The whole notion of writer’s block is an interesting conundrum. The University of Illinois’s Center for Writing Studies explains how “[w]riter’s block is often caused by conflicted feelings. We want the writing to be perfect and want the paper done as soon as possible” (2013). At times, I’ve experienced this feeling and sensed the weight of the assignment vs my own determination to have my best work put forward is a very difficult balancing act to uphold. Not to mention, I am a new vice principal in a new K-9 school, learning the ropes and everyone in it, all the while being a father of two below the age of four and a husband of one. Free time is a luxury that I do not have much in my world these days. This does not mean that I can remove items from my figurative plate to ease my workload but instead to really take advantage of prioritizing critically. When writing assignments, forum or blog posts are being asked of me, I have to treat it just as important as any other task in my daily activities hence triaging what needs to be done when. Sometimes, my son’s pre-school activities supersede my reading of that day or vice versa.  For a guy that is tentatively occupied for every minute during the day, does he have the time to allow writer’s block to occur? Nope and here’s how I sidestep this time-consuming bad experience from happening.  The U of Illinois has suggested some strategies however I will only highlight those that I found specifically useful for me.  

Take notes often.  

Instead of devoting a particular time to work on your writing piece, jot down notes throughout the day as they arise and stick them in a place where you can review them. This will help in overcoming the what to say since you could have a folder full of post-it-notes with good and bad ideas that you’ve created.  

Piecework 

Sometimes, it is difficult to begin your paper in the prescriptive order Intro, middle/body, conclusion. Instead, start it ‘sideways’ by writing about the paragraphs that you know quite well about. This strategy hits home for me since I’ve taught youngsters how to write reports in a distinctive way that each paragraph will highlight a completely different topic and having them write those paragraphs before even considering the intro and conclusion until the very end of the writing task. Funny how one needs to follow what they preach.  

What I Really Mean Is (WIRMI) 

“When you're stuck in a quagmire trying to find the perfect phrase, switch to What I Really Mean Is and just say it the way you think it. Once you know what you mean, it is easier to refine the phrasing (2013).“ 

These three strategies have been very helpful in stepping around the taxing weight of writer’s block and allowing me to concentrate on tasks into manageable duties within a reasonable schedule. Without these strategies and/or the use of devoting an extended period for task completion, I would be at the mercy of luck by handing in excellent work through chance or experiencing the fate of unsatisfactory marks. None of which I can afford at this stage of the game in my studies nor would I like to leave it to chance. Being proactive is the key to my success.      

“Writing Tips: Strategies for Overcoming Writer's Block.” Centre for Writing Studies. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign  www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/writersblock/