avatarThe Professor of Medium

Summary

The Professor of Medium provides strategies to overcome writer's block by changing one's mindset, engaging in writing exercises, reading other writers' work, conversing with others, and taking walks.

Abstract

The article titled "Tell Writer’s Block to Fuck Right Off" on the undefined website offers practical advice from the Professor of Medium to combat writer's block. The author emphasizes the importance of shifting one's focus from the negative aspects of the creative process to more positive and productive activities. These include avoiding overthinking, sitting down to write without pressure, reading the work of peers for inspiration, engaging in meaningful conversations, and taking walks to clear the mind. The Professor suggests that these strategies can help writers overcome the fear of writer's block and return to enjoying the writing process.

Opinions

  • Writer's block is often perpetuated by negative thinking and can be mitigated by rebranding the experience with less intimidating terms like "Idea Delay" or "The Calm Before the Storm."
  • The act of sitting down to write, even without a clear idea, can be a catalyst for generating new concepts and overcoming creative stagnation.
  • Reading other writers' work on platforms like Medium can serve as a rich source of inspiration and lead to the development of new writing topics.
  • Conversations with friends and family can spark unexpected writing ideas, as demonstrated by the author's own experience with a story about a Costco employee's impressive savings.
  • Taking a walk and disengaging from the writing process temporarily can help clear the mind and potentially lead to breakthrough ideas, as exemplified by the author's humorous piece about Mormon missionaries.
  • The author asserts that writer's block is a surmountable obstacle and that inspiration can be found in everyday life, including the simple act of walking one's dog.

Tips From the Professor

Tell Writer’s Block to Fuck Right Off

Easy Ways to Avoid What Scares Writers the Most

Whether you’re young or old, writer’s block doesn’t have to be a problem. Follow these tips to kick it’s ass. Photo: Bing Image Creator

Good afternoon, my Students! The Professor of Medium is here and Writer’s Block is nothing to fear. Why do so many writers seem to talk about having Writer’s Block?

Because they’re focusing on the negative. Instead of thinking about positive things, such as how much they love writing and how wonderful it makes them feel, they’re feeling pressure. When an idea doesn’t automatically come easily, most of us tend to take a negative turn.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. I’ve come up with a number of solid strategies to minimize the effects of Writer’s Block. Let’s discuss the ways you can stop it from affecting you and your writing. You’ll be back to doing what you love in no time if you apply these strategies.

Stop Overthinking it in Your Head

Overthinking a negative situation often just makes it worse. Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash

For many writers, thinking too much gets you into trouble. When you focus on Writer’s Block and fixate on not having a great idea, it can slow the process down. It’s better to quit thinking about Writer’s Block entirely.

Stop using the term “Writer’s Block.” It’s negative and nothing good comes from focusing on negative things. If you must think about how difficult of a time you’re having, call it something different that’s less negative. Perhaps “Idea Delay” or “The Calm Before the Storm”.

By taking away the power of a negative feeling and minimizing it, you’ll find yourself in a better mood. You’ll be able to more effectively think of ideas, topics, or titles which can encourage your creative process and get you back to writing.

Sit Down and Start Typing Something

Sit down with a beverage, silence your distractions, and start typing. Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

This is one of the easiest things to do to get back to writing. Instead of sitting around with negative thoughts going through your head, assume the position. Sit down at your desk or comfortable chair, grab your laptop or phone, and log onto Medium.

For best results, don’t follow your usual routine. For me, that’s writing my title first, then my subtitle, followed by my kicker above the title. Then I usually search for an awesome picture that stands out or is clever. Forget about all of that.

Start in a different place than you usually do. If you have no idea about what to write, start typing the first words you can think of. It’s kind of a fun exercise to just start typing a sentence or even some random words. Something will grab your attention and lead to an actual idea for a blog.

Read Other Writers’ Work

Reading other Medium writers’ work can be inspiring. Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash

This has helped me tremendously when I’m at a loss for an idea to write about. When you feel yourself getting frustrated about not having a decent idea, focus on reading instead.

I’ve come up with so many ideas from reading other writers’ stuff here on Medium. And I don’t mean copying their exact story. Often, I’ll see a sentence or even a word that inspires an idea for me to write about. I’ve even found ideas from the pics they use in their writing.

You may find a writing piece that offers one point of view about a certain topic and decide to write a counterpoint to their opinion. Perhaps it may be a supportive follow-up type of article to their story or blog. There is no shortage of ideas you can find from reading Medium writing.

Have a Great Conversation With Someone

Talking to friends or family can inspire a great writing topic. Photo by Bewakoof.com Official on Unsplash

This is one of the most organic ways to think of a great idea to write about. Having a conversation with another person can suddenly inspire an idea to explore. I wrote a pretty popular piece not long ago because of talking with my Bride while we were driving.

She was telling me how she had recently found out that her best friend Marcie had almost a million dollars saved in her 401k from working at Costco for many years. I couldn’t believe that it was possible to become a millionaire working for a big-box retailer.

Once we arrived home, I immediately sat down and started writing about it. I was so amazed that she’d done this, I felt the need to write about her accomplishment. And that piece now has almost 35 hours of read time and earned me close to $120. I only need $999,880 more to go to catch Marcie.

Take a Walk and Stop Thinking

Going on a nice walk may inspire your next big writing piece. Photo by Toomas Tartes on Unsplash

When we fixate on a problem and overthink it, it usually gets worse. One way to avoid doing this with Writer’s Block is to get outside. Take a nice walk alone, with your family, or even with a pet. I know Libby appreciates it when I take her on a good “Buh-Bye” walk.

I took her on one recently and saw two Mormon missionaries walking in our neighborhood. It instantly spurred an idea of them knocking on our door and what it would be like if I invited them inside for a chat. I don’t think it would be very comfortable for them.

I turned it into a pretty hilarious, fictional writing piece. I loved writing it and it’s funnier each time I read it. You can check it out here if you’d like to:

Writer’s Block is bullshit. It doesn’t have to control your Writer’s Journey. You can put an end to it quickly if you follow some of these strategies and tips I just outlined.

Inspiration for your next great writing piece can come from all sorts of sources and places. It may even come from your dog needing to go outside to take a shit. Thanks, Libby-Mooch &:^)

© 2024 Jason Provencio. All rights reserved.

If you enjoyed this article, tips are always appreciated. Thank you for reading this one! &:^)
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