Arguably, the Best Way to Write When You Think You Can't

If you can't think of anything to write, you may have up to three problems - all of which can be overcome:

• Mindset: you may be unknowingly in the wrong frame of mind.
• You may temporarily lack self-confidence or self-belief.
• You may be thinking of your writing as just a collection of words (of course, that's true, but it's much more).

Here's a strategy that might help break the spell and overcome all of the above problems at the same time. Consider the following guidelines:

• When you just can't write, don't even try! Yes, you have read correctly. Instead try talking about the topic to be considered and record your thoughts - using a tape recorder, Dictaphone or PC headset / microphone. Why? The more you "talk" your thoughts, the more likely your brain is to start making "connections" that can open up though streams, questions, ideas and opportunities. As you continue, your writing problem may simply be forgotten. You can start to genuinely relax and therefore start your writing in earnest.
• Above all, keep in mind, who you're writing for so that you can truly consider the needs of your reader.
• In your mind, separate the look or presentation of your text or article from its content.
• Here's one tip that some writers use to get out of "stuck mode". Create a series of one-line sentences to use as headings of chapters, sections or paragraphs that can eventually be used  to form your document outline or structure.
• Also if required, add in meaningful, relevant and seductive subheadings that seek to challenge the reader. Why? These are especially useful signposts for those readers who prefer to scan-read a document to determine whether to read further.
• The act of creating headings and subheadings can stimulate your mind sufficiently that you're able to start "filling in the blanks".
• Concentrate on the content first and ignore the presentation of your document. Why? To allow your mind to focus on the really important message or what you want to say. PCs coupled with word processing, desktop publishing, web design software, and so on, allow for easy change of presentation style at any stage in the document production process. So you can think about your document "packaging" later.
• In most instances, resist the urge try writing the introduction to your document before you have written some of the main content. Why: attempting to introduce your piece until you have at least written some of the content and you know how your train of thought is working can be tricky. Instead, aim to get the main points listed as soon or as you formulate them. There's a well known story about the benefits and importance of "getting the big rocks in the jar first." I won't go into that here, but the quotation makes the key point sufficiently well.
• You could even start simply by listing a word, phrase or a sentence as an "opener" to your main point. When "stuck", you'll be amazed at the power of "just getting started" - without making excuses for yourself. Next, expand on this starting point stage by stage. A little flow can open up more flow (of thoughts, words and ideas) which can open the floodgates of your creative mind.
• Get interested in what you're writing about - really interested. Enthusiasm is its own driver.
• To help stimulate your creative juices, apply the following questions to your topic: who, what, why, where, when and how. The order in which you ask these questions doesn't matter: you can rearrange your text flow later.
• Look for ways to create excitement or tension about your document topic. Why? Emotion is like color for text.
• If you're "on a roll", don't let the concerns of  so-called "writing best practices", "correct order", "shoulds" and "should nots" interrupt your flow. Go with the flow first.
• Once you have some content, consider how to arrange your material for the best logical flow.
• While producing a first draft, don't be concerned about spelling errors or making minor mistakes - they can be fixed later - for now, just focus on the topic and your thought stream.
• If your think that your creativity is faltering, take a break. Stop concentrating and rest your mind for a few minutes. Relax - you're probably tensing up again. Shut your eyes; look out of the window to focus on a distant object; listen to some relaxing music. After 5 or 10 minutes, resolve to continue. Yet don't hold yourself to a rigid "must do" timetable.
• When you have created a first draft, finish for now, save your document and create a backup copy.
• Ideally, ignore your document for at least one day and then start work on your second draft. Cut out any unnecessary repetition. Check your grammar. Run a spell-check. Complete other basic checks.
• If still can't think of anything of sufficient quality to get started, forget quality (for now) - just start by writing anything about your topic that comes into your mind. Why: to exercise your mind and train it to focus in on the topic.
• If you still can't get started, don't panic, just write anything that comes into your mind. Why: to simply attempt to get started and feel the flow of writing. When you "get into your groove", you can return soon enough to the real writing topic you want to tackle.
• However, don't try to force yourself to write if you really don't want to - the results will almost certainly display your displeasure. Nevertheless, perseverance can bring its own rewards if that works for you. You may be the kind of person who needs to go through some kind of mind-tormenting ritual for a few minutes every day before you can start writing your best gifts. The secret is to simply know yourself to achieve a balance of these two powers - if you need to achieve a balance at all.
• If you really can't think of anything to write at the current time, you're probably trying too hard, are maybe just too tense, even expecting too much of yourself, or even worrying about not being able to write. You may have other urgencies dominating your thoughts or issues that are upsetting your natural state of mind. If you think any of these obstacles could apply you, consider practicing any of the following possible remedies:
• Relax and try to get your mind to concentrate only on the present moment. Don't try to fix or force anything, just be the independent observer of yourself. Notice the sound your breath makes. Enjoy quietness for its own sake.
• Do something entirely different for a while.
• Move away from your desk, workstation or PC.
• Take a walk in nature.
• Feed some birds in your garden or local park.
• Observe a young child - see how excited she can get at sights, sounds and scenes that many adults might find mundane. Children often see wonder that we adults miss.
• Throw a pebble into a quiet pond or lake and notice the way the light plays on rippling water.
• Talk to your pet (or someone else's animal companion).
• Once you've written your document's second draft, re-read each part of your material - several times across several different days. Each time you re-read, your mind will almost certainly "suggest" other thoughts and ideas to you, possibly identify areas that still require expansion or further explanation, developing and coloring what you already have.
• If your document is particularly important or crucial, when you're finished, ask a friend or colleague to read it and provide critical feedback. Why: additional errors may be identified and new ideas suggested.

Most of all, whatever the outcome, resolve to enjoy your writing experience - sometimes, that alone can break your writer's block to help ensure you get complete your publication satisfactorily.

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