Writer’s block

Once you’ve got an idea of what you want to say, try to create a visual representation. You can draw a concept map to show how your ideas are related. You can do this on a piece of paper, or you could use online tools such as Mural. And this video explains how to get started with concept mapping (video by the University of Guelph  Library).

We are often more comfortable expressing ourselves verbally than through writing, so use this to your advantage. Talk your ideas out with a friend or family member. This can help you structure your ideas and provide new insights on the topic.

People very often have difficulty writing, because they can’t seem to translate the ideas in their head into the appropriate academic language. Try to ignore the language and pretend you’re writing to your friend. Once your thoughts are down on paper, you can always revise them in an academic format.

Take advantage of your body’s natural rhythms. Schedule your writing for peak periods. For example, if you work best in the morning, then make sure that your mornings are devoted to writing and nothing else. Once you have determined and set your schedule, maintain it consistently.

Accept that you will go through a series of revisions. Writing is a process: pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing. Accept that everything you write is not going to be, nor should it be, perfect. By focusing on your writing instead of the finished product, you can avoid getting caught up in the quest for perfection.

Use waiting time (e.g., walking to class, waiting in line) to think about what you have to do in this chapter and how you want to continue. You’ll be surprised how much this extra thinking time can help. And make sure to take (active) breaks during your writing sessions. This can also help you gather your thoughts, develop your ideas and see things in a new light.

Have a certain place to work on your thesis that is the most productive for you. Some students work better at the library than they do at home. Some students want a quiet room while others want television or music on while working. Try to figure out what works best for you, and dedicate a space to writing your thesis.

Don’t waste too much time on finding the perfect opening sentence for your thesis. Just start with the core of your writing: some background information and literature review, and then off to your own contributions. Once these thoughts are out there, it is much easier to write an introduction and conclusion that embody the main ideas of your piece.

There is nothing wrong with being inspired by a great paper or a very clear thesis. When someone out there has a good and structured setting, it is an ideal opportunity to learn from it and use it as a basis for your own writing. Good examples can transform your final product. 

Try not to correct yourself and reread too much while you are typing out your ideas. This will only slow you down. Emptying your head first helps to let the ideas flow in your writing. You’ll be proofreading anyway later on, so you’ll still have plenty of opportunities to correct and improve every sentence. However, having an entire part written will help you keep an eye on what really matters: the flow of the story, not a collection of perfectly written sentences.