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This article appeared in the Spring 1995 edition of Short Words, the newsletter of Tim Albert Training. It was written by Tim Albert.

Writer's block: five ways of avoiding it

Writer's block can be agonising. But all you need to get round it is five easy steps.

1. Make a drink:
To write well you must be creative and critical - though not at the same time. If writer's block looms, the critical side has taken control. Remove yourself from the source of conflict - take a cool drink, a hot bath, or a wet and windy walk.

2. Be kind to yourself:
Any piece of writing is judged on the final version, not on the first draft. You are not a failed human being if you do not get it right first time.

3. Go back to the beginning:
It is almost impossible to complete a task well if you do not really know what that task is. Jot down on a scrap of paper what you are trying to write - one idea, as precise as possible. Also jot down for whom you are writing - and why. You will probably find a basic fault, such as writing the wrong piece, or for more than one audience.

4. Have another think:
Brainstorm. With you revised piece clearly in mind, spend five minutes writing down all the questions that you now need to answer. From this, work out a new plan.

5. Write again:
Set aside about 20 minutes in a quiet place and, with your brief and plan to hand, start writing. Leave your detailed notes outside. Do not check details such as facts and spellings: you can do this later.

When you have finished this draft, put it on one side. When you come back to it you will certainly have to do some revision. But you will have completed the first draft - and will have unblocked the brain.

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