writer’s block “a writer is a person for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other...
TRANSCRIPT
Writer’s Block
“A writer is a person for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people” Thomas Mann (1875 - 1955)
“Writing is easy. All you have to do is to stare at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead.” Gene Fowler
“If a young writer can refrain from writing, he [sic] shouldn’t hesitate to do so. Andre Gide (1869 - 1951)
Source: Boice, Robert. "Cognitive Components of Blocking."
The Big MythPeople with writer’s block are just lazy.
A study of 40 blockers produced 7 cognitive components of blocking:
Work apprehension: writing perceived as an overwhelming task Procrastination: use any excuse to justify avoiding or delaying
work Restlessness or general dissatisfaction: includes burnout,
anxiety, panic, or groundless worries Impatience: want to achieve more in less time, concern with
unnecessary deadlines and expectations of impressing authority figure over competitor
Perfectionism: persistent “internal critic who allows no mistakes or imperfections.”
Evaluation Anxiety: fear disapproval and rejection of reader Rules: have applied unreasonable myths or rules to writing like
good writers create perfect text spontaneously while highly inspired.
Symptoms
• Continually postpone assignments
• Cannot write anything at all
• Continuous worry about assignment
• Feel apprehensive and pessimistic about assignment
• Frequently start and delete work or change topics several times
Strategies for Unblocking• Get support: friend, WP tutor, teacher, classmate, someone you trust
• Identify your strengths: explain things well, see connections, listen well, have strong opinions, know how to get people’s interest, are critical of what you read
• Accept that writing is a complex process; that things don’t just “flow” from a well of creativity
• Re-read the assignment or publication guidelines
• Start writing anywhere: You don’t have to begin with the introduction. Begin where you have words to begin.
• Set realistic goals early in the assignment: set goals that are reachable
• Don’t edit as you write: just write; edit later
More Strategies• Think of yourself as a developing writer (not a writer who must
be perfect)
• Celebrate your successes: pat yourself on the back for a finished page, a completed outline, a well-crafted sentence, an intuitive connection, a newly discovered source. Reward yourself.
• Try new techniques when you are blocked: talk your paper out loud to a support person, try an informal outline, brainstorm for 10 minutes, freewrite for 30 minutes, cut your paper in strips and re-organize, make one small goal (e.g., I will write one paragraph; I will read one source, I will write the introduction, I will find one additional point) to get yourself moving
• Give yourself a short, short vacation by yourself: go for a walk, exercise, have a cup of tea (or whatever), draw a picture, listen to music, meditate—clear your mind so you can focus when you return to your paper.
Prewriting Techniques for Unblocking
• Freewriting
• Brainstorming
• Mapping/Clustering/Charting
• Combination
Freewriting
• If you don’t have an idea for a topic,– Write freely without constraint or direction for
a strictly limited time (10-20 minutes).
• If you have an idea for a topic,– Write freely as much as you can think of
about your topic.
• If you have more than one idea for a topic,– Write freely for each.
Brainstorming (or listing)
• Write a list of topics or idea or words associated with a topic
• Strictly limit time; 10 minutes is reasonable• Write everything into your list, no matter how
outlandish it may seem• When time is up, examine list. Cross out ideas
that won’t work until you have a few core ideas.• If necessary, list again to find a better or more
focused idea. This time for only 5 minutes.
Mapping (or clustering)
Health care
cancer
diabetes
Insurance
cost
poverty
Hiv/aids
Universal health care
education
drugscost
availability
HMO’s
diagnosis
coverage
Rising co-pays experimental
FDA rules
Africa
Combination
Listing• Health care• Death Penalty• Synchronized Swimming• Developmental learning• Grocery cost• Agricultural additives• Marriage penalty• Blogging among males• HIV/AIDS• Drugs• Black Market
Health care
HIV/AIDS
Drugs
Educationteens
Public
Insurance
Cost
Final Advice
Make a plan!– Draw up a rough outline and change and
refine as needed– Make a plan for your writing process. – Choose small goals and set reasonable
dates.– Use the Library's Assignment Calculator.– Go to the Write Place to get assistance with
planning your writing process.