Last updated on December 12th, 2024 at 11:34 am
Writer’s block creates a temporary writing paralysis and is a common phenomena that happens to the best of us at sometime or the other.
This article aims to provide time-tested techniques on how to overcome writer’s block in academic writing.
Contents
What is writer’s block in Academic Writing?
Writer’s block is a common challenge that many academic students and other writers face at some time or the other during their careers. This is more evident when it comes to writing and composing complex master’s theses or PhD dissertations,
It imbibes a lack of focus, and loss of confidence in students’ abilities, and manifests a lack of creativity, and productivity. This snowballs into frustration and anxiety, eventually resulting in procrastination.
The good news is that you can overcome writer’s block in academic writing!
Research On Writer’s block?
In his book, ‘How to Write a Lot: A Practical Guide to Productive Academic Writing’ Professor [Paul J. Silvia, 2007] while referring to writer’s block, told the American Psychology Association that “naming something gives it power, on the contrary, sit down and prove it wrong”.
Some researchers have suggested that it is a myth, while others said it was an individual disciplinary problem and not a universal phenomenon.
Several other psychologists believe that something like writer’s block does not exist!
Research also suggests that writers who write regularly are less likely to experience writer’s block than those who write occasionally.
Regardless of these interpretations, research statistics reveal another story:
Nearly 24% of all writers have succumbed to writer’s block at some time or the other in their careers, and 70% of students occasionally face it. Moreover, 55-64% of US PhD students do not finish their dissertations even a decade later.
How long does writer’s block last?
In most cases, writer’s block is a temporary phase and gradually fades away. If you are fortunate, it may last for a few hours. However, a few research studies have concluded that in some, it can extend to days or weeks, and in worst-case scenarios, it can extend to months or years.
Many writers try to overcome writer’s block in research papers by continuing to write and hoping it will disappear on its own. I believe in not pushing it. It will only cause more distress,
Imagine driving at high speed, disregarding the various warning signs about hazardous obstructions up ahead, sooner or later, the outcome will end in disaster.
Besides, just writing for the sake of it, will lack substance and creativity and result in poor content quality.
What causes writer’s block?
It is difficult to pinpoint one specific reason as the chief cause of writer’s block, but after extensive and observations, here are a few root causes in ascending order that are common causes:
- Generally, a fear of criticism or failure can be the biggest factor. Most students are intimidated by the thought of writing a research paper and its subsequent disapproval from their peers, family, and friends. The thought “What if I don’t live up to their expectations,”? etc. is constantly swirling in their minds.
- Many students set formidable objectives and aim for unrealistic perfectionism only to be disillusioned later that they may not be achieved, without understanding that this is a learning process, and perfection comes with time.
- Many believe that they have inadequate resources at their disposal for the task at hand, leading to a complete lack of interest in the subject when all that is required is to consult their supervisors/mentors or conduct additional research on the subject.
- When procrastination has led to reduced time, extreme stress sets in and students panic that they may never complete their research paper or thesis on time. Whereas most universities and supervisors are reasonable and grant extensions after a heart-to-heart chat.
- Often there are too many distractions and more interesting activities that draw your attention and become more pronounced when writing on a difficult section or topic.
How to overcome writer’s block in Academic Writing?
1. The fundamental step is ‘DON’T PANIC’. Frightened minds become more dysfunctional. This will create more chaos, and confusion, and significantly aggravate the situation.
2. Relax! Take a break, go for a walk, go to the gym, take a swim, or listen to your favorite music. Essentially, the idea is to just ‘Chill’!
3. Whenever, you are rejuvenated, calmly, make notes of issues that you think are responsible for the situation you are in.
4. Try and find an angle that reignites that spark and passion, you once had.
5. Remind yourself that this is a learning process, and you will keep improving with time.
6. Reset your goals if you have set unachievable targets and be more practical.
7. Consult your peers or supervisors or do some additional research. [Words of encouragement and praise and valuable advice always help.]
8. Practice self-care, exercise regularly,
9. Create a conducive environment, de-clutter your room and worktable, add fresh flowers bright paintings, or motivational quotes [these can be very helpful, each time you glance at them, you will be reminded of the task at hand, and inspire you to give it your best shot!]
10. Plan your writing tasks into manageable pieces, interspersed with regular intervals.
11. Trying to write a perfect research paper at the first attempt, will once again cause writing paralysis. Instead, make drafts and don’t concentrate on grammar and spelling at this stage. Just write.
