When you don’t know what to write

By Dr Rachel Chin, Researcher Development Specialist (Writing and Communication)

Sometimes the hardest part of writing is getting started. When I began thinking about this blog post, I was struggling. I could sense a wave of stress swelling behind me, the way we often feel when there is a task on the horizon that we don’t yet have a clear plan for. Then I remembered: not knowing what to write is not a problem that is unique to me. It is a challenge that anyone who writes faces. And that brings me full circle, to this blog post that now has a subject and a purpose.

Not knowing what to write can feel overwhelming. But it is not unusual. It is normal to have ebbs and flows in writing productivity. Unfortunately, concepts like ‘writer’s block’ or visions of tortured artists suggest that we should feel panic or frustration when our writing isn’t going as smoothly as we want it to. They also imply that we don’t have agency over our writing – that we just have to wait for the feelings to pass.  The idea that not being ‘in the flow’ of writing is somehow ‘abnormal’ or contrary to good writing practice is unhelpful.

What is helpful is being able to recognise when we’re struggling and trying techniques that can (re)build momentum in our writing.  Crafting a toolkit of practical writing approaches recognises that writing is not a higher power that we have or don’t have. It is a practice that we build up and develop over time. Sometimes it feels easy. Sometimes it is as painful as a stubbed toe in the middle of the night. But always, it takes time and effort.

Next time you are looking to create a bit of momentum around your writing, why not try one of these techniques:

Free writing: Free writing is a way to get your ideas flowing and to reflect on your work informally. Before you start working on your thesis or article draft, spend ten minutes without any notes or data writing about your ideas and plans for your upcoming work session. Don’t think too much or take long pauses. The aim is to place your brain in a less pressured environment, where it can think about your research away from the formal structure of your academic writing. You can also use this technique at the end of a writing session. I often spend ten minutes at the end of a research or writing session noting down my thoughts about what I’ve written and what I’d like to do next time.

Change things up: Lots of us write exclusively at a computer. This can be great because it’s quick and easy to draft and edit texts. However, if you’re finding a blank Word document too overwhelming, you could benefit from switching your routine. Try planning, note-taking or drafting using a pencil and paper. The slower pace can give your brain a bit more breathing space and the physical act of writing can be reassuring and satisfying. If writing by hand isn’t for you, you could try talking instead of writing. Use voice notes or a Dictaphone or voice note (!) to talk through your writing. Don’t worry about being perfect, just talk through your ideas.

Reading: This is a favourite technique of mine when I’m feeling stuck. I frequently begin a writing session by reading a journal article or a book chapter. This gets my ideas flowing and eases me back into the topic that I’m working on. Sometimes it can feel quite jarring to open a piece of writing and immediately start typing away. Reading is a way to introduce yourself into the act of writing a little more gently.

Walking away: As writers, we need to recognise when to walk away from a piece of writing. Deciding when to persevere and when to step back can be a close call. However, if you find that your frustration over a piece of writing is becoming unproductive, that might be a sign that you need some distance. Creating breathing room and regaining momentum might be as simple as taking a walk, hanging a load of washing or watching an episode of Master Chef. Or it might be a question of switching task, putting that piece aside for the next day or the next session.

All of these suggestions address you and your writing as a team of two. It’s also worth remembering, however, that writing need not be (and often is not) a solo practice. Speaking about and sharing writing and writing challenges is also a way to energise our writing selves. This is why projects such as Thesis Mentoring, which pair people together to discuss their writing, have such a positive impact. Whether you have a formal programme or not, sometimes the best option is a coffee, a croissant and a chat with a colleague.

I am interested to know how you unstick yourself, and create momentum for writing. What tips would you share with others? Please let me know in the comments.