For me, it's usually the effort of getting started. Much of my work
involves drafting assigned chapters within a larger text. The topics
are generally things I'm familiar with, yet every empty chapter faces
me like another inert block of granite.
My solution is to size things up with a list of notes, then start chipping away at the easiest parts. Specifically, I brainstorm a rough outline of everything I think should be included. Next, it's time to put those notes in some sort of logical order, whatever makes the most sense. Typically some points suggest headings and subheadings; others indicate numbered or bulleted lists; and others become topics for paragraphs.
Then I start writing whatever section seems easiest at the moment. Sometimes that's the chapter opening; at other times I leave the opening to the end, when I've written everything else and actually know what all is included. During the writing, if a section begins to bog down, it's time to either subdivide it into smaller topics or tackle a different part altogether - to avoid growing discouraged.
As more and more of the chapter takes shape, I always gain confidence, which makes finishing the rest that much easier. Finally, it's time to stand back and take a look at the whole, fill in or trim or polish where needed, and move on to the next project.
This approach suits a temperament that is by nature more meticulous than fast. If you're more fast than meticulous, I'd love to hear how you approach writing projects. Or if you face a different challenge, why not comment below? Just describing your problem to someone else can help, and someone on our staff may have exactly the advice you need. We're here to be of assistance.
- Lester Smith
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