Everyone has to write, whether it is for a school assignment, business meetings, or for pleasure, everyone has to write. But what happens when you get stuck, when you stare at a blank piece of paper or computer screen and cannot think of what to write next? Everyone experiences writer’s block at some point. If you focus too much on the daunting task of a completed story or assignment, then you will have a hard time with the simple task of just beginning. The key is to start small and build from there.
If you are having a difficult time formulating ideas of what to write, take a break. Go to the park or library, just somewhere outside of the room you are sitting in. Don’t forget to take a notepad! Inspiration can hit at any moment, and the world around you can help when it comes to brainstorming new ideas. Write down observations or ideas that come to you so that you may use them later, either for this writing assignment or another one.
Are you stressed about the big deadline that is looming? Are you anxious about having to write something? Take a deep breath and start small. If you are having difficulty with a concept or putting your ideas on paper, then it is best to start with a simple outline of how you wish to organize your paper. Once you have the big ideas in order, then you can begin filling in the smaller details. This stage also helps you to get rid of extra information that is not essential, so that you can create a cohesive and ordered outline before beginning.
Once you have organized your thoughts, you can begin to write. But what if you are having difficulty with writing the introduction to an essay or first sentences of a story? It is okay not to begin with the first words. Sometimes it is helpful to begin with another paragraph, and form those ideas before coming back to the introduction. It might even be helpful to fully write the body of the essay or the climax of a story before returning to the introduction because you might be able to better explain the essay or story after it is fully written.
It is important to write no matter where you start. Take it one sentence at a time and do not worry about the essay or story as a whole. Once you have finished, then you have time to proofread and look at the complete document. Good luck!
Toni Guest