by David Ware

Created on: October 03, 2007

Writer's block comes in many forms. One of those forms is the inability to actually put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. They may have a great idea for a book, article or whatever the case may be. But when it comes to sitting down to write, they stare haplessly at the screen, trying to figure out the first step. The cause of this? Put simply, it is over-thinking.

Consider this. Your best friend is in the room. You and him/her just so happen to be enjoying a good conversation about the very subject you want to write about. What would you say? How would the conversation begin? What would they ask you? How would that conversation go, were it simply a verbal exchange between the two of you? When you sit down to begin writing, simply envision yourself talking across the table to someone instead of sitting in front of an intimidating blank page or the glaring white page on the screen in front of you.

That is the best way to get started. Then, keep your writing flowing as though you were continuing that conversation. When you come to a stopping point, imagine what their reaction would be to what you just said or, better yet, what reaction you would want them to have. This is not only one of the best ways of overcoming "page fright", it is also one of the tenants of good writing: write like you talk.

Once you become familiar with using this conversational style of writing, you will begin to see your characters come to life. Your articles will have a fresh air about them. Your writing will improve all around, and you'll be glad you took this approach. So, quit reading now and start writing. Tell your story!

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