One of the biggest blocks that hits me before being able to write is inertia. Just the fact that I have so many different ideas and avenues for potential articles, but something exists that stops me from actually putting pen to paper. There are a number of tips and tactics that I would recommend for those that are looking to be more productive and actually getting results with their writing.
Use the Pomodoro Technique
I have a 150-page paper under my belt, having defended it in 2013 to receive my graduate degree. What many readers do not know Is that the whole process took about five years from the time that I began to work on the paper until I was able and schedule the dissertation defense. Much of the time that I spent here was sitting with my feet up, not writing a single word. There was a point at which my wife told me that if I would go and spend about an hour worth of writing at my computer a night, that I would start to see some reward. That is precisely what I did, and while the results at the beginning were rudimentary, I was eventually able to go forth and put some serious work into my dissertation.
Put everything to paper
Brainstorm is a vital component of the writing process. While there is some benefit to going and putting finished thoughts and structures to paper, the simple fact is that polishing an idea too much locks you into looking at a problem a specific way. By going and putting everything to paper, no matter how rough the idea may be, you will be able to go forth and transform some of these ideas into workable ideas and thoughts further down the line. Think about the old adage, two steps forward, one step back. If you take a proactive approach to including all thoughts, no matter how rough-hewn they may be, you will be at a point far beyond where you once were. Heck, even utilizing a freelance essay writer may be a good way to get information that you can then build off of with your own writing.
Look at other disciplines
Some of humankind’s best contributions to science and thought have been riffs on existing ideas. By going forth and seeing what other individuals have written about topics, you may have a pang of inspiration for your own project. While I wrote in the political science tradition, much of what I included in my longer dissertation was focused in the sociological and psychological traditions.
Take these three ideas into consideration and let me know how your writing process has improved over time.