10 Tactics for Fighting Writers Block

Friday, November 6th, 2009 - 4:25 pm - Writing Tip

RT @eduify 10 Tactics for Fighting Writers Block

Writers Block is a formidable foe. The following 10 tactics will help you fight writers block and get started on your writing project! Way back in my high school days I remember having to do stream of consciousness writing projects in class. These were simple exercises where we wrote down whatever streamed into our brains. This task helped me come to realize that having great writing is not the most important part. Having great Editing is. If you have suffered from writers block in the past, don’t worry, the problem was all in your head. Take these next 10 tips to heart, clear your mind, and get ready for worry free writing!

four-obstacles-to-writing

(image via drawn)

1. Pace Yourself

Often Writers Block is a symptom of deadline stress. With an impending due date fast approaching the task of writing a paper can seem insurmountable. Quell such unproductive thoughts by planning your writing ahead of time. If you plan to write just one page per sitting then you will not feel so overwhelmed by the task at large.

2. Exercise before you Write

I took this advice last night. When I got back from my run/walk to the gym I got started and wrote the introduction to this Blog Post with no hesitation. Going for a good walk or jog gets the heart pumping and I find that when my heart rate is up my writing and mind become sharper.

3. Find Quotations First

This tip especially helps if you are still unsure of exactly what you want to write about. Finding great quotes that you can identify with expedites the writing process by giving you something to write around. If you enjoy the Quotes you find, the entire writing process will become more fun!

4. Just Start Writing

Nike’s motto does not just apply to athletics. Even when it comes to writing: Just do it! The sooner you start writing the sooner you will finish. The more you manage to do the more attainable your task will seem. Add effort and difficulty decreases.

5. Crowd Source your Ideas

If you ever need help with a writing question Eduify has developed a Twitter based support system that you can use for free. Just send your writing questions to via Twitter to our @askEduify support node. Send us a Tweet and we will get back to you as soon as we can. We can even retweet your question to our followers, many of whom have a career in writing or are at least interested in the discipline. Asking Eduify can produce a quality answer for your writing question, and fast.

6. Grab a Coffee

Start by doing something to move your paper forward. Write an outline, find some quotes, or write the first paragraph. Then reward yourself with a delicious coffee or other caffeinated beverage of your choice. Not only will grabbing this drink make you feel good about what you have already achieved, it will also make you alert and concise writing goes hand in hand with alertness.

7. Get Comfortable

If you are surrounded by bees, a poltergeist, or anything else that demands attention my recommendation is that you should get up and find yourself somewhere comfortable where you can focus on what you have to write. The Library is always a good choice, so find a good spot, and dig in!

8. Read Uplifting Quotes

On Twitter Eduify has an account from which we tweet out one uplifting and enlightening quote almost every single day. The username of this Twitter account is @EduifyQuotes and if you follow our tweets you won’t be disappointed!

9. Write Something for Fun

Sometimes getting started is the hardest part. Get off to a fast start and shift into “writing mode” by writing about anything at all. Once you get your creative juices flowing just switch to the paper you need to finish and you will find little difficulty keeping with the writing pace you have already set.

10. Have your Paper Proofread

Proofreading helps. Having a second set of eyes to look at a paper gave me suggestions that helped make my papers awesome. Whether you have a knowledgeable friend or an eduify proofreading expert edit your paper first this proofreading process will produce a superior paper. By using Eduify you will get feedback that will help give you an academic edge, with friendly advice that will help you to become a better writer, and achieve your best grades possible.