Let's face it...One of the hardest parts of writing is getting started.
Let's face it...One of the hardest parts of writing is getting started. It's all too easy to end up just sitting there, staring at a blank page or screen as a clock tics away in the background (because of course, the worst writer's block always hits when you have a tight deadline).
Or writing and erasing until you give up, frustrated and stressed out. Because somehow, you can not come up with a single worthwhile thing to say. Or finding something else (like checking emails, making phone calls or surfing the Web) to do.
Luckily, you're not the first person to come down with a full-fledged case of writer's block-or procrastinator syndrome. Over the years, I've picked up a number of tricks you can use to get your writing juices flowing. And it's a good thing. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to effective newsletters and marketing copy week after week.
So, without further ado, here are my eight favorite tricks for getting more writing done.
1) Be Here Now
These days, we're all programmed to be constantly accessible by email, cell phone, IM and more. But the reality is, no matter what line of work you are in most things can wait for at least 30 minutes. And if you really want to get your writing done, you need uninterrupted time to focus.
So put the Do Not Disturb sign on your door and turn off your cell phone. And don't even think about checking your email (I promise you'll survive J ).
2) Set It In Stone
Don't just say you are going to "write today". That makes it far too easy to put off in favor of a coffee break, phone call or raking leaves. Instead, schedule time in your calendar.
Then, go one step farther and set a specific amount of time that you will write without stopping...say thirty minutes or an hour. Some folks find it helps to set an alarm. That way you are less tempted to constantly watch the clock.
3) Dangle a Carrot
Having trouble focusing? Try setting a reward for yourself like "When I finish the first draft, I'll go out to lunch (or buy new shoes)." Or, "I'll edit this one more time, then go for a walk."
That way, you are motivated to get a certain amount of work done before taking a break. And, you get positive reinforcement for your accomplishments.
4) Get Away From It All
Sometimes a change of scenery is all you need to spark fresh creative juices. Try going to a coffee shop, local park or library to get a new outlook. I've even found that just moving to the stand-up workstation in my office, sitting on the couch or lounging in my backyard can do the trick.
5) Be Your Own Library
You don't have to come up with every idea yourself. Start collecting articles or ads from magazines, surfing the Web, and subscribing to a few newsletters. For a serious infusion of new ideas, try using a few titles or sites you wouldn't normally check out.
Then jot down (or tear out and file) anything that seems interesting. Fun factoids and memorable quotes can give you inspiration, and also spice up your writing.
6) Get It Together
Your high school English teacher was right about one thing: outlines work. But if creating an outline sounds about as enticing as a root canal, you can get the same results by making a few short lists.
First, write down the key points or ideas you want to discuss. Then note any specific information that must be included (price, directions, contact info, guarantees, times, etc.). Now add any additional facts or quotes you know you want to include. By the time you finish this, whatever you're working on will be half-written. Then all you have to do is flesh it out.
7) Don't Write
Have you ever noticed that it's easier to talk about something than it is to write about it? If you said yes, consider buying an inexpensive digital recorder, or recording software and a headset for your computer. Then just say what you want to say, have it transcribed, and edit the transcripts to suit. Viola!
8) The Big Brain Dump
One of the best tricks, and one I use every time I put fingertips to keyboard, is the big brain dump. Instead of trying to get the words just right, write down everything and anything you can think of until you completely run out of ideas. Ignore spelling and grammar mistakes. Write the same basic thing three different ways if you feel like it. And don't worry about any of it being any good. Just write.
In fact, give yourself permission now for the first round to be total junk. Then you won't feel the pressure of perfection. Because buried in all the junk are sure to be a few pearls, or at least diamonds in the rough. So now you can go back and start editing. Remember, the beauty of writing-especially on a computer-is that you can edit your work quickly and easily.
With all these tricks at your disposal, you've got no more excuses. So silence your inner critic. Quit struggling with the first sentence. And start writing.
Learn more about the author, Stacy Karacostas.
