First of all, don’t panic! Panic will make your mind go even blanker. Here are some tips for dealing with writer’s block, especially when you have a rapidly approaching deadline:

Tip #1: Stop what you are doing, get up from your desk and walk around. Breathe deeply. Staring at the screen will just make things worse. Drink a cup of hot tea. (Hot, not cold, is a more peaceful drink.)

Tip #2: DO NOT use the Word Count tool in your writing software. Checking the count over and over again can drive you crazy, interrupt your thinking, and keep you from staying focused on content. Word Count should be used only occasionally, once your draft is near completion. The more often you can write without worrying about the count, the sooner you will reach it.

Tip #3: Take a careful look at your calendar. Does “deadline approaching fast” mean your piece is due in 30 minutes, or three days? Make sure you have a realistic sense of how much time is still available, given the length of your assignment.

Tip #4: Be honest with yourself. Is your mind going blank because you don’t have enough material? If not, then stop, note down what you need, and find it from colleagues or the internet or the library.

Tip #5: If you are seriously concerned about meeting the deadline, contact your editor. Is there any flexibility? Be wise and do this a few days before the deadline, if you can spot the trouble coming.

Tip #6: Consider the structure of your piece. Do you have a good sense of its beginning, middle and end? If not, sketch an outline, if you haven’t already, and see which parts still need work. This will help avoid the confusion that can happen when your mind starts to go blank.

Tip #7: If you are stuck on one particular section, let it be for a while and work on another part. For example, if you have a good idea of the conclusion, write it out. There is absolutely no need to write in order of appearance! Plus, the letting go will also help relieve the tension and allow you to think more clearly.

Tip #8: Try some “free writing.” This is a process where you allow your fingers to fly freely for a certain period of time. Even five or ten minutes of writing without judgment can help you. This means that your “inner editor” must not be allowed to interfere. When you hear the little voice saying things like “This is stupid, and has nothing to do with the topic” tell it to pipe down and let you explore. This is not unlike stretching your arms way out and taking a deep breath.

Tip #9: Remind yourself of all the other writing you have done successfully, and all the other deadlines you have met. Boost your ego with praise. I keep an email folder called “Kudos”-these are messages from clients and friends pleased with my work. They are great to read if I’m feeling discouraged.

Tip #10: Once you have gotten through the blankness and out the other side, praise yourself for having succeeded, and note what helped in doing so. The next time your mind goes blank you’ll be better prepared for action.

Copyright (c) 2010 Jane Sherwin. You may reprint this entire article and you must include the copyright info and the following statement: “Jane Sherwin is a writer who helps hospitals and other healthcare facilities communicate their strengths and connect with their readers.”

Author Bio: Learn more about Jane at http://worddrivecommunications.com/index.htm. Subscribe to Jane’s free monthly e-newsletter at http://tinyurl.com/2enrdqx for practical tips on communicating effectively with customers, clients, employees and the public.

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