Words at Work

Even a professional writer can suffer from writer’s block from time to time. Case in point: this blog, to which I have not added for more than a year.  It’s time to hit the restart button.

Here are some reliable ways for you, me, or anyone else to get started.

1. Timing is everything.  At what time of day are you sharpest?  Are you a morning person or an night person?  Write at the time of day when your brain is at its best.

2. Clarify your goals.  What ideas are you trying to transmit? Who is your ideal audience? How does this audience think? What do they like?

3. Imaginary conversation.  Picture the ideal audience for your message. Imagine how you would talk to that person, how you would explain your topic.  As you do, write down what you imagine yourself saying.

4. Ten minute sustained writing.  Sit down in front of the computer. Stay there and write for ten minutes.  Ten minutes is not too long.  You know you can do that.  (Your only viable excuse for leaving is a fire alarm.)  Don’t check your email, play a game, or surf the net.  You are writing for ten minutes.  Let your brain go where it wants to go.  When the ten minutes are up, you can read what you wrote.  You will probably be pleasantly surprised with what you wrote.  If you are not, it doesn’t matter.  You are now going to edit.

5. Editing is easier than writing.  Don’t worry about what you say or how you say it on the first draft.  Get your ideas down and then go through it, editing and polishing.  Then put it aside and come back the next day.  Try to read from the point of view of your desired audience.

Try following these steps the next time you find yourself procrastinating over your writing. This blog is evidence that it worked for me.  And next time will be easier.