How to Begin a Writing Project: Writing Strategies to Overcome Writer's Block
Written by Teresa Knudsen. Published on Suite 101 March 17, 2009.
Republished February 3, 2012 on Sweet Suite Writings
How to Begin a Writing Project:
Writing Strategies to Overcome Writer's Block
Gone are the days of the cliché-ridden image of a writer sitting huddled over a desk, surrounded by crumpled pieces of paper that had been thrown on the floor in despair.
Researchers have found that there are writing strategies including prewriting, writing, and revising. Prewriting often can begin with freewriting, where a writer just begins writing and putting words down on the page.
Freewriting and Brainstorming Writing Ideas
Some writers prefer to just make a list. At this stage, the “editor” inside a writer should remain mute. The writer writes without judging the writing, and the goal is to just get some writing onto the paper. Making sense of the writing will come in a later stage of writing and editing.
Some writers prefer something called the “non-stop” where they set a timer and keep writing even if they don’t know what to write. In the case of coming up with no ideas, a writer would simple keep writing, “I don’t have any ideas, I wish I had some, oh no, I forgot to feed the cat…” or similar types of writing. Again, the goal is to get words onto the page, and this act alone will give the writer some sense of accomplishment. Besides, there might be the kernel of an idea in the freewrite, or non-stop.
Strategies for Writers' Block
What about the dreaded and mythical “writer’s block”? Again, educational research has taken the mystique from this condition. In his book, Learning Theories: An Educational Perspective, Dale H. Schunk explained that “Block may be caused by inadequate knowledge of the topic or lack of interest. Rose (1980) found that adopting rigid rules for writing can cause block. Writers who believe that they must begin with a quote or make four important points may get stuck because they cannot follow these rules” (216).
Thus, a writer suffering from writer’s block might consider returning to the brainstorming and researching phase of writing, getting more information, and then returning to the task of writing.
Regarding writer’s block, Spokane author Jess Walter has worked as a journalist, and written highly regarded non-fiction and fiction. His writing includes the non-fiction Ruby Ridge, as well as novels, Over Tumbled Graves, Land of the Blind, Citizen Vince, and The Zero. Jess tells this joke about writer's block: “Do you know what they call a writer with writer’s block? Unemployed.” If nothing else, a writer can become motivated by knowing that writing can equal money.
The Role of Ritual in the Writing Process
Jess Walter advises writers to develop simple rituals to help begin their writing tasks: “Ritual can be really important for getting started writing, how I have a cup of coffee, write a page in my journal and then start in. Of course, the ritual can be anything, but keep it simple so that if--for instance--you didn't do tai chi that day, you can't use it as an excuse for not writing.”
So, no matter which strategy a writer selects, it's good to know that there can be a method to the madness, and that getting ready to write can be a pleasure.
References
Schunk, Dale H. Learning Theories: An Educational Perspective. New York: Merrill, 1991.
Walter, Jess.
