The deadliest enemy to writer's block is re-reading what I just wrote and analyzing it.
However, getting past the stream-of-consciousness stage is even harder than getting started. That's when I start realizing that other people are going to read what I write. No matter how I feel about it, a deadline is looming and I have to produce. Being disciplined is essential at this stage because only pressure can keep the pen or keyboard going. Even when I am not interested in writing about myself in a diary I can use stream of consciousness to compose the first draft of an essay. With stream of consciousness I can write without worrying about how it sounds, even to me. I can get into a mind state beyond any self-criticism. I can worry about technicalities later.
The technicalities are easier to deal with when the raw content is there. Writing without stream-of-consciousness is like trying to make gasoline without tapping an oil well. At some point I have to engage in the mundane process of tapping the well. Once I strike oil, then I can worry about refining the product.
With the basic grammar skills I have from grade school, I can revise a basic stream-of-consciousness piece into a coherent and decent piece of writing. I don't need to think about the Pulitzer Prize panel at this point, just the teacher. It sounds easier than it is, because this is probably the stage at which I have the greatest trouble. When I write something, my natural instinct is to walk away from it and do something else. I put a lot of energy into my stream of consciousness and don't want to have to revisit all the thoughts and feelings I had when I first wrote. Preferring to move onto another project, I tend to procrastinate at this point.
Procrastination is another sign of writer's block: a good friend and a better enemy. In spite of all...
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