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Answer: A very common reason for writer's block is the fear that you will not get it right the first time you try. I'm here to tell you that professional writers NEVER produce flowing pieces the first time around. That's what your word processor's editing functions are for! A few suggestions (find the ones that work for you): Clear your workspace. Set yourself up so that your writing area is comfortable and inviting. You may want to add inspirational photos or quotes.
Warm up your keyboard by writing about something personal and then—when you're ready—start on the task at hand.
Write in bits as thoughts pop into you head, especially if you are not a linear thinker. Don't worry about the order or format; just write down what you want to say and categorize later.
Don't let a momentary feeling of "being stuck" stop you! Just move on to another part of the piece that's coming to you more easily. For example, if you are missing a word, specific data, or even a paragraph just make a note to yourself to fill it in later (I use "____________") or stick in a placeholder word or phrase.
If all else fails: take a break, get some exercise, or "sleep on it" and return the next day. You will be amazed at the things you can fix after your subconscious mind has had time to undergo the creative process! I recommend keeping a notepad and pen on your nightstand or with your things as you go about your day. (By the way, the write-in-the-dark pen that I use is featured on my website.)
Whichever method you choose, trust that in time you will find what works best with your personality and work style. Just start writing! Question: "How can I speed up my writing process?" Answer: Time. Everyone wants more of it, but it seems to be slipping away faster every year. In the social sector, time seems to be the one commodity even scarcer than money. That's really saying something! Great writing is a craft like any other—you need to take the time to develop your skills and hone your masterpieces. However, in the nonstop social sector, you probably don't have all the time you need. Other pressing priorities may appear much more urgent. The good news is that there are many things you can do to help move the process along. Here are three: Recycle.
You should almost never have to start a document from scratch. Gather any precious nuggets on the topic from anything else you (or colleagues) have already written. Your word processor's "cut-and-paste" and "find" functions were born to do this! You can also use templates or "boiler plates." That is, lay the groundwork for a certain type of piece that you are likely to write again and again (e.g., a newsletter, a grant proposal for a specific project, or a business letter). After you make this one-time investment of your time, future editions or variations suddenly become a piece of cake (well, not quite, but you get the idea). Keep a running slush file.
Ever wonder why artists of all kinds like to take in each other's work? Not only do they love to experience art, but they're also looking for ideas that can inspire their own creativity. You are also an artist, and you can do this too! Whenever you run across interesting word uses, phrases, or documents, add them to your collection! Savor, mull over, and then re-create them in your own work. They say that there's nothing new under the sun, but creative reconfigurations are sure to get noticed. Fight off the urge to procrastinate.
Yes, most of us have spent a night or two (or more) cramming to meet a deadline. As soon as you get an assignment, set up a file (physical or electronic) to keep track of your ideas about it. If your piece is going to have sections, separate your files to reflect that. Then, when you sit down to write, you will already have some starter material. Nothing can torpedo your creativity faster than a blank page staring you in the face. Trust me: If you wait until the last minute to get started you will increase your probability of getting an ulcer AND your end product is likely to be faulty. Question: "We are a brand new organization and we don't really have a track record yet. What can we do to establish our credibility?" Answer: As you know, your track record is one of the most important pieces of information you can provide to foundations, individual donors, volunteers, clients, and other stakeholders. Success attracts further success. As a new organization, you will have to promote the track records of the people who comprise your team. Think about what work your staff, board, and volunteers have done in the past that ensures that they will be successful in the future in a similar arena. They each bring valuable individual backgrounds to the table, and working together gives them even more potential. Also, think about the partners you have on board. Are you working with established organizations on joint programs or events? Perhaps you can get endorsements from well-known individuals outside of your organization who trust and respect you. Another way to establish your credibility is to make sure that your printed and online materials sound and look professional. Your written words say a lot about you, and you want them to tell the right story! Until next time, Happy Writing!
PS: Check out the free articles and tip sheets on my website, including: "How to Write Outstanding Marketing Materials (teleseminar transcript)," "9 Essential Writing & Editing Tips (downloadable bookmark)," and "Resume & Cover Letter Tips for the Social Sector Jobseeker." PPS: Please let me know about your successes and challenges in using my writing tips, and I'll feature your notes in future columns! If you have a question for Dalya, please send an email to writedalya@idealist.org with the subject "Dalya Question." Please note: Due to the amount of correspondence Dalya receives, she may not be able to reply to your question. |
