By: Carolyn Salata
“You can do whatever you want for this project.” These are the worst words a professor can say to me. My mind immediately begins to spin and then the writer’s block kicks in. Writer’s block happens when a writer has creative block and has no idea what to write or how to start. This can occur due to anxiety, stress, lack of motivation, and more. Writer’s block does not always appear when the possibilities are endless, it can creep up on you when you already know what you are writing about. Here is some advice on how to break through your writer’s block:
Do Not Edit as You Write!
When my friends are having trouble writing an essay the number one thing I tell them is not to get stuck on a sentence or two for longer than a few minutes. There is always time to go back and revise, so just start writing! As you continue to write, inspiration will spark and previous ideas that you may have been stuck on may not seem so daunting anymore.
Write Your Introduction Last
There are no rules when it comes to drafting. I always find myself stuck on the introduction because I have no idea what the following paragraphs will be about. Start with the body of your writing, then it will be easier to create a topic sentence that encapsulates what you already wrote about.
Read Others’ Work
When stuck without a creative flow, I find that reading short stories or pieces that are similar to my topic can ignite inspiration. This rule applies not only to reading but also to watching videos. Writer’s block is common for everyone; there are so many resources on the internet for people who struggle with writing.
Change Up Your Environment
Shockingly, this rule works wonders. When you have the same stimuli every day, it can be difficult for your brain to go beyond that creative block. When I am struggling with writer’s block, I go to a coffee shop I have never been to before and it helps tremendously.
Just Write!
This is the hardest thing to do out of the four stated above. How do you start writing when you have no idea where to start? Take one idea you have for the piece and just start writing. You may not want to include this idea in your final draft, and that is okay! Writing your ideas out will help you see the bigger picture of your piece.
Writer’s block is quite common and everyone experiences it. Do not be afraid to reach out for help from your professors, classmates, or resources on the JMU campus. Hopefully, these five strategies will help you move past your writer’s block and get your words down on paper. Trust the process: you can do anything you set your mind to!
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