Writer's Block: Six Cures

Most writers face the moment when words either dry up or arrive in a flood that resists organization. Business writers face writer's block as often as any other writer. But in 25 years of technical and marketing writing, I've discovered six great cures for writer's block.

Cure 1: Stop writing and talk. Step away from the computer, pull out a chair and pretend your best customer is seated in front of you. Explain what you want to say. Write down what you've

just said; it will be sheer gold.

Cure 2: Start in the middle. The opening sentence is the hardest to write. Forget about it. Write the information that comes easiest. Often, the best opening sentence comes to you at the very end.

Cure 3: Make a list of four. List the four ideas you want to communicate (remember the four chunk limit!). Long after your customers finish reading your brochure, website, case study, white paper or newsletter, what do you absolutely want them to remember?

Cure 4: Stop writing and draw: a flow chart, table, line drawing, cartoon. It's easier to explain something as it unfolds before your eyes. And you may find that graphics, not words, best communicate your ideas.

Cure 5: Scale down to do-able. One paragraph or one page is easier to face than 10 paragraphs or 10 pages. Set yourself small writing tasks, and you'll slowly but surely accumulate the text you want. 

Cure 6: Keep going. Once the words start flowing, don't look back. You can edit, design and organize later. First, get the words down.

Bonus Cure: Stop writing when you're done. Nobody is buying your products or services because they're impressed with your vocabulary. Say your piece in clear, familiar language; then stop.

Still suffering writer's block? Send an email or phone TWP Marketing & Technical Communications. We're here to make sure your message reaches your customers in words that mean business.