Recently, I wrote about some of the difficulties inherent in writing, and tackled some issues concerning writer’s block in a post about how to Just Let Go of Everything and Write!

Today, I have some more practical ideas for blasting past writer’s block and really getting down to writing work.

In fact, if you start adopting these techniques, then writer’s block won’t even EXIST for you! It’ll be a thing of the past. Where it should be.

1. Outlining For The Win

So, firstly, you need to have an outline for whatever you’re going to write. Whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, an outline with help. This is your blueprint for what you’re going to write about.

MindMaps re great for blueprinting what you’re going to write about. You can start with a topic or idea and branch out ideas on your MindMap like spider’s legs out of an initial concept. I highly recommend the software by MindJet called MindManager, but there are plenty of other applications out there.

2. Answering A Question Is Easier Than Replying To A Statement

From here, you have a blueprint for the topic (or section) that you’re going to write about. It’s now time for a key concept in writing – it’s always better to answer a question instead of replying to a statement.

For each topic (or section) of your writing (book/screenplay, etc) turn the topic into a question.

For example, if you have written down a topic entitled: “Outlining books is really important.” Change this sistatement into a question. So this becomes:

“Why is outlining books really important?”

From there, your mind will become more easily attuned to writing, because it’s responding to a question rather than trying to reply to a vague statement. This makes the topic a lot more relevant to your mind.

3. Three Key Words

So you have a question about the topic/section that you want to write about. What next?

Ask yourself the question. Pose it to yourself. Close your eyes and imagine a response. The first thing that comes to you.

Now think of the first 3 words that best describe a response to the question.

Not a 3 word response to the question. I want you to select the best three words that answer your question.

   

So, again using the example from earlier: “Why is outlining books really important?” If I was posing myself this question, my three words might be: consistency, detail, response.

Don’t Overthink, Just Write

Now that you have your three words, it’s time to start writing.

Set a timer for 5 minutes. That’s all the time you should need to write 300-500 words on a topic. Don’t overthink, just write.

When you’re writing about your topic/section, there are two rules than you need to abide by:

1. You must use one of the keywords you chose as the first word of the first paragraph you write. So, in this example, you could use Consistency as the opening word of the paragraph. This will help your mind become more receptive to writing and will set your writing into a turbo-charged state.

2. You should use all three of your keywords in the first paragraph.

Seriously, follow these 3 Pointers and you’ll see your writing speed and effectiveness skyrocket!

Let me know how you get on!