guaranteed.
The dreaded attack may come at any time, in any place, and you need to be prepared. If you harbor memories of painful English classes or believe that you “can’t write,” the Writer’s Block Demon can be especially ferocious.
A typical scenario might be: You get a writing assignment and you just cannot seem to get started. You can’t think of an interesting word to say about your topic. It has all been said before—and oh, so much better. Besides, you suddenly see all of the absolutely pressing housecleaning or emailing or other distracting work all around you, just crying out for your attention. And then, hours or days later, you realize that you have barely enough time left to finish your piece before the deadline.
Sound familiar?
Here are some specific suggestions that have worked for me at different times. See what you think.
- First, step back a bit and find out more about your readers.
Sometimes you just have to know more about your readers to feel confident about engaging them. Consider getting more informed about their interests, hopes, and fears.
That might include reviewing client testimonials to uncover how they have used your services or products and how they benefited. What did they like most—and least? And what attracted them in the first place? You can also do some web surfing to find out what people are saying about trends in your field, related problems they encounter, etc.
If you are not in daily contact with your intended readers, you probably will need to speak regularly with people who are. Ask them what your clients and constituents think are the key benefits and features of your work.
- Prepare your writing area.
Clear your workspace so that it is comfortable, inviting, and not mixed up with your other work or personal things. If you can, try carving out a specific “writing area”. You might find that retreating to that place at the same time every day helps you focus on the task at hand. And when you are ready, you can just get up and walk away, knowing that you have completed your writing duty for the day.
Ask yourself: Do you like background music, television, or quiet? Natural, subdued, or super-bright light?
Do whatever it takes to make the space your own. You may also want to decorate the space with inspirational images or quotes.
By the way, your writing area does not actually have to be just one place. With laptops and wireless Internet access, you can try out different locations to give yourself some variety and test the impact of new surroundings on your writing. Cafes, libraries, parks, and gardens are some of my favorite writing areas. One friend of mine claims that she is most productive in a hot tub.
- Consider your approach.
Let’s assume that you have a great handle on who your readers are and where they are coming from, but you still cannot shake that Writer’s Block Demon.
Some people, especially if they are nonlinear thinkers, write in bits as thoughts randomly pop into their heads. If you are a stream-of-consciousness person, don’t worry about the format for now; just write down all that you want to say, and categorize later.
Others folks, more the traditionally organized types, set up folders (real or virtual) where they can drop in segments as they write them. Of course, the more linear among us follow an established path and write a beginning, middle, and end, in that order.
Still others combine methods they have heard work for other writers. For example, you may want to integrate some great technique you have discovered in a book of poetry, a novel, or a fascinating website.
- Fight off the urge to procrastinate.
Most of us have spent a night or two now and then cramming to meet a deadline. Let’s try to avoid that! As soon as you get a writing assignment, start keeping track of your ideas about it. Those ideas can be specific things you want to include, more general thoughts about the topic, or words and phrases you come across in everyday life that might relate to your piece. If your piece is going to have sections, separate your notes accordingly.
By starting the writing wheels in motion, you will subconsciously clear the way for relevant ideas and experiences. Suddenly you will realize how many things that come into your life actually connect to your writing project. This is because once you commit to working on a piece—even if only in your head—you begin writing it in a larger sense.
If you have been entertaining thoughts about your piece, when you sit down to commit words to paper you will already have some starter material. Nothing can torpedo your creativity faster than a blank page staring you in the face. Trust me: If you wait until the last minute to get started, you will increase your probability of getting an ulcer and decrease the quality of your end product.
Stay tuned for Part II of this article for even more tips on how to scare away the Writer’s Block Demon.
