A Clinical Psychologist Who Specializes in Writer's Block

I want to make sure my clients and readers have the best support, advice and strategies for writing. Therefore, it's not enough to draw on my own experiences and those of the individuals I have counseled.

I must reach beyond. This week I am reading How to Finish Your Dissertation in Fifteen Minutes a Day  by Joan Bolker, ED.D.

She is actually trained to help folks with writing issues. How cool! I'll be sharing a few things I'm getting from her book in the coming days.

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Everyone has her own writing style!

I love that she does not say greater writers all do "thus and such." She says you can write in toothpaste in the closet if that works-- only if that works.

Write Consistently

The main piece of standard advice, though, is that all writers are working daily. Yes, that means even this holiday weekend.

Bolker has found that it is better to work a little everyday than trying to do writing binges. Or, trying to write after a full day of work.

Writing Reward Versus Writing Punishment

Many times writers beat themselves up for not meeting goals. She has found after working with thousands of folks that rewards work better than punishment.

For years, I have been setting up writing rewards!

It works really well for me. This fall, I wouldn't let myself buy a high-end blender (smoothie/soup/hummus maker) until I submitted my article. It meant waiting two extra months. It arrived last night!  I'm now searching for anything I can liquefy... (a potential writing distraction..ha ha)

More rewards...

To motivate me for the next sweep of work, I've picked another reward...It's big enough to motivate me. Why not give it a try? Think of a goal in your writing, pick a reward and then don't give it to yourself until you achieve it. (Warning: avoid regular food goals-- it's too easy to gain weight while writing)

Bonne Chance....