Writer's block happens to everyone. It's the first hurdle to clear when beginning to write. Here are some suggestions you might want to consider to help with your block and writing.

1. Brainstorm: Get a large legal pad and think...write down ALL ideas which come into your head. Disregard NOTHING. All ideas are keepers. Sometimes it helps to do this with a friend. Grab these ideas and lock them on the paper before they escape! After doing this, perhaps on several occasions, review what you've written.

2. Begin a process of elimination: If this is research... Are some topics too broad or too obscure? If this is creative...Do you have enough knowledge about this topic? Yes, great. No, Go back to the text and do a close reading for a specific purpose. In order to write, one must feel strongly about the subject (either positively or negatively). Never write about something or take about position about something which you do not care. (Unless it is a specific assignment and you have no control.)

3. Mapping: This allows the writer to create a visual representation of ideas. Place your topic in the center and have related or supporting ideas radiate off on spokes (like a wheel). This is difficult to explain, but if you want a more detailed explanation, call me for a meeting. For example if you are writing a paper about imagery in Emily Dickinsons' poetry and decide to focus on bees you will do a close analysis of selected works and examine each for "bees". Develop columns for each image associated with bees. Then look for patterns. Develop the patterns into an argument. From this step you begin working backwards composing your thesis and then building the columns into paragraphs.

4. Rough Draft: Begin a rough draft writing the ideas in paragraph form. Don't worry about spelling punctuation, grammar, word choice. Just write. It may take several drafts before you are satisfied with your paper.

5. Revision/Response: Cutting, pasting & polishing. Is this what you intend to say? Refer to the writer's checklist (you will be able to find this on our web page in January, www.sju.edu/learning). Do you have an introductory paragraph, introducing your topic and concluding with your THESIS statement?

   • Is your thesis clear & focused?

   • Are transitions between paragraph smooth?

   • Are you using a variety of words, vivid language, action verbs, concrete nouns, descriptive adjectives, clear concise language. Precision of language & economy of words. Can you omit unnecessary words?

6. Editing: Focus on organization & structure. Visit the writing center in 129 Bellarmine or the Learning Resource Center 302 Science Center. Get feedback from an objective eye. Your instructor should NEVER be the first person to read your paper!!!

7. Final Draft: The deadline is now. It's time to hand in the paper. Keep a copy!

Good luck !
Readers write and writers read