2010 July

Is It Writer’s Block? Or Over-Thinking?

“Don’t get it right, just get it written.” ~James Thurber, The New Yorker

Awhile back, a guest blogger proclaimed writer’s block a lie. And many of you weighed in for or against this notion. I’ve been thinking about this a lot, and I have another theory: often what we think is writer’s block is actually our brains over-thinking the project.

I don’t always agree 100% with my guest posters, and in this case, I respect Daryl, but I disagree with his idea that you should love every single project you tackle and if you don’t, that might be why you’re feeling blocked.

Look: if you write for a living, you’re probably going to have to do some projects that don’t excite your inner muse. Unless you’re independently wealthy (or incredibly lucky), there will be times you accept projects because you need the paycheck.

The fabulous Lori Widmer recently published a post about getting through projects she describes as spaghetti squash (they don’t taste good, but you need to do them anyway). I suggested that you think about the paycheck as dessert and let that motivate you. And I’m going to give you the same advice you’ll hear from some nutritionists: don’t settle for crappy dessert. Go for the good stuff. If you’re writing for the paycheck, then make sure it’s really worth your while and you won’t need to swallow so much spaghetti squash in the future because you’ll have that heavenly dessert to sustain you.

But back to my original point: over-thinking. Many times we have ideas and phrases floating around our heads, but our inner editor dismisses them. (I observed this in a writer friend recently, and I’m certainly guilty of it myself sometimes.) We spend two hours laboring over the first three sentences, staring at an empty computer screen, because we think none of our ideas are good enough. This isn’t writer’s block at all! This is us obsessing about finding the absolute perfect word when it would come if we let it.

Don’t over-think it. Let the words flow. Remember Anne Lamott’s theory about shitty first drafts (all good writers have them, she says, and they are necessary for the writer to move forward). If you don’t have a deadline looming and you need to step away from your keyboard and go outside or shift gears and work on another project, do it. If you’re up against a deadline, then it’s usually better to have a mediocre something than nothing at all. You can always polish, nip, and tuck later.

What do you think? Have you ever found yourself obsessing over a writing project? Or do you find that you’re still plagued by writer’s block?

Flickr photo courtesy of - reuben -

Filed Under: musings on writing

Open Thread: What Attracts You to a Blog?

By Susan Johnston 18 Comments

Is it a catchy title? Colorful graphics? Punchy prose? Students in my blogging basics class frequently ask this question, and I feel like the answer really depends on the person. Some people are drawn to pretty pictures, while for others, it’s all about the blogger’s personality or the focus of the blog.

For me personally, I’m inclined to click on a blog with a clever title, but it’s the strong writing that keeps me coming back for more. Once I see that it’s updated semi-frequently and has useful information, I’m already halfway through adding it to my Google Reader.

What about you?

Filed Under: open thread

Lessons from My Coaching Experiment

By Susan Johnston 3 Comments

A few weeks ago, I decided to hire a business coach to help me work out some communication issues with a client. It’s a long story, which you can read about here, but I didn’t end up hiring a coach, because I realized that the issues that prompted me to search for a coach weren’t so major after all and that my intuition had done a darn good job of dealing with them.

Much as I hate the idea of pumping other self-employed professionals for free advice (not that this was my intention – I did have a genuine interest in coaching), I learned a few things from my conservations with prospective coaches.

