Beating Writer's Block

Well, we're at the end of the semester, and I don't have to tell any of you what an academic year it's been! For me, I feel like everything this year has taken more energy that I didn't feel like I had. In the midst of this, summer seems like a respite, seems like it'll offer a bit of a break, and perhaps allow us to do the things we didn't get to this year, like writing perhaps.

But, as I turn to the task of writing, even this blog, I'm lacking motivation. So, what better than to review some approaches to beating writer's block and dealing with writer's fatigue - which may be an even bigger problem this year!

1. Give yourself a break
Let's face it, we all need a break, so take one. Do it intentionally. If your break is just you feeling bad about all the work you should be doing, it won't be a break. So, make it real. Maybe get away for a bit once you're vaccinated. Put your out-of-office on your email and your phone. Read a book, hang out with loved ones, binge watch a tv show, cook, go for a walk or run... you get the idea. Take a break; you need it and deserve it!!! 

Ok, once you've taken a real break, you may find yourself begrudgingly approaching your writing, in short you have a bit of writer's block. If that's the case, try these:

2. Just start writing
I realize that this is the most annoying tip, but for me, it's always the most useful. My writer's block often stems from my dreading the task of writing. I may not be sure I know what I want to write or my angle or I've been mulling things over a bit too long and have now moved into procrastination mode. In these situations, the best way out is often to just sit down and start writing. Whether you're free-writing or putting together an outline, just the act of writing can allow the wheels to start turning and the writing to start flowing.

3. Find an accountability partner
Many faculty I know, particularly early-career faculty find that having a thought partner or a writing group can give them the accountability they need to get writing. Having deadlines for yourself sometimes just can't get you writing, but sometimes being accountable to a colleague or colleagues is enough to get you to keep at it!

4. Read
There are those times when you are writing and you find yourself stuck or running out of steam. When this happens, sometimes you just need to do a bit more research to get yourself humming again. Sometimes finding more evidence for your work or even getting a sense of how others have structured their argument or developed their case can give you the fodder to keep you writing.

5. Take a walk
Sometimes staring at a screen when nothing is coming becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy where the longer you sit there, the more lost or blocked you feel. Break this cycle by going for a walk or exercising. This can get your blood flowing, including to your brain. I've found that oftentimes I'm able to solve a puzzle, make a decision, or plan out a proposal or manuscript when I'm walking or running around.

6. Start drawing
When you're not sure where to go in your writing, sometimes creating an outline can help, and if you're not quite ready to outline, perhaps you're ready to start drawing. Create a mind map or conceptual diagram of your argument or all the pieces you can think of. This can help you decide what you want to include and the order in which you want to tackle all your points.

There is a theme that connects all of these strategies - the idea of switching it up. When you're able to look at a problem or your writer's block from a different situation, sometimes it helps you to see around it!

Resources:
How to Overcome Writer's Block - Goins, Writer
How to Overcome Writer's Block - reedsy