Many of my clients complain that they have a hard time getting started and dealing with the “dreaded blinking cursor” on the blank screen.
Writer’s block can plague any writer, no matter how experienced. For some people, just getting started can feel like an overwhelming task. Others find that they have no trouble getting started, but midway, their brain locks up. Here are a few tips to help you work through writer’s block:
-Just start writing! As I’ve said before, you should write your drafts as though they’re going in the recycling bin to begin with. That way, you’ll write without censoring yourself. Just write any old garbage at first. Once you get into the playful nature of writing, you may say something important or well that you hadn’t thought of before. Just the act of writing can get your brain revved up for the good prose that’s to come.
-If you get stuck mid-stream, pick a word or phrase and just write it over and over until other words come to you. Some of my client’s favorite filler-words and phrases include : “junk,” “filler,” “ideas,” and “moving along.” See what works for you.
-Get off the screen: In this computer-driven world, we are so accustomed to associating writing with typing. Whenever I begin my work with a client, I always provide her/him with an old-fashioned composition book. The notebook is a great place to jot down ideas, do concept webs and just get started with writing. One of my students recently told me how relaxing it was for him to just write things out by hand. He said that his ideas flowed more smoothly and that he felt less rushed.
-Give yourself time. Although we’re often accustomed to composing emails in a hurry, the kind of self-revealing and engaging writing demanded by the admission essay calls for a sometimes slower pace of writing. If you’re reading this in October, when I’ve freshly posted it, then you still have a little time to take the time to write in a leisurely way. Even if you’re working with a deadline, when you write, you should be kind to yourself and don’t feeel rushed even if the clock is ticking down.
-Draw a picture. Whether you’re a good hand at drawing or not, sometimes trying to capture the elements of your narrative or what you want to say in lines rather than in words can make a world of difference. You might notice that you spend more time and effort on details that hadn’t occurred to you before you began your drawing.
-Use a recorder. If talking comes more easily to you than writing, then talk into a microphone to get your thoughts down. When I wrote my dissertation, I often found myself inspired at the most inopportune times. I would leave myself messages on my home answering machine. I eventually graduated to a cell phone with voice notes, which worked great. These days, many smart phones and iPad-like devices come with apps that take dictation. Give that a try.
-Talk to someone. Sometimes working out your idea with a listening partner can make a world of difference. While complaint may be in order for a while, see if you can actually talk through your writing project.
-Take a breather. Whether it’s a few deep breaths, a walk or some other activity that gets your mind off you work, it’s okay to take a break every once in a while. Fresh air, looking at nature, hearing nature or music or even getting up to dance can refresh and recharge your writer’s mind.
Happy writing!
-Dr. Kirschner