I Don't Know What to Write!

Dear Real Academics,

There's an old Frasier episode where two of the main characters -- who, by the way, have Ph.D.'s -- are trying to co-write a book manuscript. For those of you who don't know, Frasier is a sitcom from the 1990's. 😊

They try to write at home, but they draw a blank on how to begin the first sentence. 

So, they decide to lock themselves in a hotel to be free of distractions. 

As one poses his fingers over the keyboard, the other finally comes up with one sentence, while the other elaborates on it. 

But it's too late. 

The sun comes up and they managed to only write one sentence by their due date.

Of course, this is what I want to NOT happen to you. 

But...

Have you ever felt this way? 

Perhaps you have so much you want to say but you don't know where to start. Or, like the sitcom characters described above, you are afraid of getting that first sentence perfect.

Perhaps you just don't know what to say. Or,  you are afraid that if you start what you have to say is not good enough.

I have been in both of the scenarios described above. Sometimes I experience a combination of the two.

Like now. I knew I needed to write a post, but I wasn't sure what to write. 

In these scenarios there are several things you can do to combat what is commonly called "writer's block" or the fear of the "blank page". 

  • First, don't fixate on the first sentence. In fact, don't fixate on anything. Just write. The act of writing generates more writing and thinking. Even if what you put down is messy and disorganized it is OK. At least you get the juices flowing. Even as I am writing now, I didn't even think to begin this post with the example from the sitcom. It just flowed out as I began to type.

  • Second, be honest with yourself and your thoughts. Until I am honest about where I am, I am stuck. As soon as I open up, I am able to get moving. For example, until I was honest with myself about writing this post, I didn't know where I was going to start. I had so many ideas and none at the same time. I know that may not make sense, but I think this is part of the cognitive battle that goes on inside a writer's mind. 


  • And then, get going! Get writing! You can do it! 

Until next time,

Maggie 

www.therealacademics.com

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