Do you often get writer’s block? Picture this:
You’re ready to get some writing done. It could be an important email, article, or the abstract for your thesis.
So, with a steaming mug of coffee in your hands, you sit down in front of the computer and you’re ready to start. You open up a Word document, your fingers are braced over the keyboard and then… nothing.
Your mind is as blank as the screen on your computer. You don’t know how to start or what to write.
Your coffee is now cold and you have nothing to show for it.
That’s what you call writer’s block.
Does that sound familiar?
You may understand how frustrating it can be to have the intention to write, but somehow, nothing comes out.
Now don’t worry if this happens to you. You’re not alone. In fact, a lot of writers go through this mental block — even when writing in their own language.
And writing in your second language is a totally different challenge.
As I was doing research for a writing course that we’re creating, I found a lot of tips to overcome writer’s block specifically for people who are already fluent in English. But I couldn’t find a lot of articles on this topic for people like you — a person using English as a second language.
So in our Facebook Live session this week, I shared a few tips to overcome writer’s block as a second language learner. I also shared a bonus tip on what not to do when you’re writing in your second language.
You can watch the replay here:
You can also listen to this session on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts.
Here are the tips to overcome writer’s block:
- Be clear of why you’re writing and who you’re writing to.
- Begin with an outline of your points.
- Forget about being perfect! Writing involves multiple drafts.
- Listen to English-speaking content to get into the habit of thinking in English.
- Review other similar pieces for ideas (but do not plagiarise).
- Use templates for writing reports, formal letters, etc.
- Bonus Writing Tip: Avoid translating from your native language (unless you really have to)!
Make sure you share this post with your friends and family. They may thank you for it!
