I'm currently typing this article on a Friday, which means I've got to submit it by tonight. While I have drafts and ideas saved on my laptop I could use, there's an inner voice urging me to start something new. Lately though, I've felt less than inspired; the ideas just aren't flowing.
Well. It looks like I'm going to write about not knowing what to write about.
I think there are two important concepts to note regarding writer's block. For starters, understand that it is likely to happen to you. Regardless of whether or not you consider yourself a "writer," struggling to find the right words for a particular assignment is a part of the writing process. Some will write and write and write, and then have trouble deciding where to make edits when going back. Others will stare blankly at a new word document, the flashing cursor waiting endlessly for the fingertips to hit the keys. I don't mean to say that you will have trouble writing every time you sit down to do so; my point instead is that writing comes with challenges, experienced by both dispassionate students and by bestselling authors.
My second point takes my first a step further; because the process of writing brings obstacles to surface, this in no way means you are a bad writer. Writer's block can lead a person to think this way because it causes feelings of extreme discouragement. Stress and frustration result when the words suddenly escape you; without your permission, your writing has come to a temporary halt. This is the case whether you are working on a paper due tomorrow, or you have a novel in the works. You begin thinking, "Is this worth it? I can't do this, so why should I bother?" Following through with this mindset (i.e. cutting corners in an assignment or giving up on it entirely) can lead a person to become a "bad writer." Working through these frustrations, however, helps writers improve the craft.
Many of my friends have expressed to me that they hate writing (shoving a dagger through my heart as they do so). I think writer's block is a huge reason for this common unpopularity. The simple truth: (A) writing doesn't come easy to most people, and (B) difficult activities are often less than enjoyable, hence (C) writing sucks. While some tend to think this way, writing is also inevitable in many people's lives, especially in the lives of college students. So here are some tips to overcome the challenges of writing. You might find that the more you work through the challenges, the less agonizing the process of writing will seem.
Go for a walk or a drive.
I feel most at my creative height when I am in motion of some sort. This may not work for everyone, but I recommend going out and about for a bit. It is good to step away from your laptop or notebook, focus your mind elsewhere, and take in some new scenery. A new environment invites new ideas. Fresh air doesn't hurt, either.
Read.
Something. Anything. If you dislike reading, (first of all, lie to me if you do - save me further heartache) skim over something small. Reading someone else's work - whether it be an excellent novel, an online article, or even just some inspirational Tumblr quotes - might spark some inspiration in you. Just don't plagiarize, that's a bad habit.
Outline.
When it comes to academic papers, I write out any ideas I have before diving into the intro paragraph. Even as an Odyssey writer, I outline my articles and created drafts before sending them in (currently what I'm doing). This keeps my focus in check and helps me organize the paper. The assignment takes up more of my time, but the final product is more polished in the long run.
