Drafting Toolbox

Write Junk

Don’t worry about how bad it is. Don’t worry about correctness. Keep in mind that what you are writing now is only a first draft, which means you don't have to get it all right the first time.  Don't worry yet about the  mechanical issues of spelling, grammar, or punctuation. Stopping to fix these will interrupt the flow of your ideas and bog you down at this stage. 

Turn it off

To keep yourself from being distracted by the little things, turn off the computer screen or, more simply, turn off the spell and grammar check. Do not forget to turn them back on when you are done drafting.

Give yourself time

Do not wait until the last minute to start.  Leave yourself plenty of time to revise your work. If at all possible, set aside a solid block of time in a quiet place where you can work uninterrupted on your draft. However, do not wait for the perfect moment to start writing – it rarely comes. Writing is an act of will.

 Take Breaks

Take breaks when you get tired or if you are getting really frazzled. Put the paper aside for a while and do something else. Repetitive exercise, like walking, swimming or running, can help clear your mind so that fresh ideas will pop into your head.

 Try the Tried and True

This page on Colorado State's website contains various methods and strategies for developing your ideas in writing.  Not every method will be appropriate for every assignment, but perhaps one of them will give you some ideas for your paper.

Use the Talking Cure

If you get stuck, talk to someone about it. Often, in the process of explaining the problem, you will figure out a solution.

 When Writer’s Block is Not an Option

“Writing Tips: Strategies for Overcoming Writers’ Block” from the University of Illinois offers several suggestions for breaking through writer's block.

Freewrite 

If the thought of starting your draft makes you feel panicky or if you get stuck at any point in your draft, try freewriting.

 Researching

Often, it is not until the drafting stage that you realize the research you really need for your paper. Avoid the temptation to stop writing and go look up a fact or search for additional sources. This is an excellent way to procrastinate, but will make your drafting less efficient and often less effective. Simply make a note to yourself to do the research later and keep writing.