Overcoming Writer's Block involves more than simply trying to figure out what to say—although that certainly can be a struggle for many of us. It also involves thinking about how we think and where we tend to get stuck, as well as figuring out ways to navigate our way through developing text. Writing, talking, and working with others (in person, over the phone, and/or online) can help clarify our purpose, thoughts about audience, main points, use of details, style, and tone.

A Word about What's Here: This page will take you to handouts, tip sheets, and other resources, both print and online. Consider consulting this page in the future, as we will be revising and adding to our collection.

Some Useful Handouts:

Writing Your Way through Writer's Block

Talking Your Way through Writer's Block

Writer's Block through the DIsciplines

Audience and Context

Five Excellent Resources on the Psychology of Writer's Block, Writing Anxiety, and Procrastination
This resource, assembled by Matt Siegler, formerly of the Writing Center at DePaul University, lists 5 excellent resources that cover such topics as the psychology of writer's block, writing anxiety, and procrastination. The resources provide extremely helpful tips, as well. Finally, Matt has provided a link to a popular and well-regarded article whose title we really did not make up!

Understanding Writing Assignments, from the Purdue OWL
This link will take you to the printable version of this handout, which, according to the website, "describes some steps you can take to better understand the requirements of your writing assignments."

Some Useful Web Resources:

Writing Essays for Exams, from the Purdue OWL

Blogging through Writer's Block: Forums for Dissertators and Thesis Writers
Offers support, advice, and a places to trade ideas, etc.

PhinisheD
"A discussion and support group for people trying to finish their dissertations or theses, and those who have been there."

Hack Your Way out of Writer's Block

Activites for Writing Groups from the Writing Center at the University of North Caroline, Chapel Hill
This site offers advice that can be extremely useful because it can be so very helpful to talk with other writers about your work, not only to share ideas and give feedback, but also to keep on track and even to vent!