Tip: There will be times when you hit a purple patch when words and creativity flow in abundance. Make the most of these periods, maybe extend them if you are in the mood!
Alternative strategies to overcome writer’s block in research papers
1. Try using the Pomodoro technique that is primarily a time management technique developed by Francisco Cirilo in the 1980s when he was a university student. Francisco observed that he was most productive during 25-minute breaks. Consequently, he employed a tomato-shaped kitchen timer that resembled a pomodoro or tomato in Italian, that would ring every 25 minutes.
The entire strategy to overcome writer’s block in research papers involves:
a] Identifying the precise task at hand.
b] Setting the timer to ring after 25 minutes.
c] Start writing.
d] Taking a 5–10-minute break when the timer rings,
e] If the task is unfinished, repeat the process till it is completed.
Try Meditation to overcome writer’s block
Meditation is easy, and can make a huge difference!
a] Sit comfortably, gently close your eyes, inhale deeply, hold your breath for 5 seconds, and exhale slowly for 10 seconds.
b] Repeat these steps 10-15 times while concentrating on your breathing and think of nothing else!
Trust me, an oxygenated mind can do wonders! It will not only calm you but make you more productive. I know of several students who have overcome writer’s block in research papers using this technique.
Use Voice Typing
Both Microsoft Word and Google Docs offer this useful feature. Sometimes it is easier to dictate what you intend to write when you cannot find the right words to express yourself. This approach has helped many to overcome writer’s block in research papers.
You can always go back and insert the appropriate words if you find that the dictated words are not exactly what you intended to write. Several YouTube videos offer useful tips to overcome writer’s block in research papers.
Additional tips to overcome writer’s block in research papers.
- Establish a writing habit. This will increase your confidence and productivity.
- Set a fixed time and place for writing every day.
- Try reading a book or poetry for 10 minutes before you begin writing. This will get you in the groove or the right frame of mind.
- Seek feedback about your writing from knowledgeable, credible, and respectful sources. Evaluate the feedback calmly, if you are on the right track, it will boost your confidence, or else, make suitable modifications.
FAQ’S
What causes writer’s block?
Most writers experience it at some point or the other in their careers. The primary factors frequently identified as contributing to writer’s block are a dearth of inspiration, illness, melancholy, financial constraints, and a perception of inadequacy.
What is an example of a writer’s block?
Have you ever tried to write anything but couldn’t bring yourself to begin because struggled to put pen to paper? You have company. From journalists to novelists, every writer experiences writer’s block at some point.
Is writers block a disease?
Although writer’s block cannot be diagnosed as a disease or mental illness, it can be linked to symptoms of common disorders like anxiety. Seeking treatment from a therapist might be a beneficial approach to manage the symptoms of writer’s block and resume your writing.
Conclusion
Writer’s block can have devastating effects on a student’s career. I have seen students shattered whenever hit by writer’s block. Some students go to the extent of changing course midway through a term and in extreme cases, completely dropping out, only to repent later after realizing that overcoming writer’s block in research papers is not that diificult for it a temporary phase.
Realize that academic writing is a mentally challenging activity. You must pay special attention to your health. Ensure that you get your daily dose of exercise, nutrition, and adequate sleep.
Don’t lose sight of the ‘REAL THING’ – the all-important degree that will shape their future.
Remember, intention setting is a powerful tool. Keep this thought constantly wheeling in your mind. It will reset and rejuvenate you once again. It’s equally important to understand that writer’s block can be overcome. It is no ‘Big Deal’.
Think of the positives and make writing a pleasurable experience. Have FUN!
“Believe in yourself and you can achieve anything”!
9. References
How to Write a Lot: A Practical Guide to Productive Academic Writing by Paul J. Silvia Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, 2007. 149 pp. ISBN 978-1-59147-743-3.
Wang, X., Gobbo, F., & Lane, M. (2010). Turning time from an enemy into an ally using the Pomodoro technique. In Agility Across Time and Space: Implementing Agile Methods in Global Software Projects (pp. 149-166). Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg.
My journey in academia began as a dedicated researcher, specializing in the fascinating world of biochemistry. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring Master’s and PhD students, collaborating on research papers that pushed the boundaries of knowledge.
Now, post-retirement, I’ve embarked on a new chapter, sharing my academic expertise through freelance work on platforms like YouTube and Upwork. Here, I investigate the finer points of scholarly research, guiding aspiring writers through the intricacies of formatting, composing compelling narratives, and navigating the publication process.
