Unlocking Creativity: Overcoming Writer's Block to Publish on Medium
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Chapter 1: Understanding Writer's Block
For two long years, I grappled with writer's block, preventing me from sharing my stories on Medium. In this piece, I'll outline the strategies I employed to finally publish my first article in just one day.
Examining My Writer's Block
There's a well-known piece of business wisdom: "When numerous people suggest turning your passion into a career, it might be time to take heed." Though I'm not a professional writer, I often share my expertise through various professional writings. Over time, I've received encouragement from around a hundred individuals urging me to write more extensively. This spurred me to take the plunge and start a writing venture on Medium.
I initially aimed to begin my publishing journey in the spring of 2022, yet by spring 2024, I had published nothing. My role in Growth and Marketing involves crafting numerous playbooks, analyses, and strategic plans. I also dedicate time each morning to journaling, using it to reflect on my life and extract actionable insights. However, I found myself hindered from producing personal stories that encapsulated my thoughts and experiences beyond a professional framework.
Identifying the Core Issue
Recognizing that my comfort with professional writing was part of the challenge, I decided to tackle my writer's block by treating it as a professional problem. In my work, I often strive for breakthrough results by first gaining a clearer understanding of the issue. A well-defined problem statement can often lead to half the solution.
I experimented with three different problem statement structures to see if they might yield actionable insights regarding my block.
Problem Statement Structures Applied to Writer's Block
- Situation-Complication-Resolution (SCR) Structure:
- Situation: Describe the current state. (What is happening now?)
- Complication: Identify specific challenges within this context. (What problems are present?)
- Resolution: Define what needs to be achieved. (What solutions do I seek?)
Business Example:
- Situation: "Product X's retention rate is improving on the web."
- Complication: "However, it is declining on the mobile app, especially on iOS."
- Resolution: "We need an app-specific strategy for the iOS audience."
Writing Example:
- Situation: "I have successfully shared my thoughts in a professional context for years."
- Complication: "However, I struggle to write and publish outside that context."
- Resolution: "I need a writing method that integrates my professional skills with personally engaging topics."
Conclusion: This structure proved most effective for addressing my writer's block.
- The 5 Why Structure:
- What: Define the issue.
- Why: Explain its significance.
- Who: Identify those affected.
- Where: Specify the location of the problem.
- When: Indicate when it occurs.
Business Example:
- What: "Product X's retention rate is declining."
- Why: "This product significantly contributes to our revenue."
- Who: "Mobile app customers are primarily affected."
- Where: "This issue is seen in Tier 1 markets."
- When: "It has worsened over the last year."
Writing Example:
- What: "I have not published any stories on Medium."
- Why: "This is critical, as Medium could help monetize my casual writing."
- Who: "This affects only me."
- Where: "This is relevant anywhere."
- When: "The problem has persisted for two years."
Conclusion: While this structure helped pinpoint the issue, it didn't lead to potential solutions.
- The PAPA Structure (Problem, Analysis, Proof, Answer):
- Problem: State the issue clearly.
- Analysis: Investigate causes or implications.
- Proof: Present supporting evidence.
- Answer: Suggest a solution.
Business Example:
- Problem: "Product X's retention rate is low on the mobile app."
- Analysis: "This impacts our LTV and ROI due to rising acquisition costs."
- Proof: "The two-month retention rate has dipped below 26%."
- Answer: "We need to analyze user journeys to develop a specific testing strategy."
Writing Example:
- Problem: "I abandon drafts of personal stories on Medium."
- Analysis: "This has led to zero publications due to discomfort with non-professional content."
- Proof: "Currently, I have published 0 posts."
- Answer: "I should write a story that bridges personal and professional themes."
Conclusion: This structure is useful, but requires careful consideration to be effective.
Applying Professional Strategies to Personal Challenges
Initially, using a professional tactic (formulating problem statements) to address my personal writer's block sparked the momentum needed to draft my first story for Medium. I hope sharing this approach will assist others facing similar challenges. Remember, practical application is key, so I encourage you to try this exercise for yourself.
I will continue to reflect on the obstacles I encounter as I take my writing more seriously and share what strategies are effective.
Chapter 2: Practical Insights for Aspiring Writers
In this video, titled "This Is How You Break Through Writer's Block," you will find practical tips and techniques to help you overcome creative hurdles.
Watch "Writer's Block and a Trick to Overcome It" to discover unique strategies that can help you get back into the writing flow.