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
Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) Program Resources WAC Consultations & Workshops http://writing.ucdavis.edu/programs-and-services/the-workshop-program/ Student Academic Success Center Writing Specialists http://lsc.ucdavis.edu/writing.html Professional Development Series http://iccweb.ucdavis.edu/graduates/pds/
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
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
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
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
Idea Cluster
Outline
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
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
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
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
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
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?)
JUST WRITE!
Some Helpful Resources Bolker, Joan. Writing Your Dissertation in Fifteen Minutes a Day. Silvia, How To Write a Lot. The Purdue Online Writing Lab: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/567/01/ Friends, colleagues, advisors…..