Word Blockage
Jun 22nd, 2009 by Cassie McCloud
One of the things that I truly enjoy about my job is the variety of people and projects that I get to work with on a daily basis. I always have to laugh when friends ask me what my “typical day” at work looks like, because I rarely have a day that is typical. While I am a big fan of project schedules and task lists (one look at my desk would give this away), things don’t always go as planned and when a client calls with a request, sometimes you have to jump in and help. I like to call it organized chaos.
One of the project teams I am currently a part of has been tasked with developing the copy for a variety of marketing tools – Web site, brochures, print advertisements, etc. I’ve always enjoyed writing – that is until I run into the dreaded writer’s block. (This morning I think I spent a half hour trying to finesse two sentences.) So, I’ve taken a brief break to draft this blog post hoping that a switch in topics will get the brain waves flowing again.
This isn’t the first time I’ve been faced with this dilemma, nor am I sure will it be the last. I have a few strategies that usually help. I know it’s kind of unusual, but I have never been able to work well in silence. In school, I was that girl who went to the quiet library to study armed with headphones and an iPod. I’m the same way at the office. If I really need to focus and get something done, I put in the ear buds and start working. (Which reminds me; I really should let my cube neighbors know when I have headphones on. There have been several one-way conversations that have occurred because they don’t know I’ m not listening. Sorry Kanna and Phil!)
This recent episode got me wondering what other tricks and tactics people use to break though writer’s block. Do you try to work in a different location? Use a pen vs. typing on a computer? I’m sure there are lots of different strategies out there. Your thoughts and input are greatly appreciated!
When I wrote a column for a weekly magazine, I kept a large black glass top hat on the corner of my desk. When I found interesting tidbits, quotes, idea generators, I wrote them on post-its and tossed them in. That way, I could reach into my “magic hat” for inspiration! I also included funny pictures of my kids, or notes saying “take a walk,” “get some chocolate,” or “sleep on it.”
For some reason I’m often able to get unblocked at crowded coffee shops. Something about sitting in a back corner with a mocha and being near people rushing through their day gives me energy.
If I’m thinking about anything, even something totally unrelated to the topic at hand I just start to write about that. That was the trick I used most successfully in college.