Writer’s block is a normal part of the writing process. Sooner or later, all of us will have some difficulty sustaining the thoughts for a paper. Writer’s block can be caused by perfectionism, rushing, uncertainty about your audience, or self-criticism. Often, weaknesses in writing, such as wordiness or vagueness, are symptoms of writer’s block.

How to overcome writer's block?

Brainstorming involves listing all the possible ways to approach your subject matter. You can write notes at this stage; you will revise them into sentences later. Just write down as much as you can.

Once this is done, create links between each approach to organize your ideas into a coherent plan.

Free writing is especially effective for dealing with writer’s block. Write as much as possible about your subject matter for three minutes without stopping (if you get stuck during free writing, just write "thinking" or "can’t write now" until an idea comes to you). Then choose another idea in your paper and write some more.

Discuss what you have written and what you would like to say, and listen to his or her suggestions. Then have your friend do the same for his or her own paper. A second opinion will often give you ideas on where to go from where you are. If you are alone, record yourself reading the paper, or your ideas, on tape, then listen to them and write down what you hear, making additions as you go along.

Do something else that interests you until you feel that you are ready to tackle the writing again.

Back to work after a break, read over what you have written and write new ideas in the margins as they come to you. If some sections of the text don’t seem to work for you even after rereading or rewriting, delete them.

Some rituals for writing include using a special pen, writing in a certain environment, listening to music while writing (or writing in silence, if that’s what you prefer).

If you have a good idea for the middle of your paper, start there and proceed from that section. Some professional writers even prefer to save their introduction for last, after they have organized their work.

The most important thing to remember if you have writer’s block:

If you are nervous, you will have problems thinking straight. Stay calm and let the ideas come to you on their own.

If you find your topic uninteresting or unapproachable, talk to your instructor about ways you can make it more suitable for your needs. Most instructors will allow you to be flexible, as long as you stick to the basic ideas of the essay topic.

It is easy to run out of ideas if you insist your work must be perfect the first time around. A first draft should be a testing ground for new ideas; just write what you have in mind, and revise it later. Leave yourself enough time to revise your writing.

Try to imagine your audiences, your readers, or imagine yourself in the situation you are writing about. These strategies will help you gain a different perspective on your subject matter, and perhaps stimulate new ideas.

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