Thanks for this article, it is amazing how true the statement that one usually find something else to do, like checking your email or making phone calls. Personally I have found that closing IM clients, E-mail and even turning off the cell really helps as it "forces" you to actually sit down and write.
Change of scenery is also another good one. Good article and thanks again for these good tips!
Stacy,
From one writer to another, these are all great tips.
The problem many people have with getting started is that they visualize their 8th grade English teacher glaring at them, saying, "Watch your proper nouns. Now, no dangling participles!" No wonder they don't find any creative ideas to write about.
All your tips are good but I found a couple that work for me every time. #4, Get Way From It All, I've used a lot. Sometimes just taking a five-minute walk does it for me. Just clears my head and makes room for new thoughts. And, of course #8, The Brain Dump. If we free ourselves to write something really awful (Anne Lamott has a whole chapter called "Shitty First Drafts" in her book "bird by bird"), we can get all the garbage out and, miraculously, the good stuff starts to emerge.
One other thing. I picked this up at a conference. Don't remember who the presenter was, this zen guy I think. He said to release your creativity, when you get stuck, walk backwards back and forth in your office. Now Bob gives me weird looks when I do this, but it has helped me. It's something about patterning and the brain.
Thanks for all the helpful advice, Stacy.
Thanks Stacy, that was very helpful. I liked the idea about recording your thoughts. I spent time this weekend contemplating that very thing. Now you have validated my thoughts!
Hi Stacy,
I really appreciate this article. I don't think of myself as a writer. I'm more of a talker ... which is how I end up writing. I like your tips #5 and #7 as I tend to use those two the most. I find that saving articles and topics that I come across in a file will help me formulate new ideas when I sit down to write. And I find talking into a digital recorder or calling Jott.com when I am driving helps me to capture ideas when I can't write them down (well, safely anyway!)
An additional tip would be to write as if you are talking to a particular person. I think of my best friend Nancy and write like I am talking with her and that allows my personality to come through into my writing. Also, because Nancy and I have a fun and warmly supportive relationship, I feel that what I'm doing in my writing is being heard and appreciated long before it gets to final draft.
When I get stuck, I pretend to bang my head on my desk. I've explained this to my dear husband so that he no longer worries when he sees me doing this. I think the pretend head banging allows me to feel a little silly and releases pent up energy and then I find I can write again. Drastic ... but it works for me.
Thanks for the great tips and ideas!
Stacy - brilliant post. I really gravitate toward 'The Big Brain Dump', so perfectly worded, and seems to do the trick each & every time!
Thanks, everyone, for the positive comments. I've often found the best way for me to get anythign done is to either trick myself into doing it, or just go for it. I'm thrilled these ideas have resonated with so many people, and love the new ideas you've added.
I think I'll have to try Zita's head banging trick soon. :-)
Happy writing!
Stacy
Enjoyed the words of wisdom!
Another idea - check out a book called "If You Want To Write: A Book About Art, Independence and Spirit" by Brenda Ueland. Truly amazing.
I found a really cool thing that supports my newsletter and blog writing lately. It's a speech recognition program called "Dragon naturally speaking".
With just an hour to train the program in my speech patterns, I was writing draft newsletters and responding to e-mails simply by speaking at normal speed. I am dictating this comment in the program has made one spelling mistake.
This has revolutionized the way I create newsletters and the speed with which I can go through my e-mail.
I don't get paid to make this comment. I'm letting you know, because all writers should know about this tool. It is potentially an even stronger support to your writing than any of the eight tips above... which are all great tips BTW.
Check it out for yourself. www.nuance.com.
Hi Dike, Thanks for the comment about the Dragon program. It's been around for years, but in the past all the reviews I've read have said that training it was a bear, and mistakes were rampant.
Based on your experience, maybe it's time to give it another look. If it worked as well as advertised, it could be a wonderful tool for everyone who needs to write a lot.
Best, Stacy
Bookmark article
Follow article
Email to a friend
Share article
