Well, E, some interesting thoughts about writers block and ideas for writing. I especially like the idea box, gonna take your advice on that one. I also like the outline thought, it helps keep you organized and can be of help when you get stranded in the middle of something. I will, however, take exception to your suggestion that people just push through writers block. That may work for some, but my experience is that I need the break so my brain can sort things out. I find that a break is especially helpful when trying to work through a pile of information (say a long interview) and come up with a good lead. What works for me is to read my notes several times, jot a note or two in the margin and then walk away and do something entirely different. Yes, I know it sounds like procrastination, but I really do feel that somewhere in the back of my mind, reviewing and sorting is going on because when I do sit down to write, more often than not it just pours out.

Years ago, I had pulled together the literature research for my dissertation. My schedule, at the time, was to work on my research and do some writing each Wednesday evening and Saturday morning. Well, my goal for Wednesday evening one week was to draft the literature review chapter. I sat there, typed away, threw paper away and became frustrated. At the end of the evening, I didn’t have a single word. I had terrible writers block. Family vacation started that weekend so off we went with our sons to visit family. Two weeks later, I was back at my typewriter on Wednesday evening, a little worried about whether I could get anything to come out. What happened was that I typed away and by the end of the evening I had a really great first draft. Turns out my mind needed to get itself organized and the break helped. I learned a powerful lesson as a result. Take in information, walk away and do something else, then sit down and the words will flow.