I promised a follow-up blog post about the writer who was suffering from writer’s block. Today, the conclusion of our story.
“Jay’s” piece went through a 3-level approval process, yet escaped with very minimal changes from the reviewers!
Her biggest challenge was in reducing word count! Remember that her initial problem was just getting started!
Her second challenge was selecting a title. Remember that the title was the piece she was initially stuck on. Our writer’s block breaking tactic allowed her to skip the title, get started on the content, and come back to the title later in the process. (NOTE: seldom do I start with a title or working headline. I also save my introductory paragraphs until the end, after I’ve developed my major points and conclusion. Only then, do I go back and write the opening paragraph. Think of that writing strategy for a moment, how else will I know where I’m going until I’ve gotten there first? I’ll wait for you to process that.)
I read her final piece, which listed three challenges and identified the strategies to overcome each challenge. The piece flowed, displayed a logical organization, and read with a tight writing style. Its final title made sense and captured the flavor of the full content.
In summary, Jay’s final piece came in at 3 pages, about 37 paragraphs, with a word count of 1,440 words.
Success story!
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"geeWHIZ" 
The best way to break writers block is to have some reflection and thinking time. I go for a walk or lay down and relax. Ideas will come if you are not stressed or have cluttered brain. My advice, chill out, do something physical or creative like cooking, painting or drawing always works for me.
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Thanks Ed for your comment. There are several strategies indeed that depend on the individual. Like you, I use music an art to change up the right/left brain status quo.
In the case of “Jay,” the initial obstacle exercise helped her break past the logjam, and the mindmapping exercise was just what she needed to bring clarity to the topic.
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