Writer’s block is a myth. You don’t suddenly forget how to ride a bicycle after you’ve learned how to do it. The same is true in writing. If you have truly learned how to write a composition, essay, or story that works, you won’t all of sudden fall off your saddle for no reason at all. Let’s take a closer look at the myth before we talk about how to overcome writer’s block with the 3Ws in writing.
People who say they experience writer’s block may not have truly:
- Mastered English grammar or learned enough vocabulary to get to play with words;
- Clearly understood that an essay always begins with an introduction and the introduction always introduces the main point or thesis;
- Learned that the body of the essay lays out three to five points to support the thesis;
- Understood that the conclusion is just a recap of the thesis and the main points discussed in the body; or
- Internalized that a story always has a plot and in the end the main character resolves the problem introduced in the plot.
Oh, well, if you are still struggling with the so-called writer’s block and may just be starting to master the English language, here are three Ws to help you out:
Write every day
For serious writers, writing is not a chore but a daily common activity they could not live without, like breathing or drinking water (or perhaps drinking coffee; many writers believe this to be true). Set a specific time to sit, relax, and jot down your thoughts. Some get to their personal writing early in the morning when things are fresh and their mind has just come out of dream state. On the other hand, some like to write just before the day ends, when they have gained plenty of insights and experiences during the day.
The time of day doesn’t really matter. It is simply about personal preference. Some are morning people, while others love the nighttime. Examine yourself and figure out what’s best for you. The point is that you make yourself write on a regular basis.
Constant and regular practice will keep you sharp and always in shape. As you develop the habit, writing stops being a chore and becomes more natural and enjoyable.
Related Article: Enhance Your English Writing Skill By Keeping A Journal
Wait for inspiration
What do you want to write about? Why do you write in the first place? Are you in the brink of writing that novel that will make you rich and famous? Are you at the precipice of becoming the next Writer of the Year for your favorite publisher? If you are, then great for you. But none of this should be your inspiration because frankly speaking they may never come. Don’t sit in front of your computer and say you’d get up only after writing five chapters into your novel. Again, if you can do that, great, but if you can’t, then be inspired with a simple but emotional and meaningful line or two.
When you write just one or two lines every day about a personal experience, you will become a better thinker and writer, not to mention you will improve your English writing skill. Pen your heart’s content. Did a friend make you angry? Write it down and describe how you feel. Did a lovely slice of chocolate cake make your day? Write about it with delight.
As you turn your emotions to written words, you will stretch, turn, and bend yourself inside and out. This will make you more reflective, expressive, and effective in expressing yourself.
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Work out your writing “muscles”
The principle behind bodybuilding is to let a muscle group get used to a stressful situation. The muscles will adapt and develop more tissues to accommodate the activity. Once they’ve gotten used to the stressor, the bodybuilder will add more weight to make the muscles work harder. As a result, the muscles will enlarge themselves yet again, and the cycle continues. Writing is similar to that, in a way.
The more you write, the more your brain will get used to the activity and would stretch its borders so that it could accommodate more challenges. Add one or two more emotive sentences to your daily writing, and before you know it, you might just well be at the precipice of writing your first novel.
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Conclusion
Writer’s block is a myth and it can become a reality if you have weak “muscles”. Think of writing as a skill (because it is). The more you do it, the more you get better and the more it becomes natural and easy for you. Now think of writer’s block as a state of mind. The more you think about it, the more you convince yourself that you are suffering from it until you give up and stop writing.
To help you get started on your first W (write every day), visit LingualBox to get some tips on how and what to write. Who knows, the next blog you see on LingualBox might be yours.
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