Why is Writing So Hard?

You’ve got a paper to write. You know, the paper that needs to be organized, concise, and linear. That paper has a clever introduction, a thesis, paragraphs that support your main point, and an engaging conclusion. 

The problem is that even though your paper needs to be organized, this is not how we often think. More often, our minds wander, make associations, daydream, get curious, forget. Our thoughts scatter in a thousand directions. They’ll land somewhere, but not necessarily where we expect or want them to land.

Associate logic vs linear logic

Our thinking, particularly in the early stages of a writing assignment, is associative. The American Psychology Association defines associative thinking as “a relatively uncontrolled cognitive activity in which the mind wanders without specific direction among elements, based on their connections (associations) with one another, as occurs during reverie, daydreaming, and free association.” This is the stage when we are reflecting, making connections, and pondering concepts and big ideas.

But this doesn’t always feel useful when you want to write the paper. The paper needs to be linear: analytic, step-by-step, and logical.

So how do you get from associative thinking to linear thinking? 

1. Let the early stages of writing be messy.

Embrace your associative thinking and let the first stages of writing be messy. Forget about the finished product and embrace your ability to make creative associations. Get clear on the assignment, and have it in front of you. Then, do any, or all, of the following: make a mind map; do a brainstorm; do a free write (where you don’t stop writing for a specific amount of time); draw a picture; doodle your ideas. Just get the ideas on paper, in whatever form feels natural. Sing or dance them out if you want, or go for a walk with the essay topic in mind. Just get the ideas down; it doesn’t matter what they look like. Then step back, pause, review, and pull out important and useful ideas. Repeat the process if that feels helpful.

2. Forget your audience 

Sure, you’re writing this for a specific audience. But the audience is probably not privy to your creative process. So ignore your inner editor trying to correct each sentence. (Easier said than done I know.) Just write for you. The editing and correcting at this early stage will slow you down. Besides, you may delete a lot of what you’re writing in the later writing stages. 

3. Create deadlines for each stage of the writing process (and plan backwards!)

When is the paper due? You probably have that date on your calendar, but if you don’t, make sure to add it. What about a date for a rough draft, though? Create your own due date for that draft and put it on your calendar. Then, book an appointment with a writing center on your campus; this can help keep you accountable. Put that on your calendar. Do you work well with outlines? Put that on the calendar if so. Consider all the stages of writing and put each on your calendar, starting with brainstorming. If you’ve already got specific due dates for the class, add ones of your own.

4. If you’re stuck, or just hate writing, set a timer for 10 minutes and write. 

Just 10 minutes. Maybe you’ll be inspired to keep going, and maybe not. See what happens. If that’s your limit, build in lots of small blocks of time for writing.

5. Use time limits for each stage. 

We often think that a big block of time is going to be helpful, but it often evaporates all too soon. Do your work in 60-90 minute blocks of time, and take small breaks every 30 minutes. Do this even on weekends or when you have more time. Take breaks. This can help you stay focused.

6. Then get to work, one stage at a time. 

Writing in stages can help alleviate anxiety, writer’s block, and self-sabotage. If you’ve always despised writing or felt like you just don’t have the skills, try breaking it down into these steps. Embrace the messiness of the early stages, and give yourself time for each stage. It’s true; you do need to plan ahead, so as soon as you get an assignment, reflect on these steps and map them out. 

I know, I know. You like to write it all at once. You hate outlining. You hate brainstorming. 

This is the case for many people. But how does the process feel when you do it all at once? How many hours of sleep will you get (or not get)? Is the finished product your best work? (If yes, that’s awesome and you probably don’t need this article!) But if your process doesn’t usually feel great, creates anxiety, and doesn’t feel sustainable, give these steps a try. 

You can do this. Give in to the messiness, enjoy your associative thinking, and move slowly through the process to the (linear) finish line.