LEO Topic Assignment: I'm overwhelmed and don't know where to begin working on my paper.

When writing is hard for you, how can you get started? Write about what you care about, and write to someone who cares. If you care about something, you can probably talk about it, if you can talk at all. The strong silent types might need a little extra help. But the rest just need to prime the pump, to get the words flowing and the wisdom pouring. Even if they manage their time and follow writing guidelines, many writers will still experience a time when the words just won't come together, when they are simply "stuck" and can't think of anything to write. This is writer's block. If you are struggling with a chronic writer’s block (a problem which is almost epidemic), then learn to write differently. Fortunately, a few helpful techniques make it possible to overcome the challenge of writer's block. So when you sit down to write what happens? Does your mind turn blank? Are you sure you have nothing to say? Ask yourself what your purpose is for writing about the subject. Ask yourself how you are going to achieve this purpose. Start the ideas flowing.

·         Experiment -- Try to write in different places, at different times, and with different writing instruments.

·         Free-write - Choose one sentence in a paragraph and write a paragraph about it. Then choose one sentence from that paragraph and do it again.

·         Cluster - Choose key words and ideas; then write associated ideas and words in clusters around them. This process often forms new ideas.

·         Be flexible -- Be willing to throw out sections of text that are causing problems or just don't work.

·         Follow a routine -- Follow a routine to get into the writing mood. Try activities like wearing comfortable clothing, using a certain pen, or listening to a particular CD or type of music.

·         Move -- Physically move around, stretch, or walk.

·         Take a break -- Get a snack or drink, talk to someone, or just relax for five minutes before starting to write again.

·         Concentrate -- Focus on a different section or aspect of your paper. This sometimes leads to new insights in problem areas, while allowing you to get work done on another section.

·         Re-read -- Read a print draft of the paper and jot down ideas while reading.

·         Relax! -- The more you worry, the harder it gets to think clearly.

Focus your energy by rehearsing the task in your head. Consciously stop the non-productive comments running through your head by replacing them with productive ones. If you have some "rituals" for writing success (chewing gum, listening to jazz etc.), use them. You may not be impressed with what comes out. But the sooner you get your wisdom out of your head and into your fingers or onto paper, the sooner you can make it better. No chances of improvement until you start.