Overcoming writer's block.
Writing can be stressful. Deadlines, the adrenaline, and your empty screen staring you in the face.
The stakes are high, you’ve gotta sound smart but…where are the words? Writers block.
Here are a few things I’ve learned that help me get over the hump.
1. Get it wrong, before you get it right.
A college professor once told me to get all the bad ideas out first. As writers, we often get caught up in the need to sound perfect. Whether you’re writing an email, a memo, or a novel—you have to accept that you won’t get it right the first time. Start by getting your ideas on paper, whatever they sound like. Once you know where you’re going and what you want to say, you can figure out how it sounds best.
2. Write like you speak!
Yes! You heard me. You don’t need big words to sound smart. People relate to people, and when you can write a story as well as you can tell a story, your words become inherently more relatable.
3. Don’t start at the beginning…or do.
Writing is a linear process right? Wrong. We are not linear thinkers. Eventually, you’ll have to structure your story so your readers can follow along — but, sometimes we start with an ending and work our way back. Sometimes we start in the middle, and fill the story out from the inside out. However you’re thinking about the work, just start. Then, edit, edit, edit.
4. Give yourself a deadline, then do it again
You know what we all do really well ? Procrastinate. The best way to get started is to get started. Sit down, give yourself 10 minutes or an hour, and just get it done. Blank pages are hard to edit.
Now, go write something.