Paralysis plagues many aspiring writers. People worry about sounding foolish or making grammatical mistakes. I’m always reminding my clients, “That’s why we edit!”
Understanding Writer’s Block
Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand what writer’s block actually is. It’s more than just a lack of ideas; it’s a psychological barrier that can be rooted in fear—fear of not being good enough, fear of judgment, or fear of making mistakes. Recognizing these fears is the first step to overcoming them.
Take Risks: Embrace the Unknown
One effective way to break through writer’s block is by taking risks. This might mean experimenting with different writing styles, tackling controversial topics, or sharing personal stories. Risk-taking in writing doesn’t always guarantee success, but it does open the door to new possibilities and can lead to more authentic and engaging content.
Benefits of Taking Risks
- Creativity Boost: When you step out of your comfort zone, you allow creativity to flow freely. This can lead to innovative ideas and fresh perspectives.
- Personal Growth: Taking risks helps you grow as a writer. You learn from both successes and failures, ultimately improving your skills.
- Audience Engagement: Readers appreciate authenticity. By taking risks, you create content that resonates on a deeper level, fostering a stronger connection with your audience.
Use Your Own Voice: Authenticity is Key
In a world saturated with content, using your own voice is essential. Your voice is your unique perspective, and it’s what makes your writing stand out. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through your words. Whether it’s humor, honesty, or a distinct tone, your voice is what will draw readers in and keep them coming back.
How to Cultivate Your Voice
- Write as You Speak: Try to write in a conversational style that reflects how you naturally communicate.
- Be Honest: Share your true thoughts and opinions. Authenticity builds trust with your audience.
- Embrace Your Quirks: Your unique traits and perspectives are what make your writing memorable.
Don’t Fear Mistakes: They Are Part of the Process
Mistakes are a natural part of writing. Instead of fearing them, view mistakes as learning opportunities. Each error teaches you something new and brings you a step closer to mastering your craft. Remember, perfection is not the goal. Growth and progress are what truly matter.
Tips for Embracing Mistakes
- Reflect and Learn: After identifying a mistake, take time to understand what went wrong and how you can improve.
- Seek Feedback: Constructive criticism from peers or readers can provide valuable insights.
- Keep Moving Forward: Don’t dwell on errors. Learn from them and continue creating.
Write Like You Talk
Writer’s block can be a daunting obstacle for bloggers. The blank page stares back at you, and ideas seem to have vanished into thin air. However, overcoming this challenge is not only possible but can also lead to some of your best writing. The key lies in taking risks and embracing your own unique voice. In doing so, you’ll not only break through the block but also stand out in the vast sea of online content. I encourage all my clients to write like they talk. Some people are skeptical. But, it really helps.
Benefits of Writing Like You Talk
- Most people find they write faster when they don’t worry about editing. If your document has already been outlined (even a rough outline), just put your hands on a keyboard and pound out your thoughts. It will go faster than worrying about the precise language you want to use.
- Your voice can come through authentically when you write how you talk. You can eliminate redundancies and unclear phrases during editing process.
- The process bypasses the logical part of your brain (spelling and grammar) and frees up creativity. That’s what you really need to make those essential connections between your thoughts.
After you finish writing, you can check these common mistakes.
Things to Look For When Proofreading
Most people need to focus on these key areas when they edit. So, you can work through them when you’re in a task-oriented mode (after you’ve finished feeling creative).
Subject/Verb Agreement
Read your sentences aloud going in reverse order. Basically, you start at the end of your document and read the last sentence.
Make corrections if necessary. Then, read your second-to-last sentence.
Continue reading all your sentences in reverse order. Say them aloud and listen carefully. As long as you are a native english speaker, you’ll “hear” your mistakes as you read aloud. Then, you can fix them.
This will catch mistakes that grammar and spell check rules often miss.
Punctuation
Make a list next of you on a sheet of paper with all the punctuation types.
- period .
- comma ,
- question mark ?
- semicolon ;
- colon :
- Em Dash
- En Dash
- Hyphen –
- Elipsis …
- Apostrophe’
- Quotes ” “
- Etc.
Start at the top of the list and google the most common mistakes for that form of punctuation. Then, find each instance using your word processor function. Check it against the common grammar infractions. Repeat this for each type of punctuation.
Replace Passive Voice
Use the find function to find all the variations of be. This includes is, was, were, etc. Each time you find it, replace it with an action word. Usually, you’ll need to flip the object of the sentence to the subject.
Check the Logical Flow of Points
Use a reverse outline method to see if your points flow logically. This works for both non-fiction and fiction.
Start with several blank pieces of paper beside you. Start outlining your document as you read through it. Then, compare to your original outline for the document. This helps you find misplaced points and remove tangents.
Writing Style Tips
Writer’s block is a common hurdle for bloggers, but it’s one that can be overcome with the right mindset. By taking risks and using your own voice, you’ll not only break through the block but also create content that stands out. Remember, mistakes are part of the journey, and each one brings you closer to becoming a better writer. So, embrace the unknown, be true to yourself, and watch your creativity soar.
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