There are few things I can think of that are more frustrating than having a case of writer’s block other than having writer’s block with a quickly approaching deadline. There seem to be two types of writer’s block. The first type of writer’s block is when there are all sorts of ideas running around in the mind and it is only a matter of deciding what to write about. Then there is maybe the worst kind when you can’t think of anything at all. Day after day is spend staring at a blank word document listening to the minutes tic away. If you’re lucky, the last minute time crunch will kick your head into gear and the words will practically begin falling on the paper. Unfortunately, some of us are not that lucky. So how do you overcome something like writer’s block? The first step is deciding what is causing it. There could be a whole list of things stumping the creative flow. Narrowing it down is the hardest part. Maybe there is a lack of inspiration, too much inspiration, it’s a topic that’s not particularly cared for or is over-used, or nothing sounds good enough. Once it’s decided what the issue is, the next step is solving it.
After a whole notebook of drafts and a trashcan piled full of crumpled pieces of paper, the temptation to give up is strong. It’s important to realize that drafts are not meant to be perfect. Time and time again, I have psyched myself out expecting to write a complete final draft on the first try. Let’s just say that doesn’t happen. What I have found most helpful is just writing out everything that comes to mind about the topic, even doodling pictures, and after plenty of tweaking and drafting, molding it all into a final draft. Patience is important. Also, doing plenty of research on the topic not only helps, but is important. Often times some interesting facts or articles will be stumbled upon and will add a good chunk to what is being written about.
As that deadline continues making its way with no chance of slowing down, it’s vital that procrastination is kept in check. It’s easy to come up with excuses to cover up the fact that the paper is not getting written. Spending hours scrolling through Facebook does not equal research. Be careful not to stray off task because it can be far too easy when stuck in a writing rut.
Because writer’s block is such a broad idea, it’s difficult to pinpoint advice for everyone, but keeping the basics in mind will at least provide a little push, but if all else fails, a fairly decent paper can come out of writing about writer’s block.