Unblocking Writer's Block
Some writers, especially those who have specialized in nonfiction, believe Writer's Block is a myth, an excuse or a "cop out". I used to think it was solely due to an acute case of perfectionism, placing it squarely in the realm of the psychological. My thinking and understanding of the phenomenon has expanded recently. I can now see that it as a multifaceted problem, and the facets are not necessarily joined to any one core difficulty. Sometimes the cause is simple such as other life stresses, exhaustion, hunger, or poor health. We don't always need psychoanalysis to sweep away a block. Simple causes call for simple solutions.
I like the suggestions Vicki Vialle offers. She says, "Even if they manage their time and follow writing guidelines, many writers will still experience a time when the words just won't come together, when they are simply "stuck" and can't think of anything to write. This is writer's block. Fortunately, a few helpful techniques make it possible to overcome the challenge of writer's block." They include:
* Take a break
* Be flexible
* Relax!
* Move
The brief article is a quick read with six more techniques and explanations. You might want to print them out and stick them up near your monitor as reminders.
I like the suggestions Vicki Vialle offers. She says, "Even if they manage their time and follow writing guidelines, many writers will still experience a time when the words just won't come together, when they are simply "stuck" and can't think of anything to write. This is writer's block. Fortunately, a few helpful techniques make it possible to overcome the challenge of writer's block." They include:
* Take a break
* Be flexible
* Relax!
* Move
The brief article is a quick read with six more techniques and explanations. You might want to print them out and stick them up near your monitor as reminders.
Labels: writer's block
posted by Georganna Hancock M.S. | 9:20 AM
3 Comments:
Vicki Vialle has some useful suggestions, but I can suggest a technique that's worked for me.
I select some passages from writers I admire, and sit down and copy them, word for word. While doing this, peculiarities in a writer's technique become immediately apparent, and their strengths and weaknesses stand out in a way that simple reading can't reveal.
Eventually, copying becomes boring. Perhaps in self-defense, my brain will start to work again.
hi, i like your blog and linked you on my site.
Thanks for the contribution, Bill. That's one I haven't seen elsewhere. I'll add it to the list I'm keeping.
Sue -- I'll take a look at your blog. Thanks in advance for the link!
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