1. When You’re Too Scared/Busy/Worried To Write
Getting Unblocked
When You’re Too Scared/Busy/Worried To Write
David Masiel
University Writing Program, Workshop Program
May 11, 2010

2. Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) Program Resources
WAC Consultations & Workshops
Student Academic Success Center Writing Specialists
Professional Development Series

3. Some Common Myths about Writer’s Block
Only bad writers or thinkers get blocked
Expert writers don’t need to revise
It’s efficient to write a near-perfect first draft.
Once you’re stuck, you’re stuck
Writing is (and has to be) painful

4. The Advanced Writing Process
Writing more sophisticated, longer works, based on more research with higher stakes requires self-conscious, systematic development of writing process
Graduate school presents a new sense of pressure to sound not only smart but knowledgeable, formal, professional, and authoritative

5. The Advanced Writing Process
Expand your definition of the writing process—e.g., thinking, researching, discussing ideas, outlining, drafting, discussing drafts, revising, editing
Invest time in planning—in freewriting, diagramming, outlining, and other no-risk, productive exercises
Write not to produce a finished product (directly)
Use writing as a tool of inquiry
Use writing as a way to process what you read
Use writing as a method of generating and recording ideas

6. The Advanced Writing Process
Expand your definition of the writing process—e.g., thinking, researching, discussing ideas, outlining, drafting, discussing drafts, revising, editing
Invest time in planning—in freewriting, diagramming, outlining, and other no-risk, productive exercises
Write not to produce a finished product (directly)
Use writing as a tool of inquiry
Use writing as a way to process what you read
Use writing as a method of generating and recording ideas

7. Idea Cluster

8. Outline

9. The Advanced Writing Process
Break away from deeply ingrained habits of criticizing and correcting as you write
Accept multiple revisions as part of the writing process
Separate “creator” from “critic”
A creator takes risks
A critic critiques (do this at the revision stage, not the drafting stage)
Creating and critiquing simultaneously =
recipe for writer’s block

10. Modes of Development
Use these rhetorical modes as part of your inquiry:
Narration
Description
Process Explanation
Exemplification
Cause and Effect
Comparison and Contrast
Classification and Division (Analysis)
Definition
Argumentation

11. What Writer’s Block Isn’t
Procrastination: avoidance, postponement of writing
Often results from aversion of anxiety about writing
Can become a vicious cycle
Essential delay: necessary periods of thinking, connecting, reflection, incubating

12. Causes of Writer’s Block
Perfectionism
Personal standards are too high (premature criticism, hyperactive critic, “nothing I write is good enough”)
Lack of confidence
Rigid Rules or Advice
“Planning subverts spontaneity” (thus, you need inspiration to write)
“Polish each paragraph before proceeding to the next”
Information Overload
Planning is critical in this case: use note-taking, planning, organization, and drafting strategies

13. Strategies for Overcoming Writer’s Block
Allow time to think, ask questions, scribble notes, make connections, freewrite, plan
Engage in active reading (ask questions of and talk back to those whose studies and articles you read)
Analyze models: find model articles, chapters, and reports and analyze the author’s rhetorical moves
Consult with advisors, colleagues, peers

14. Strategies for Overcoming Writer’s Block
Seek constructive, productive feedback (Global versus local comments)
Set goals and deadlines (divide and conquer; be realistic)
Secure a cheerleader (partner, friend, advisor, colleague, other?)
Create a writing-conducive space (In what kind of space do you think best? Are you free from distractions? Do you have access to the resources you need?)

15. JUST WRITE!

16. Some Helpful Resources
Bolker, Joan. Writing Your Dissertation in Fifteen Minutes a Day.
Silvia, How To Write a Lot.
The Purdue Online Writing Lab:
Friends, colleagues, advisors…..