The Key To Getting Things Written
Since writing is such a huge part of IM, I'm posting this in the main forum.
I've struggled for a long time with writer's block. I'd know what I wanted to talk about, but I just had a hard time getting started writing about it. I know that people say to start out just writing a rough draft and to go from there, but I've realized that it's not enough for me.
So here's what I do. I create a document where I just make notes about the thing I'm wanting to write about. At this point, I'm not trying to present it a certain way or anything. I just use this to get the ideas out of my head, and let my brain get into the flow of writing.
You know how it can be a challenge sometimes to get into a conversation, but once you're into it, you start to feel like you can talk about it much more easily? I think part of that has to do with getting your mind into the flow of working with certain ideas. Once we get into the "zone", ideas seems to spring from other ideas, and things happen smoothly, instead of feeling forced.
Another thing I've realized about writing is that it can be beneficial to "warm up" before you start typing anything important. A great way to do this is to literally open up a document and just start to type off the top of your head. This can help you to get into the flow. Try it! Just go through and type your random thoughts out as they come to you. Doing this should help you be able to write whatever you need to afterwards.
You can also use set a timer for 25 minute blocks and focus on doing nothing except writing, and be strict with yourself. No Facebook, checking emails, Youtube, glancing over at the t.v., or anything else. After each 25 minutes, take a five minute break. Allow yourself to check Facebook, your phone, etc. I think it's also useful to keep track of how many 25 minute blocks it takes to get something done, along with how many you've used during the day.
Working in short bursts like this has really helped me to get things done, and hopefully it will do the same thing for you.
I've struggled for a long time with writer's block. I'd know what I wanted to talk about, but I just had a hard time getting started writing about it. I know that people say to start out just writing a rough draft and to go from there, but I've realized that it's not enough for me.
So here's what I do. I create a document where I just make notes about the thing I'm wanting to write about. At this point, I'm not trying to present it a certain way or anything. I just use this to get the ideas out of my head, and let my brain get into the flow of writing.
You know how it can be a challenge sometimes to get into a conversation, but once you're into it, you start to feel like you can talk about it much more easily? I think part of that has to do with getting your mind into the flow of working with certain ideas. Once we get into the "zone", ideas seems to spring from other ideas, and things happen smoothly, instead of feeling forced.
Another thing I've realized about writing is that it can be beneficial to "warm up" before you start typing anything important. A great way to do this is to literally open up a document and just start to type off the top of your head. This can help you to get into the flow. Try it! Just go through and type your random thoughts out as they come to you. Doing this should help you be able to write whatever you need to afterwards.
You can also use set a timer for 25 minute blocks and focus on doing nothing except writing, and be strict with yourself. No Facebook, checking emails, Youtube, glancing over at the t.v., or anything else. After each 25 minutes, take a five minute break. Allow yourself to check Facebook, your phone, etc. I think it's also useful to keep track of how many 25 minute blocks it takes to get something done, along with how many you've used during the day.
Working in short bursts like this has really helped me to get things done, and hopefully it will do the same thing for you.
Some art I like:
"Scorched earth" by Arcipello
"Le Pianoquarium" by AquaSixio