re: writer's block by tita

October 27, 2006 08:20 PM

voting has closed for this question

I have a steep deadline for my writing but I'm coming to a blank. The subject is not fictional, I have all the data and analysis I need and I already have my conclusions. But all the sentences I type seem to be ridiculous and not having the effect I want.

How can I overcome this annoying phase?


ps. I'm not making a living as a writer of any kind.

results 33 votes

Take a break and get enough rest. You've been working on this for weeks without any sleep! (12 votes)
 36%
English is not your mother tongue so perhaps try to write it in your own language first. (4 votes)
 12%
Be creative. Draw it, or talk it out, or scribble it, or sketch it in any form you can think of. (6 votes)
 18%
Get a fun distraction, but not too long. (2 votes)
 6%
Here's a suggestion: .... (7 votes)
 21%
Sorry, can't help you. (2 votes)
 6%
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comments

  • Magpie says:

    Also, go ahead and get the this-seems-stupid stuff out of you in a full draft. Then either go through and butcher it (i.e. cut/paste/rewrite) until it makes sense or scrap it and start anew. Sometimes the best thing to do to cure writer's block is to write anything and keep writing, no matter how stupid it feels. And maybe approach the subject from a different angle if all else fails?

    Oct 27, 2006 08:40 PM
  • fiercenailbunny says:

    Writing the bad sentences can help you write the good ones. Sometimes just writing things down, no matter how stupid they sound now, helps to clarify and lets you express yourself in the manner you wish.

    Oct 27, 2006 09:56 PM
  • Victorix says:

    What both of the previous two commenters say. Especially don't try and write the first sentence - start in the middle or with the second sentence - more often than not when writing papers I found I didn't need the first sentence after all.

    Set a time limit and stick to it - "I'll write for an hour even if it is rubbish" This will make you feel better.

    Oct 28, 2006 02:58 AM
  • FluffyBullet says:

    I'm with the previous comment, just keep writing. Write all the stupid stuff, then write it again and again untill it's not stupid anymore.

    Oct 28, 2006 04:26 AM
  • alex says:

    Have someone else look at the things you don't think are any good. They might not be perfect, but they might be good. It's hard to see yoour own writing as good.

    Oct 28, 2006 06:15 AM
  • tita says:

    Thanks, all! I'm not experienced in handling a writing jam, so I'm still trying out these suggestions. First. rest. Then scribble whatever I have in mind around the subject. Now I'm trying hard to pull myself out of a certain distraction..

    Oct 28, 2006 04:58 PM
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