Writing Services
Press Release How-Tos
Publishing White Papers
Make Great Brochures
Writing Web Content
Go Paperless
Newsletter Fundamentals

Don't think for a minute that Writer's Block affects only those who don't write regularly. It happens to everyone... even our staff. Because writers have a variety of ways in which they write, there are a variety of causes for writer's block. When you find yourself blocking, OUT THERE PRODUCTIONS suggests that you first consider the cause, then try the following strategies — we've tried them all when we've hit our walls, and they're quite effective. Remember that if all else fails, contact us; we can help you complete that writing project!

Don't Write and Edit at the Same Time

In the course of writing, you move through different stages: you create text, then edit it. You repeat this cycle until your writing is finished. However, if you are trying to create AND edit at the same time, you'll end up at a standstill.

Ease up on your self-criticism. Force yourself to write down something, however poorly worded, that approximates your thought (you can revise this later) and go on with the next idea. We suggest you try temporarily covering your monitor screen so you can't see what you're writing: this will eliminate your urge to edit. Speak your ideas into a tape recorder for someone else to transcribe: your creating process won't be interrupted, and you can edit when you receive the transcript.

Get Over your Fear of Reviews

If you're concerned that your supervisor, colleagues or reader will harshly critique your draft, you will prevent yourself from writing anything. Remember that a first draft is just that — it doesn't have to be perfect (that's why they call it a 'draft'). The purpose is to formulate thoughts and ideas in some concrete form so you won't forget them.

Don't Start from Scratch

Even the best writers are sometimes haunted by the dreaded blank page. How or where to start is often a big problem, and many people can't overcome this fear. Start by setting yourself before your keyboard with the initial objective of eliminating the white space... that way, you're not starting with nothing. Type thoughts and ideas — anything that comes to mind regarding the subject. When you're finished, return to each idea and enhance it. Before you realize it, you've got a few pages of viable text.

If that won't work, try writing on something... paper, a white-out board, a post-it note, a cocktail napkin— anything. Or ask someone else to transcribe your ideas as you speak to them.

Begin in the Middle

There's no need to start at the beginning... many writers don't. Begin writing at whatever point feels comfortable. The middle is often a typical starting point for most of us. Leave the introduction or first section until later, when the work is fleshed out and you've got a better idea of its direction and purpose. Your reader will never know you wrote the paper sideways or backwards.

'Talk' the Article

Talk the article aloud to someone or some thing — for example, use a tape recorder while your commuting. Most people are more comfortable speaking than writing, and you'll probably be more natural and spontaneous. If working with an individual, your listener can ask questions to guide you as you speak, and you'll feel more as though you're telling someone about something rather than completing a writing assignment. Record the conversation and transcribe it later for your first draft.

Lessen your Stress

A certain amount of stress can be highly motivating when writing is required. Some individuals even consider this an important factor — those that are deadline-driven. But stress becomes a problem when it debilitates a person, thus preventing them from writing anything.

If you experience stress each time you approach a writing project, begin by isolating the problem. If it's due to lack of time, solicit the assistance of others to prepare the writing, or extend the deadline if possible. Try setting aside designated hours in each day where you'll write, and stick to the plan. If your stress is due to writer's block, review the suggestions we've provided. Finally, as with all of life's stress, try going for a walk, taking frequent breaks, getting plenty of rest, or having a massage.