How to Write When You Really Don’t Want to
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So, here’s the deal. You’ve been wanting to write something big and groundbreaking for a while. It’s been itching in the back of your mind. But then when you finally sit down to write, nothing comes; or ironically, you find you’d rather be doing something else—anything else, like cleaning the oven or building the backyard barbecue. Anything but writing. So you file away said project until later, later… and later. You figure your masterpiece can wait, and is still safe in the back of your mind feeding itself with your growing anticipation. Then over time, the idea of your project eventually becomes so great, you almost fear it. Sound familiar? Or perhaps you are hopelessly pressed for time, can’t get five consecutive seconds of quiet, or the ability to keep your head up eludes you after an honest day’s work. However, your big project is still the one thing keeping you going each day, the idea of its cumulative greatness leading you along like a dangling carrot dipped in sugar. But oftentimes, when we least expect it, we find that the hardest part of creating a literary masterpiece is the very thing that should be the simplest: getting those first words on paper. That said, I wanted to go over some trial-and-error strategies that applied in my own writing journey that helped me complete my first three novels when writer’s block, writer’s anxiety, fatigue and time constraints, etc., told me not to.
- Word Vomit
There you have it. Just spew it out! All over the paper! The best way to get over writer’s anxiety, as well as her evil step-sister, writer’s block, is to write down something—anything—without reserve or expectations. You can do this secure in the knowledge that you can always edit, structuralize and embellish later. And no one needs to see it anyway until you’re good and ready, right? So, for now, just let it out!
- One Sentence a Day
This goes hand-in-hand with word vomit, but with a bit more focus. This approach may not work with projects that have a tight deadline; but if you are writing a novel, memoir, or any other long-term project, you can commit to writing just one sentence per day. Just as saving small change can add up to big bucks over time, writing one sentence per day can add up to chapters that might have otherwise been empty pages, had the project been put off for an indefinite length of time. And in my personal experience, writing one sentence a day can often yield more content, as new ideas can and do spring up once you get going again.
- Multitask!
This may sound a bit cliché, but slight distractions and/or practical tasks can help break down writer’s anxiety, and simultaneously give you an outlet. It can also add a sense of practical fulfillment, getting other things done (or relaxing) while writing. For example, watching a movie, especially in the genre of your project, while writing provides a background that can keep you alert and focused in ways radio silence cannot. Also, timing your writing goals to, say, one chapter by the time the movie or album finishes, or a few paragraphs while the lasagna bakes, or the clothes are on spin cycle, can also help lay the paving stones to the completion of your project. Plus, you’re enjoying yourself and getting things done in the process!
- Procrastinate in Disguise
That’s right! I said procrastinate—but with a purpose. In order to alleviate anxiety, guilt and self-loathing that can lead to the final burial of a project, allow yourself to procrastinate for certain periods of time. Or in simpler terms, give yourself a break. You can also use this time for research, soul-searching, inspiration-sleuthing, or just plain old breathing. And, as wise sages everywhere tell us, you never know when new inspiration or ideas can pop up out of nowhere. In my experience, ideas often come when your mind is still, and not constantly chasing leads to fill an agenda.
- Read, Read, Read!
This is also something you can do to refuel during a sanctioned procrastination period, as well. Throughout my career, I have often heard that to be a good writer, it really helps to read noteworthy bestsellers, especially in your project genre; not only to relax, but to observe the paradigm, structure and general feel your project should have to be successful. Reading is especially advantageous to kinesthetic learners, like myself, who learn best through carrying out tasks based on examples.
- Fill in Those Time Pockets
This strategy goes hand-in-hand with multitasking, but with a slightly different approach. Let me explain. Time pockets, first of all, are spare blocks of time you can utilize over a busy day when you have very little time to focus solely on writing. This is especially helpful for those who work and/or parent full-time. Those who can never seem to catch a breather. During pockets of time, namely coffee, lunch or smoke breaks, or waiting in the grocery line or in the dentist’s reception area, quickly jot down a quick sentence on a napkin or word pad, or more realistically, voice record or text it to yourself on your phone. This is especially helpful if you encounter a sudden flash of insight or inspiration. And those texts or scratch notes can add up to those chapters you would otherwise never have found the time to sit down and write the old-fashioned way.
- Reward Yourself!
When you accomplish a writing goal, whether it is a chapter, a section, a character sketch, or, of course, the final completion of your project, reward yourself with a small (or generous) treat. A stroll to Starbucks, a lobster sandwich at the cute bistro downtown, or hell, even a trip to Paris or Papua; whatever your budget allows, treat yourself—but only do so after meeting each goal. Of course, getting the words on paper is its own reward; but treating yourself can certainly sweeten the deal when you need an extra jolt.
And there you have it! Whether you are aiming to complete a large-scale novel or memoir, or trying to hit your next article deadline, it helps to start small, compartmentalize your goals, and allow yourself to relax and let ideas come to you (provided you catch them when they do). After all, you never know when a few paltry sentences can crystallize into a timeless classic, a groundbreaking media epic, or a great story for the grandkids. And it all starts with getting those first few words on paper, and keeping them coming; especially if it’s the last thing you want to do!
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