“Writing is easy. You only need to stare at a blank piece of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead.”
— Gene Fowler
Whether we’re writing a novel or a business report, writer’s block creates anxiety. The stress is twofold: First, we are anxious because we are not getting our work done, and we fear the consequences of missing deadlines and opportunities. Second, we are anxious because we are anxious; we fret over having “writer’s block.”
What causes writer’s block? One psychoanalyst suggested that it is caused by being bottle-fed as infants. Perfectionism, distraction, dread of rejection, fear of criticism, or just plain exhaustion can all lead our creative juices to freeze, leaving us terrified that we will never regain our writing mojo.
In the Worktalk writing training, we share several ways to overcome writer’s block. Here are a few:
Tips for Freeing Your Mind
Stew. No need to tackle a writing assignment head-on. If you have time, think about the document for a few days. Doodle around with a bit of research. Jot a note. While you’re swimming or jogging or showering, let the ideas dance across your mind. You may find that when you sit down to write, the work’s half done.
Write anything. It worked for Jack Nicholson in “The Shining” – actually, not really. But the practice of retyping what you wrote yesterday or just free-associating and writing from a prompt such as, “I don’t want to write because…” or “What I really want to say is …” will set you on the path to self-expression.
Interview yourself. Racketing back and forth inside our heads can make anyone crazy. Instead, set a chair across from yourself and start a conversation as if a trusted friend were talking to you. Have the friend ask, “So, what are you writing about?” and explain it aloud. If you’re not into imaginary friends, corral a real human and ask them to interview you.
Schedule a writing time and stick to it.
Many successful writers swear by having a writing schedule. You know that report you’ve been avoiding? Calendar a realistic time slot to work on it. When that time comes, put away your phone and quit checking email and social media. Refer to the above point on “writing anything”. Just write for the allotted period and see what happens.
Use your unconscious mind. Many people have found this technique useful. Here’s how it works: Put blank paper or a journal next to your bed. The night before you have to compose an important document, write, “Tomorrow morning when I wake up, I will feel rested and alert, and I will know how to write …” Sign your name as if you were signing a contract. Then – here’s the good part – go to sleep.
Have paper or a computer handy when you wake up because words are likely to come pouring out. It sounds woo-woo, I know, but this technique has worked for me innumerable times.
Most of all, don’t beat yourself up. Writer’s block happens to all writers at some point. It passes. Having writer’s block does not evidence a lack of grit or talent. You will get through it and live to write again.
Resources:
Ten Ways to Overcome Writer’s Block This post is geared largely for book authors but contains valuable general tips.
How to Overcome Writer’s Block This post is geared for creative writing yet it may prove helpful to business writers, too.
Wikipedia on Writer’s Block Offering a history of writer’s block and some scientific research on the topic, this article will give you a broader understanding of the problem.
Take me to your leader! Communication woes drain the lifeblood from an organization. Connect me with your decision-makers and see how Worktalk can transform communication in your world. Contact me at lizd@worktalk.com or 310.396.8303. You can also book through www.calendly.com/worktalk.
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About Worktalk
Worktalk prepares teams to write clearly and confidently amid the pressures of constant communication. Our trainings and webinars equip individuals with the mindset and tactics to strengthen credibility, increase influence, and generate new possibilities.
If you’re wondering how Worktalk might make a difference in your organization, call Liz Danziger at 310.396.8303 or email lizd@worktalk.com.