I find it only fitting that I start with a little story. You see, I used to love writing. When I was younger, I had convinced myself that I was going to write a book. My friends always used to call me “the future author.” They used to say that they would collect my signature now so they could sell it on eBay later.
However, my last couple years of high school took a toll on me mentally, and I was presented with five servings too many of anxiety with a side of self-doubt. Not fun. Since then, I developed a fear of writing. I feared the blank Word document. Getting a writing assignment was torturous. I would take hours to write paragraphs, which I would later Ctrl-Alt-Delete when I deemed them not good enough. To say that writing was a challenge would be an understatement.
Photo courtesy of Hana Taha
My specific kryptonite was creative writing, which hit especially hard since it was the thing I was best at before. It was because of this that I became determined to conquer my fear.
Below you’ll find some tricks that helped me face the daunting blank Word document. I hope that they can help you too. However, depending on what you are writing –professional, creative, or academic– these tips may or not apply, but they can still help overall.
- Carry around a pen and notepad.
-
For me, the hardest part was always starting. That first paragraph would take me hours. One reason for this was because I could never decide on a topic. Therefore, I would suggest always carrying a notepad around. Whether it be for a week, a day, or even an hour before you have to start writing, jotting down random notes when they pop into your head can help a lot.
These notes can be topic ideas, song lyrics or even random words. Even if they won’t all be relevant, they will at least get you into the habit of writing and organizing your thoughts. I would suggest using your shower time to your advantage. Even though having a pen and paper in the shower is not ideal, that is usually when I get my best ideas.
- Reread rubrics and make outlines.
-
If you are writing something more structured, like an academic or professional piece, I would suggest rereading the rubric or requirements. Sometimes you can’t start because you just don’t know what to do. Try reading examples or sample works, as they may inspire you.
Highlight the rubrics, break them down into subheadings, and make an outline. Even if you won’t use it later, the outline will get you to start writing as well as give you a sense of accomplishment.
- Believe in yourself.
-
Remember that fear and writer’s block is mainly mental. The trick to overcoming it is to trick your mind into really just believing in yourself. My problem was that I always thought that my work was poor and that I could do better. Although it is incredibly tricky, you must trick your mind into thinking that you are progressing, that you are succeeding, and most importantly, that you are proud of yourself. If you are not satisfied with what you have on the paper, think that your 100 words are better than 50, better than 20, and better than 0.
Trick your brain by making a little checklist. Every time you write another 50 words, put a check next to that bullet point. Every 300 words give yourself a break as you dance it out to your favorite song. If this works, try incorporating timed goals, such as writing 150 words in 15 minutes.
Also, try not to compare yourself to your classmates or friends. Everyone has their own writing style, technique and pace. You do you, and be proud while doing so.
- Set a timer and go.
-
This next trick is my favorite. It requires you to set a timer for 15 minutes. In those 15 minutes, you just write. You forget about spelling, grammar, word use and maybe even common sense. You just focus on writing and enjoy hearing the keyboard keys click.
Forget the existence of the backspace button right now. Don’t doubt your ideas and sentences, just write. Word vomit. Don’t read it over, just write. Don’t think, just write.
For those that set of time, focus on getting as much of your ideas down, because they are in there somewhere. You can read it over and edit it later. You can even throw it out if it doesn’t work. But you just got to write, and get those gears turning.
- Just do it.
-
Lastly, take Nike’s advice and “Just Do It.” Set up a timer and force yourself to sit at a desk and write. You have to push though. But don’t worry, it will only get easier from there.
I would be lying if I said that I still don’t struggle with writing, but it is a work in progress. I am still determined to overcome this fear, and I hope you are too. If you have any tricks of your own, shoot me an email at htaha1@mail.usf.edu. Maybe one day, you’ll see my signature being sold on eBay, but who knows.