Mastering the Art of Overcoming Writer's Block: A Journalist's Guide
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Chapter 1: The Reality of Writer’s Block
As a journalist, I found myself teetering on the edge of a breakdown. My editor expected a complete front-page story by 6 p.m., and the clock was ticking—5 p.m. had just arrived.
“I don’t care what you have by then, but you better turn something in,” she insisted.
In the fast-paced realm of journalism, writer’s block is simply not an option. We don’t wait for inspiration to strike; instead, we actively pursue it. By 6 p.m., I might not have delivered an award-winning piece, but I had produced something worthwhile. Writer's block was not going to defeat me.
Writers in the field don’t have the luxury of succumbing to creative droughts. The spark of creativity won’t come magically; we must cultivate it ourselves. Here’s how to train your mind to do just that.
Section 1.1: Embrace Imperfection in Your First Draft
Many inexperienced writers mistakenly think that every word must be perfect from the outset. Even as I compose these lines, I've already reworked the opening several times.
The best advice I can offer is to give yourself permission to write poorly initially and recognize that every effort is progress. I regained my momentum as a journalist by easing back into the process—outlining articles, revisiting old interviews, and producing some rather subpar first drafts.
Eventually, inspiration struck, and I was able to write 1,000 words by 5 p.m. for a front-page story. It was worth it.
Allow your first draft to be a mess. Nobody else will see it; think of it as a rough sketch. Once you’re finished, you can tidy things up.
Lee Gutkind, author of “You Can’t Make This Stuff Up: The Complete Guide to Writing Creative Nonfiction,” once explained what professional writers do daily.
“People often ask me, ‘What do writers do every day?’ I used to say, ‘We write!’ But now my answer is different: ‘We rewrite!’”
Your goal in the first draft is to keep moving forward. That’s how journalists combat writer’s block. The real artistry lies in the revisions that follow.
Section 1.2: Neil Strauss’s Method for Combatting Writer’s Block
Neil Strauss, a journalist for Rolling Stone and The New York Times, argues that writer’s block is a myth. He likens it to impotence—it's the self-imposed pressure that hinders our natural abilities.
His advice? Plan less.
Neil suggests removing critical thinking from the initial stages of writing. There is a time for evaluation, but it’s not during the creative process. Allow yourself to explore freely, without a specific destination in mind.
For me, it means writing the best I can and letting my editor handle the critique. It’s about not stressing over the need to please my editor or audience. That’s where the magic happens.
While this isn’t a foolproof formula, Neil asserts it works for everyone, including those who don’t consider themselves writers. The key is to silence your inner critic as much as possible.
Chapter 2: The Power of ‘TK’ in Writing
When you find yourself stuck, the term “TK” becomes invaluable.
It stands for “to come” and serves as a code for writers to bypass minor details that might interrupt their flow. If a particular piece of information eludes you, simply drop a “TK” and keep going. It’s a powerful tool in a writer’s arsenal.
Interestingly, when you type “TK” in a Medium article, it appears in bold yellow, reminding you to revisit that section later.
Why “TK” instead of “TC”? Tim Ferriss once explained that “tk” is a combination that rarely appears in the English language, making it easy to locate later in your document.
Section 2.1: Creating a Distraction-Free Writing Space
Confucius had an insightful take on our often absurd behaviors, like eating in bed or playing games at our desks.
While he may not have commented on writing, it’s important to create an environment conducive to creativity.
You don’t have to rigidly adhere to a particular writing routine, but having some ground rules can be beneficial. You also don’t need to confine yourself to a desk.
Michael Pollan has written several books in coffee shops, while Stephen King has famously created in less conventional settings.
Choose a space that feels right and strive to honor it; it can make a significant difference in your writing.
Final Thoughts
“Creative work is not a selfish act or a bid for attention on the part of the actor. It’s a gift to the world and every being in it. Don’t cheat us of your contribution. Give us what you’ve got.” — Steven Pressfield
Every writer must earn their greatness; it’s not simply given. You must wrest it from the clutches of writer’s block.
Don’t allow creative drought to prevent you from producing your masterpiece. I truly believe that every writer on Medium has something of value to offer. However, you need to navigate through the obstacles to reach it.
At the end of that arduous journey lies something so beautiful that you won't even recognize it as your own creation.
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