STEP OUT OF WRITER'S BLOCK NOW!

Step #1 - Clustering

a. Write your subject on a piece of paper. Now, write down the very next thing you think of.

b. Now, write down what you thought of as you wrote the second word.

c. Follow this process until you have exhausted your brain!

What you are doing is playing the old "psychology game". You may remember this from your Psychology class from high school or college. One person says a word and the second person responds immediately with the very next word that comes to mind.

If you think of more than one word, write all of them down. Write down EVERYTHING, no matter how silly it may seem. After you have completed the ENTIRE process, you will see how those seemingly "silly responses" were crucial to your creativity.

Step #2 - Free Writing

Now you will write about those words generated in your clustering from Step 1. While doing that process, you probably already have an idea what you want to write about. When you write, don't think about grammar, paragraphs or organization. Just get everything out of your brain and ON TO PAPER! (or your computer screen).

It's very IMPORTANT with this second step that you do not be concerned with grammar, paragraphs or organization. That is where the 3rd step will come it. And it's o.k. if you don't use all the words you generated with your clustering.

EXPECT THIS ROUGH DRAFT TO BE TERRIBLE!

Step #3 - Revise, Revise, Revise!!!

When you are ready for this process, take a deep breath, calm yourself and say "don't worry, be happy!" This step will be the most time-consuming, Here you will correct your grammar, organize your paragraphs in a logical order, and delete or modify words for clarity. Use active verbs to improve the strength of your writing. Think about your intended audience and write for their understanding.

After your first revision, wait a few days. Then go back and read it from a fresh perspective. You will be surprised how quickly you will see where you need to revise.

The RULE here is "the more you can revise, the better your paper or story will become."

Remember: Writing is a LEARNED behavior. Writers get better only when they PRACTICE!