XOXO Leah: Overcoming Writer's Block
Tips and tricks
By Leah Keith
As a humanities major and school newspaper journalist, I tend to find myself with a long list of final papers due at the end of each semester. Granted, my papers replace any test I would need to take in other classes, and thankfully, I have actually never taken a test at St. Kate’s. I got all of my college-level math and science classes out of the way in high school, which means I am graduating a year early without needing to take any test-taking classes!! As an Electronic Media Studies and Women’s Studies double major, none of my classes really do tests, and I would much rather write a 10-page research paper than study for a final. Of course, many people would disagree with that opinion, but nevertheless, everyone needs to write at least a few papers during college, no matter their major. So, I am here to answer this question from my inbox and offer advice on writing, and more specifically, overcoming writer's block:
This is the first time I have done NaNoWriMo since high school and I’m STILL running into writer’s block. Do you have writing exercises or suggestions? Thanks Leah <3
Although I have never done NaNoWriMo, based on a quick Google search, I gathered that it is an online community of writers who encourage each other to write during the month of November. More specifically, NaNoWriMo sets a goal of writing 50,000 words of a novel by the end of the month.
Unfortunately, I was not able to answer this question in time for the end of November, but maybe my advice could help and inspire people for next year, or it could help those of us who are struggling with our papers during finals week! Before jumping into my advice, I sat down with a writing tutor from the O’Neill Center, Julia Handley ’23 (English, Spanish minor) to share some of her best advice on overcoming writer's block. Here’s what she said!
“One of my favorite ways to think about writing is to just start with something, anything, so that could mean, especially for an essay, free writing, so just set a timer or give yourself a set amount of time. If you’re not used to it, that could maybe be just like two minutes to either type or write and not worry about grammar or sources or accuracy,” Handley says. “Just write down all of your thoughts about the topic and that might help you get a better idea of what you understand, what gaps you have in your knowledge, what things go together.”
Handley goes on to say, “Another piece of advice is the idea of getting just a first draft done because it’s overwhelming thinking you need a perfect paper right off the bat. Just focusing on getting the first draft or the first part or the first page could be really helpful. I’ve heard from other teachers that you can’t edit a blank page. Write a bad first draft. Allow yourself permission for it to not go right the first time, but you can make it better.”
I completely agree with Handley, and as a writing tutor at the O’Neill Center myself, I have definitely faced my fair share of writer’s block. Struggling to write happens to everyone, even the best writers, but how you deal with it can make all the difference. Here are some of my favorite pieces of writing advice …
1. Find a space + time that optimizes your creativity
Personally, I always find it challenging to write in a loud or busy place, so I try to find a spot where I can focus on my writing without being too distracted by my surroundings. Additionally, I have found that I work best during the afternoon rather than mornings or nights (always too tired), so I try to find a time in the afternoon to write. These variables are dependent on the person, so find what works best for you!
2. Blank canvas syndrome
Sometimes, the worst part of writing a paper is actually starting it. Like Handley said, you can’t edit a blank document, so write anything, even if it’s not the greatest paper ever.
I always procrastinate starting my paper, but once I get started, I can usually finish it relatively quickly. I think I have a fear of failure, which might explain why I procrastinate so bad. Anyway, I LOVE making an outline and doing some research before a paper. After I make a plan of action, writing comes so much easier.
3. Talk it out
If you are having an extra hard time starting a paper, one of my favorite things to do is talk about my topic idea before I start writing. I find it easier to talk rather than write sometimes, and after I talk it out, I often can more easily write down my ideas. You can either talk to someone about it or talk to yourself. I, for one, love talking to myself, but do whatever works best for you.
4. Writing is rewriting
After you get enough writing on the page to start editing, that is when you make sure the writing is cohesive and understandable. You shouldn’t put a lot of pressure on yourself to be perfect the first time. Writing is rewriting!!!! Keep writing until you feel confident in the piece, and give yourself enough time to do so. Although it is a good idea to start writing early, I definitely do not always do that. Do as I say, not as I do.
5. Utilize writing exercises and prompts online
This piece of advice applies more to people who like creative writing, but if you want to practice your writing skills, I would recommend looking online for writing exercises and prompts. Here’s a good website for writing exercises and another good website for writing prompts.
There are a lot of resources available for free online, so feel free to do your own research and find what fits your writing style.
I hope this helped answer your question, NaNoWriMo writer. To everyone in the midst of the upcoming finals season or finals month, as I like to call it– good luck! Hoping that all of your papers and tests go well.
On a final note, this is my last xoxo Leah of the year (queue sad crowd sound). Although I got through lots of the questions submitted to my inbox, I am sure I missed some. However, I will try to answer all of the questions in the new year, and I look forward to continuing to give advice to all of you in the future. Thank you for all your questions and please submit more! I truly love writing this advice column, and I cannot wait for next year.
Hope you all have a good finals season and winter break!!! Love you and miss you already.
xoxo Leah
