Okay, so this is my first blog entry…ever. It's taken me awhile to submit, not only because of the work and planning involved with being a teacher, but also, I've been suffering a mild case of the dreaded "writer's block." It happens to all of us. Whether it's the big report to present before a panel of colleagues for a business meeting or the grad student who has to sift through reams of papers in order to write the abstract for their thesis. Writer's block is universal and is annoying, especially if you're under a deadline. But, there is hope! I'm going to share a few things I do when I'm suffering through it. These may also be useful for our students!
Usually when I write, I use a pen and some paper. After I've finished is when I type it out. So, if I find that I'm staring too long at a blank piece of paper, I simply get up and walk away. When I write, I like for it to be the best every time. When I feel as though the words are not flowing like a literary fountain, I have to stop and remove myself from the situation. Now, for a student, this takes a little planning and organization. When a paper is due in school, it's due. No one should want to risk a decrease in a grade just because of poor planning when writer's block strikes. Therefore, I suggest brainstorming and getting ideas to create a foundation for a paper as soon as it's been assigned. Then, should a case of writer's block comes on, well, at least you'll have plenty of time to regroup and continue your thoughts with a newly refreshed mind.
You know when you read about famous novelists and they talk about little rituals they have when they write their masterpieces? Well, I don't really have any set rituals, but there is something I do often when I begin either a news story, or writing creatively for myself. I create an atmosphere that is conducive to writing. Writing atmospheres can vary from person to person, depending on what works best for them. For me what works best is looking out my window, or even better, writing outside. I've found that nature can be very inspirational. How can one not be inspired when the sun is shining and the birds are chirping? Again, this especially goes for creative writing. The most noted novelists and poets began a work based off of something they observed while they were out and about. Recently I attended a ceremony where the guest speaker was a successful local writer. He brought home the point of the ability of being able to observe your surroundings making for good writing. I second that motion!
To further add to a writing atmosphere, I often play music. No, I don't tune into the local favorite for pop tunes. There isn't much concentration for me with music with singing. What works best for me is instrumental music—classical to be specific. I don't know why, but there's just something about a Bach or Tchaikovsky piece that gets my mind jogging. It just helps me to concentrate better. Now, again instrumental works for me, but hearing Beyonce belting out her latest single may work for someone else. It's purely preference, but as long as it helps then turn up that radio!
Well, hopefully these tips will be helpful for you fellow bloggers. If you haven't tried them in the past, give one or all of the techniques a try. You may be able to defeat your writer's block and come up victorious with one your better reports, or papers you've written in a while.
