WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2008   12:04 PM

 Fighting writer's block… we all get it. Real strategies to combat this illness.

I wanted to do a post about writer’s block, but it turns out, ironically enough, that I didn’t really have anything to say about it. When I get stuck in a situation where the words aren’t coming out, I just start typing and eventually I fill up enough space and it starts to come together. However, the rules for filling up a blog and for producing high quality writing for publication or academic credit are a little different, so the fill-the-page technique won’t probably work for you.

So what do you do? Well, you’re in luck. I’ve trolled the internet and examined the first page of Google links to find out what to do about writer’s block. Here’s what I’ve learned.

• Some people say you should start talking to a stuffed animal, action figure, or other inanimate object. Though this looks silly, the idea behind it is that talking out loud can help you process your thoughts and develop your ideas, giving you inspiration.

• Others recommend starting out by tackling a small detail and then building out from there. Is there part of your essay or project that’s easier than the rest? Try doing that first then link it to what comes before and after.

• Go out. Try dragging your laptop to the park, or to a café, or the library. A change of setting can stimulate you, or at the very least you’ll feel like you need to get typing so all the other people won’t make fun of you.

• Try writing something else. Start a short story. Write a poem. As soon as you start getting words on paper, you’ll start thinking about the brilliant way you should be attacking the project you’re not working on right now.

So, now that you know how to avoid writer’s block, how will you stop your logorrhea?

BACK TO BLOG LIST