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Learning Strategies |
Keys to Unlocking Writer's Block
One of the most frustrating things about writer's block is that there is no definitive cure. Unlike chicken pox, you can get writer's block again and again. There are, however, some strategies for getting around writer's block when you encounter it.
Find out what's causing it
A good way to deal with writer's block is to be able to diagnosis it -- figure out why you're getting blocked in the first place. There are a couple of common reasons for writer's block.
Common Block #1
Often, what you have is a stand-off between your creator and editor. As you move through the writing process, you go through several different stages: first you have to create some text, then edit it, then probably create and edit some more. You'll follow this path several times around until you finally get to a place where you feel your paper is ready to turn in. However, if you are trying to create AND edit at the same time, you'll often find yourself at a standstill. You'll find yourself trying to edit your text as you write it or even before you write it. For example:
- Do you have to have the each sentence absolutely perfect before you can move on to the next?
- Do you stop to look up the spelling of a word before you finish the sentence (sometimes forgetting what you were going to say by the time you get back to it)?
- Do you spend twenty minutes looking through a thesaurus for the perfect word before you can move on?
Strategies for Turning Your Editor Off:
- Try freewriting on the computer, with the monitor blacked out so you can't see what you're writing. This way, you force your editor to take a break so your creator can get to work.
- Jot random ideas down on slips of paper as you get them on your way to another class, at dinner, while you're watching tv. Later, compile your ideas in one place and you might surprise yourself with all the possibilities you have come up with.
- Write out ideas, rough outlines, or questions in crayons, markers, or anything that doesn't look like it's going to be a paper. Or, use paper that seems inappropriate for writing a paper--like the back of a bill or a flyer in your mailbox. This way, you won't feel like you have to have everything absolutely perfect.
- If you can't get words to paper, talk your ideas out. Make an appointment with a tutor in the ASC and discuss your assignment and your ideas. You might be surprised at all the material you can come up with by the end of the session. You can also talk about what's causing your writer's block and strategies for getting around it.
- Remember that a first draft is just that, and it doesn't have to be perfect. In fact, it shouldn't be perfect. Instead of trying to express your thoughts perfectly the first time through, think of this draft as a short hand paper for yourself. The purpose is to get your thoughts and ideas down in some concrete form so you won't forget them.
Common Block # 2
It could be that something entirely unrelated to what you're writing is bugging you, causing you to have writer's block. Maybe something happened earlier in the day to upset you and or even something great happened; either way, your mind keeps going back to it, keeping you from concentrating on the task at hand.
Ignoring your preoccupations and forcing yourself to continue trying to write probably won't get you anywhere: you won't be able to resolve your personal issues and you won't get any work done. You need to deal with your block first.
- Take a break from writing your paper, and freewrite about what is really on your mind for 20 minutes or so--if you get your worries and celebrations down on paper, then your mind will be able to let go of them and let you concentrate on other things.
- If you still can't concentrate after freewriting, take a walk, jog, play some basketball and let yourself think through your problems some more. Physical activity is also a great way of relieving stress and calming you down. Chances are you'll be better able to concentrate on the task at hand once you've blown off some steam.
- You might even need to go talk to a friend about the problem and try to resolve the problem before you can get some serious work done.
Finally, remember that you can bring papers at any stage to the The Learning Commons--even if you haven't started them yet! |
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