How to Overcome Writer's Block

Learn from a professional writing coach how to get past procrastination, distraction, and uncertainty and start writing!

Created byLaura Brown

Last updated 4/2014

English

What you'll learn

Understand what causes procrastination and writer's blok
Understand, appreciate, and develop your own ideal workstyle as a writer
Learn 18 practical exercises you can use any time to jumpstart your writing

Course content

4 sections • 21 lectures • 1h 16m total length

Welcome4:35
This introductory lecture provides an overview of writer's block and introduces your instructor. It also outlines the content of the course and what you'll learn in each section.
What Causes Writer's Block?6:23
Some Common Patterns3:17
In this lecture, we'll review some of the most common patterns of behavior in writer's block, and why people fall into them. Chances are you'll recognize yourself in some of these!
First Steps5:01
This lecture offers you your first two exercises in overcoming writer's block, exercises you can turn to again and again throughout your writing life.
Reward Yourself!3:52
This lecture offers you an exercise that can help you get focused when you begin to write.
An Unusual Approach4:21
Here's an exercise that can help you keep writing once you've started.

Dealing with Feelings4:02
Writer's block is often associated with some unpleasant feelings. Identifying those feelings and understanding where they come from can help you make progress. In this lecture, we'll discuss feelings and how to deal with them.
Finding the Right Reader3:37
In this lecture, you'll learn how to deal with anxiety about your reader.
"Them"!2:54
Here you'll learn a technique that will help you when you have to write for multiple readers or readers you don't know.
Working with Drafts2:53
How to avoid beating yourself up.
When Bad is Good5:57
More about how to avoid beating yourself up.

Your Space2:58
With this exercise, we'll begin to explore the ideal environment for you as a writer.
Can Noise Work for You?2:25
We'll continue exploring how your environment affects you as a writer, and how you can use it to your benefit.
Take It on the Road!2:01
Even more about how the right environment can help you write!
Working with Time2:09
In this lecture, we'll do an exercise that will help you learn more about yourself as a writer.
Making Deadlines Work for You2:11
This exercise can help you focus and get some writing done fast!

Warming Up2:28
Here's an exercise that can help you get started writing even if you REALLY don't feel like it.
Revisiting Goals3:38
Do you really know why you're writing? This exercise can help you answer that question.
Where to Start?2:23
Here's a tactical approach to writing that you probably haven't thought of....
Getting Organized2:29
In this lecture, we'll do an exercise to help you get organized to write.
It Should Be Easy, Right?6:49
In this concluding lecture, we'll review some key ideas and explore a bit more about what it takes to become a successful writer. Everything you need is already inside you--it's just a question of bringing it out!

Requirements

Access to a word processor or pencil and paper

Description

Almost everyone has experienced writer's block at one time or another. Whether you write at work, at school, in your personal life, or on creative projects--you're likely to have dealt with procrastination, distraction, and uncertainty at some time.

The good news is that you can overcome it!

This practical course will help you understand the reasons you're feeling blocked and offers you 18 tested and proven exercises to help you overcome the block and become a confident and productive writer. The exercises are designed to work for you whether you're writing at work, at school, in your personal life, or on a creative project.

The course consists of 21 short lectures that you can do in any order. It provides practical guidance and support for doing each exercise. You'll also receive a PDF download of the exercises that you can keep and refer to any time you need.

Who this course is for:

People who write at work
People who write at school
People who write in their personal lives
Creative writers

How to Overcome Writer's Block

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Your Habits6 lectures • 27min

Your Feelings5 lectures • 19min

Your Environment5 lectures • 12min

Your Writing Task5 lectures • 18min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: