One of the most difficult tasks of writing is getting started. Even as I write this post, knowing (mostly) what I want to say, I’m met with a feeling of mild doom. How could I possibly fulfill the daunting task of filling this blank page with words that make sense? Writer’s block, blank page syndrome, or just feeling stuck in a rut. Whatever you want to call this feeling, it affects all writers. For academic writers, this experience can be especially stressful.
Most writing resources focus on the task of revising preexisting writing. Very few address the issue of how to produce new work. When obstacles to writing are addressed, solutions often come in the form of habit formation (write every day, for example), distraction management, or productivity goals. These are all important components to the writing process and will help to set any writer up for some level of success. I’m more interested, however, in how writers get their initial ideas on the page. This can be some of the most exciting writing we do because we are giving voice to our ideas. But this also makes it the most challenging.
Free writing can often serve as the catalyst for generating words on a page. Rather than rely on outlining, notes, or other structural devices, a writer freely unloads their thoughts on a particular topic. When free writing, you don’t worry about style, grammar, or flow. You don’t worry if your ideas make any sense or if your train of thought veers off into territory unrelated to your task at hand. The point is to get the process going. You might find free writing helpful as a warm-up before a more focused writing session. Alternatively, free writing may help you to generate material on a topic that you can later revisit and revise. Something I appreciate about free writing is that it forces me to embrace a messy first draft and shed some expectations about producing perfect prose right away.
The opposite of free writing is structured writing, such as outlining. With this technique, you scaffold your writing piece or section with your argument, main ideas, and supporting bullet points and source material. Once an outline is created, you can flesh out your ideas point by point. This technique works particularly well when you have a clear sense of the argument that you want to make. It can be more difficult if you are using writing to help figure that part out.
A technique I especially love addresses the blank page before it is even presented to the writer: structured notetaking. There are various techniques for structured notetaking, but keeping your reading purpose in focus is the key. Ask yourself, why am I reading this article or chapter? How does this source serve my purpose? Maybe that purpose is producing a literature review, or maybe it is providing contextual background on your topic. Whatever the purpose, respond to it as you take notes. Your notes will then be usable first draft material for your writing piece, rather than a mere resource for recollection. (I think this technique also works for interpreting primary source material, such as archival documents, field notes, or interviews.)
I have used each of these methods in my own writing practice. While I was writing my dissertation, I even kept a sticky note on the wall behind my laptop to remind me of these techniques when I was feeling stuck. Though beginning is only the first challenge of many for academic writing, getting over that hurdle is necessary for developing a sustainable and fulfilling writing practice. What techniques do you use to get words on the page?
