Every writer hits writer's block or "rock bottom" at some point. In fact, it's not just writers; it can happen to anyone. Maybe you're a student who has to write a lot of papers. Maybe you're in charge of coming up with a presentation for a small organization. Whatever the case may be, I've looked into what writer's block is and how to conquer it.
The way I see it, there's two different kinds of writer's block. The first kind is when you want (or have) to write something and you don't know what you want to write about. I call this "creative writer's block" because as a creative writer, I go through this. However, the other kind of writer's block is when you know what you want to write about, but you don't know how to start. I call this "follow-through writer's block" (which I have also fallen victim to a number of times). With "follow-through writer's block", you have the idea and the passion, but you don't know how to properly express it. You need to get your point across, but you are unsure of how to go about it. Whichever writer's block you may be encountering, here's how to overcome it before your next assignment is due!
Step 1: Admit that you have a problem.
...Writer's block. That's the problem. That's the problem we're dealing with here, at least.
Step 2: Determine what kind of writer's block you have.
(See above paragraph)
Step 3 (for creative writer's block): Determine what you want to write about.
This is awesome! You get to write about whatever you want! Are you just not the creative type? Well if you aren't, that's okay. All you have to do is think long and hard about what some of your passions are. Don't worry about what you'll write about, think about what you want to do or see. What do you want to do in your life? What interests you? What speaks to you? What change do you want to see in the world? Who are you? Okay, this is starting to sound like a motivational poster, but you get the point. It doesn't have to be deep or profound either. If you like guitars, write about it. If you're interested in dolphins, do some research and write about it. Do you just have some strong emotions? Get out some paper and get to writing, this will get some things off your chest. Is there an issue you're passionate about? Go for it.
Step 3 (for follow-through writer's block): Don't think, just write.
Sounds weird, but it works. You have the idea, which is half the battle. Just write down whatever comes to mind. It doesn't have to make sense, it doesn't have to be in complete sentences. After you've got a few solid scribbled points down, pick the most compelling ones and go from there. Elaborate upon your few points and before you know it, you have a few pages of paper done. If the passion for the topic is there, it will show through in your writing.
Step 4: Finish the piece.
It's important to finish your piece because you don't want to take a break and lose the flow of the writing. You can do it, you're on a roll, now.
Step 5: Save it, and take a break.
Once your writing is complete, save it and give it a rest. It doesn't have to be perfect yet, it just needs to be finished. Sleep on it and go back to it another time so that you can read it with a fresh perspective.
Step 6: Finalize things.
Go back and re-read everything. Make additions or deletions as needed. After this step, your piece should be complete and you should be 100% happy with your work.
Step 7: Celebrate!
Congratulations! You have successfully overcome writer's block and created a stellar paper, presentation, poem, piece, etc.!
Writer's block can hit at the most inopportune times, but it's important to never give up. Writing is fun and it is your duty as a writer to take pride in your work. Goodbye, hours of staring at a blank computer screen, you will not be missed!
