If you have ever not been able to write -- no, not good enough… I am so sorry to inform you -- delete… unfortunately -- no doesn't fit with the tone ...you have writer’s block -- I’m starting over.
Writing is a crucial component of communication and expression, but sometimes, even if the words are fighting to escape your brain, you just cannot seem to word it properly. Whether from burn out, apathy, or lack of inspiration, writer’s block is a shared struggle among all creators out there. If you haven’t encountered it, well, you’re very lucky.
For many, perfectionism is the root of writer’s block, causing fear of failure, anxiety, and the compulsion to get just the right phrasing. Writers with perfectionist tendencies often build up pressure on themselves to be perfect. We fall into destructive patterns of checking for synonyms with a sentence (Google told me ‘checking’ is a synonym of ‘looking’), deleting paragraphs while still writing them. We finally return to a blank page with the cursor blinking tauntingly, encouraging us to start writing again just so it can immediately guide us to Select all/Delete. Creators suffering from chronic writer’s block often develop anxiety, and overtime they will cease to write because of the dissatisfaction surrounding a once enjoyable activity. This can become a damaging cycle that can ruin the prospect of self-expression all together. I mean, if you’re not going to be perfect, why write at all right?
Personally, starting to write is one of the most challenging parts of writing. I love to write, but I fear that the result will not follow the rigid expectations that will guarantee a so-called perfect essay. I worry that my tone will be condescending, my descriptors excessive. Getting over my perfectionism has been a struggle I’m still working on. During late night cram sessions, I have learned that it is crucial to go with the flow. Writing is always a process, and it is called a process for a reason. Without writer’s block and perfectionism, the steps are usually ordered as:
1. Brainstorm
2. Research (if necessary)
3. Draft
4. Revise
5. Repeat 3-4 as needed
6. Final draft
However, with a master perfectionist the writing process might appear a little more like this:
1. Stare at paper
2. Brainstorm
3. Research (if necessary)
4. Stare at paper more intensely
5. First draft
6. Revise
7. Question the topic chosen (effectively coupled with self-doubt)
8. Delete all writing (optional)
9. Repeat steps 4-8 as needed
10. Stare frustratedly at paper
Clearly, the latter is more stressful and less enjoyable than the former, but many writers will literally hit a wall when it comes to mastering their writer’s block. Luckily for us, there is a solution.
Now, it may not be a quick fix but over time if you implement these three solutions, writer’s block will become a rare visitor.
First, make writing a habit. If you only write for an assignment or when you are feeling creative, you can feel trapped to those circumstances and writing will not come as naturally. Instead, dedicate ten to thirty minutes each day for writing, either crafting a longer piece over time or smaller works. One day, if you find yourself unable to write organically, use a writing prompt generator or even just brain-dump thoughts onto the page. Truthfully, it is better to write something rather than nothing.
Second, remember that writing is not just an isolated task, and within the writing process, a crucial step is revision. Editing is crucial to being a great writer. However, revision is only constructive after a draft is complete. Revising while writing, you constantly stop your train of thought and take away from the flow of the piece. Hence, it is important to expand your ideas on paper (or computer) first; then add, subtract, or change any words, phrases, formatting, or even paragraphs (think of it as writer’s PEMDAS!).
Third, take breaks. Whether verbally, visually, or through writing, expressing yourself can be exhausting. So, take a break from what you are doing, especially if you are stuck in the rut that is writer’s block.
At times writing can feel daunting, especially with the expectations from ourselves and others, but it is crucial to remember to enjoy the process, take time to make writing a habit, revise, and let ourselves take breaks. Happy writing! :)
LOVE THIS!