Beat Writer's Block

While experienced writers often confront writer's block in the middle of a project, beginning writers often become blocked before they ever begin a project. This is a fear-based block. The fear for beginning writers is that they may not be good writers and may fail miserably if they try to write; therefore, their fear keeps them from writing at all. There are some useful strategies for overcoming writer's block. The first and most important strategy is to do the necessary preparation or pre-writing work before beginning to write. This involves focusing your topic and your approach (or slant) on the topic, researching your topic, writing a brief outline and reviewing whatever writing guidelines or sample writing you have at your disposal. The second strategy is to shut off the critic and begin writing. Your goal is to just get the first draft written without concern for perfection. You want to get your thoughts down without the interruption of editing until you have a completed first draft. The third strategy is then to spend the necessary effort revising your work. Don't be afraid to tear into it, making significant changes, or starting all over if necessary. By doing the necessary planning, freewriting and revising required to polish your work, you'll keep writing blocks at bay and produce the best writing you are capable of.