Don’t apologize for charging what you’re worth.
I know my hourly rate is at the low end of the copywriting spectrum, but somehow I still feel a little uncomfortable telling prospective clients my rates. The coaches I talked to did not flinch when quoting me rates that were several times what I charge. Admittedly, we do different work, but instead of thinking “how the heck am I supposed to afford $XXX/session? That’s absurd!,” I thought, “you go, girl! Way to value your time and the value you bring to the table!” At those rates, they can afford to give clients a little extra time in between sessions without nickel and diming them or having it come out of their own pockets. Seeing what other businesswomen charge for their services made me less self-conscious about my own rates.
Set clear expectations upfront.
Many of the issues I’ve run into with clients can be traced back to early conversations in which the scope was nebulous and the parameters were vague. Each copywriting client is different, so it’s tough to create a “one size fits all” model for working with clients. But while the coaches I talked to recognized the individual needs of each client, they were also very clear in structuring the relationship. They had a follow-up strategy, they expected a deposit before the first session, and they didn’t tip-toe around policies designed to protect themselves and prevent scope creep. Other freelancers (including myself) should take note!
Be honest to build trust.
Some freelancers have a hard time giving advice that creates cognitive dissonance with that client thinks they want. But it’s often in the client’s (and the freelancer’s) best interest to do so, even if it means less work for the freelancer. The second coach I talked to actually managed to convince me that maybe I didn’t need a coach. I was surprised at first, but I could tell that the coach wouldn’t feel comfortable charging me to solve a problem that she didn’t see as much of a problem. Plus, she usually works with women who need major shifts in their careers or lifestyle, so I didn’t really fit her ideal client profile. The fact that she had the confidence and integrity to tell me makes me think very I could trust her if I needed a coach in the future or if someone asked for recommendations.

Have you used a coach to boost your business? What were your experiences or impressions? I’d love to know!

Filed Under: business of freelancing

Guest Post: Write this Way to Emotional Health

By Susan Johnston 3 Comments

By Kelly Kinnard

Like any art, writing comes from the soul, and exposing it to the public eye leaves us vulnerable to judgment. We pour ourselves into our projects and pore over the words we’ve chosen. A hint of praise can launch us into flight – a bit of criticism can sink our self-assurance. Our confidence hinges upon the approval of others, prompting us to toss more of our thoughts into orbit or tuck them away on a bookshelf. This article examines the effects of both positive and negative feedback on our work and emotional health, and some tips on utilizing those effects in a healthy manner.

For most writers, a pat on the head is inspiration – a good knock to the skull is a setback. Our reactions to acceptance or rejection affect self-esteem, which can either heighten or lessen our emotional wellbeing. How we feel about ourselves, and our talents, correlates with the drive and capability to churn out our best work.

It’s fulfilling to follow dreams and pursue goals, which in turn, results in feelings of gratification and joy. These positive emotions release endorphins that boost our immune systems, fight stress, and emit a sense of euphoria. But getting slugged with the criticism stick can wound self-belief, leading to sadness and ego-deflation. These negative emotions amplify susceptibility to stress and illness, and detract from motivation and clear thinking.

Staying mentally fit and trudging forward regardless of public response is the key. No writer is commended for every manuscript created. When discouragement looms, alter your perspective and keep these pointers in mind:

Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and get back on the page. Only you know the true measure of your skill.
Turn criticism into a positive. Give consideration to comments and learn; let this be a tool to improve your abilities. Don’t get a chip on your shoulder. Remember, even the best have room for improvement.
Examine techniques of other writers, especially those you admire. What can you learn from them? What makes them unique? How can you incorporate individual flair into your style?
Consult the thesaurus; it’s a writer’s best friend.
Ask for honest feedback from fellow writers, editors and well-read literates whose opinions you value. Allow them freedom to express their views openly.
Join a writing group. Surround yourself with birds of a feather.
Attend events that cultivate the writer within you – poetry slams, book fairs, workshops and seminars.
Write in your mind throughout your daily activities. Focus your thoughts on your passion, instead of miscellaneous worries.
Gain exposure, even if it means taking low-paying writing gigs. Every clip adds to your resume and provides an opportunity to shine. No one starts at the top.

Tenacity is a requirement for this career, and the only way to excel is to plow through whether you feel enthused or disparaged. Regardless of applause or heckles, nurture your belief in your talent by continuing to write. With every published piece, your confidence and spirits will lift, propelling your efforts to the next level and improving your emotional health.

Kelly Kinnard is a content writer for Online Schools and Online MBA who gives advice on the pursuit of education and living a healthy life. In her free time she practices wellness based on mental, physical and spiritual health.