Desire to Improve Your Writing Skills? Part 1: Prewriting and Writer’s Block
Don’t become mired in the minutia when answers are available
Are you on a search for answers? Is the path foggy? Are there answers everywhere but you don’t know where to look? Would access to a writer who publishes articles for writers that address your questions be a dream come true? There is a place to gather ideas, inspiration and strengthen skills without being mired in the minutia of words.
My name is Brenda Mahler. I am a writing teacher of 34 years and have published a book, Strategies for Teaching Writing: An ASCD Action Tool. Currently, I am revising the pages of the workbook and lessons into articles to help aspiring writers develop their craft. All articles are available through Medium publications.
Some may read this invitation as self-promotion, while others will recognize it as an opportunity to access a professional who doesn’t claim to know it all but who has sure experienced a lot.
Discover a process for writing
So now that the nerve endings of your attention antennae are alert, take a moment to understand my strategy of teaching writing and explore what is available. I am a process writer who believes in the power of following a procedure for writing and more importantly, I recognize the importance of finding your own process and then breaking the pattern as needed.
Writer’s block is a fallacy
Writing is difficult without an “I can do this!” attitude
“It is hard!”
“Yes, but it is essential”
“But it is so hard!”
“Yes, but it is rewarding.”
If we concede that writing is difficult but accept its value, then let’s examine how to alleviate the stress associated with writing. The articles below offer strategies to overcome the hurdles obstructing a writer’s path to publishing.
Thinking about how to start is a waste of time
Just do it! There does not exist a god-like figure who is watching over you and will send a bolt of lightning to spark ideas. I know this because I prayed to an imaginary deity to no avail. Until I took pen in hand and started writing, the ideas remained locked in my brain and the paper was blank. However, I will share some suggestions.
This collection of articles provides initiative and techniques to get thoughts on paper. It is the first in a series as forecasted in the title - Part 1. Think of them as gifts, short articles for success.
Part Two is Published! Come read.
