Picture this: You've gotten all your other homework/assignments/duties out of the way. You clean off your desk in order to feel more relaxed and ready. You've made yourself a nice cup of coffee and you have your snacks ready to go. You place your laptop in the center of the desk, and sit down in your chair with uncomfortably good posture. You're ready to start your essay! There's only one problem... you're completely drawing a blank as to what to write. We've all been there. It's the worst.
When having writers block, you go through a few different stages, commonly referred to as the Five Stages of Grief. Yes, this is usually spoken of in terms of tragedy... but writer's block is tragically frustrating.
1. Denial.
It's impossible that you could have Writers Block!! You know the prompt and what you want to say. Why is it so difficult?? The essay is literally so easy you'll be fine just give your brain a couple more minutes of staring blankly at the screen.
2. Anger.
OK, what the heck. You know the prompt, it's not hard, this is ridiculous. Why would a teacher give a prompt that's deceivingly easy. This shouldn't be happening to me I'm such a good writer this is madness.
3. Bargaining.
Alright, Brain. Just give me a few sentences to start the paper out and then I'll go and get some ice cream. All I need is an introduction. If I write the introduction and first body paragraph, then I can watch a full episode of Parenthood before writing the next body paragraphs!
4. Depression.
This is the worst. Nothing is working. I hate writing. I hate school. I want to crawl into bed and give up.
5. Acceptance.
I can DO THIS. Yes, I have writer's block. It won't last forever though. I need to PUSH THROUGH. All will be well. I can write a great essay if I just push myself to get focused. This will be FANTASTIC.
After these stages, the writing will get easier I promise. Yeah, Writers Block sucks. However, you start to find things that work for you in order to get out of the rut. Try taking a shower or going for a walk. Staring at your computer screen in frustration can drive you crazy, so make sure you're calm and relaxed before writing.
Do something that will take your mind off of it. Important note: procrastination makes everything worse. If you start your essay well before it's due, you have time to figure out how to break out of your Writers Block. You're kinda screwed if you have writer's block the night before your 8-page research paper is due. This is way easier said than done — I know. The main point is that Writers Block is inevitable, so try to find ways to shorten the time you have it. Happy writing!
