Strategies to Overcome Writer's Block
Do you struggle to write marketing materials for your practice? I know I do. Even though I regularly put together newsletters, write copy for adverts, brochures and websites, it's still a challenge at times. Sometimes the problem is that I don't want to get started, sometimes it's not knowing what to write about, and sometimes it's worrying that what I'm writing simply isn't going to do the job! This article gives you 10 simple strategies to get your writing projects completed.
Idea Generation
- Jot down the concepts you want to cover first, and then expand them one at a time. Mindmaps work well for this.
- Keep a notebook and pen handy at all times. Your best ideas often come when you're doing something else, so just note down any good ideas for later.
- If you're not sure where to start, ask questions. What might your readers want to know about a topic? What's in the news right now? Is it the right time of year to talk about colds and flu, or the dangers of sunburn? What needs does your service fill?
- Brainstorm for ideas without worrying about quality or suitability. It's easier to come up with as many ideas as you can, and then pick the best ones out later. Look at what other people are writing too - in magazines, on the web, in newsletters, and other written materials.
Getting Started
- Set aside 30 minutes at the start of every day to do your writing. Do it first thing so that nothing else gets in the way.
- Write in sentence fragments to get your ideas down on paper. You can then come back to fill in the gaps and polish it later.
- If the task seems too big, can you write for just 10 minutes? Try setting a timer and just write down whatever comes into your mind without worrying about quality. You may find this is enough to get you over the hurdle of starting, but if not, stop and try another 10 minutes later - you can get loads done writing in 10 minute bursts!
Feeling Stuck
- Don't worry about getting it perfect first time. Come back and edit what you've written later. Actually this is good advice, even if you think you have done a good job off the bat. Always come back and revise what you've written (fix confusing or ambiguous bits, cut out unnecessary fluff etc) - your project will be much better for it.
- If you're really stuck, stop and do something else - take a shower, do the washing up, or go for a walk. Your subconscious will continue think about your project, and you’ll probably get some great ideas on how to continue - make sure to note these down!
- Get into the habit of starting projects early. It's very stressful working up against a deadline, and it also increases the pressure to get things right first time.
In this article we've talked about practical ways to get over writer's block. You should now be able to come up with ideas, overcome procrastination, and keep going when you feel stuck. So go ahead and get stuck into that project you’ve been putting off!
Like to read more?
Enter your email address below, and we'll send you our free newsletter - Therapist Marketing Monthly. Each issue is packed with tips and strategies to help you market your practice!
Your privacy is important to us. We don't share your email address with anyone else and will cancel your subscription whenever you request it.