by Peter Sinclair

Created on: February 14, 2009

How to Overcome Writer's Block When You Have to Write a Paper for Class.

The dreaded writer's block happens to every writer. The blank computer screen is the most intimidating aspect of writing. Usually, writer's block happens when we immediately sit down at the computer to start writing. Overcoming the fear of the blank screen, the blank page, is the most crucial step to overcoming writer's block.

We all have had the intimidating experience of a blank screen staring back at us, begging for us to write that first sentence of a paper. We sit at our computer, anxiously tapping our foot, our fingers poised over the keyboard, our mind freezing up minute by minute when it should be filling up with ideas. But no ideas come. In fact, it seems as though everything swirls around in our head except for what we need to write. The blank screen, the blank page, is a void that we must fill with language. But the void widens, engulfing us, turning our minds into a void instead. When this happens, you should realize that the worst thing you can do when you begin a paper is to immediately sit down at the computer.

Get away from the computer.

Go somewhere else in your room, your house, a different location. The computer is a very formal place. Our mind suddenly becomes creatively constricted when we stare at the screen and the keyboard. We feel as if anything we type has to be gold when we cannot even come up with dross. We need to allow writing to be a mess at first, and save the gold for later.

Have two different workspaces.

Instead of having just the computer as your workspace, consider having two workspaces: your computer workspace, and your messy, creative workspace. In your messy, creative space, you should feel free to express yourself in loose writing, using a pen or pencil. This is a space where you can write in an unedited manner. What you write here remains private, without the scrutiny of a reader or the grading eye of a teacher. You can even write a series of expletives! The idea is to use this space to brainstorm, to write lists, to express frustration and confusion, to come up with ideas.

Alternate between your messycreative space and your formalcomputer space. As you draw together rough materiallists, feelings, outlines, researchbring some of it to the computer. When you feel stuck again, when nothing comes, do not sit paralyzed again, staring at the screen. Return to your messy, creative spot. Go back to the drawing board, so to speak.

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