top of page
Search

Overcoming Writer's Block: Strategies for Starting Your College Essay


Alright, my fellow wordsmiths and essay enthusiasts, let's dive headfirst into the treacherous waters of writer's block. We've all been there, staring at a blank screen, feeling the weight of those college essay prompts crushing our creative spirits. But fear not, friend! In this blog post, we're serving up a platter of strategies to kickstart your college essay and conquer that dreaded writer's block. So, buckle up and get ready to unleash your inner essay-writing beast!

  1. Break the Rules and Write Backwards: Who says you have to start at the beginning? Sometimes, the best way to overcome writer's block is to flip the script and write your essay in reverse. Start with the conclusion or a key point that you're excited about, and then work your way back to the beginning. By tackling the essay from a different angle, you'll free up your creativity and break free from the confines of a linear structure. Plus, it's a fun and rebellious way to stick it to writer's block and show it who's boss! So, grab your metaphorical pen and start defying the rules, one backward sentence at a time.

  2. Start with a Bang: Forget about writing a perfectly polished introduction right off the bat. Instead, dive straight into the heart of your essay. Start with a captivating anecdote, a powerful quote, or a thought-provoking question that grabs your reader's attention. Leave the formalities for later. Show off your personality and let your creativity shine from the get-go!

  3. Embrace the Mess: Let go of your inner perfectionist. Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. Accept that your first draft will likely be messy, scattered, and filled with incoherent ramblings. And that's okay! Give yourself permission to explore different ideas, experiment with structure, and let the words flow freely. You can always refine and polish later, but for now, let the mess be your playground.

  4. Write Like You're Chatting with a Friend: No need to pull out the thesaurus and impress your readers with complicated vocabulary. Instead, imagine you're having a casual conversation with a friend over a cup of coffee (or bubble tea, if that's your thing). Write in your own voice, using words and phrases that feel natural to you. Remember, authenticity is the secret sauce that will make your essay shine!

  5. Take a Break and Get Some Fresh Air: Sometimes, your brain just needs a breather. Step away from your computer, go for a walk, or engage in some good old-fashioned people-watching. Let your mind wander and recharge. You'll be surprised how a change of scenery can spark new ideas and invigorate your writing mojo. Plus, a little Vitamin D never hurt anyone!

  6. Seek Inspiration Everywhere: Inspiration is lurking in the most unexpected places. Explore books, articles, movies, music, or even conversations with quirky strangers. Look for unique perspectives, fascinating stories, or interesting tidbits that resonate with your own experiences. Remember, the world is your oyster, and it's brimming with inspiration waiting to be harvested!

So there you have it, my brave essay warrior. Remember, writing is a journey of self-discovery, so don't be afraid to get messy, embrace your unique voice, and seek inspiration from the world around you. Now, go forth and unleash your writing prowess. Show those college admissions officers what you're made of, and rock that essay like the fierce and fabulous writer you are!


12 views0 comments
bottom of page