Whether you have a five-page essay due, or you're participating in NaNoWriMo this November at the JJC Library, you know that a blank screen with a blinking cursor can be intimidating. If you have a lot of work ahead of you and you're not sure where to start, the tips outlined in this blog can help you power through your writing slump. Good luck!

1. Set aside time specifically for writing.
With your deadline in mind, give yourself a good amount of time to get your work done. By making this a priority instead of procrastinating, you're more than likely to accomplish your goal.

2. Get your main ideas on paper first, then revise.
Writing is rarely perfect on the first go-around no matter what you do, so why put all that effort into your first draft? First write to get your ideas down without worrying about grammar or how your words sound. Then go back and polish your language. Save your last draft for a grammar and punctuation check. 

3. Be specific.
The more specific you are, the more likely your reader will understand the message you're trying to communicate. So bust out that dictionary or thesaurus for inspiration and really think about the words you choose.

4. Read.
According to this article from the Huffington Post, reading influences the way you write. From providing inspiration to widening your vocabulary, reading helps you naturally become better at writing. Still not convinced? Check out this article from LiteracyWorks.org.

5. Get a proofreader.
If you've been staring at your writing for too long, it all starts to look the same. It's possible you could be missing something, or there's a mistake right in front of you that you can't see. Ask a friend, fellow writer or tutor at JJC's Tutoring and Learning Center to be your proofreader.

The JJC Library
The JJC Library is participating in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) this year! NaNoWriMo is when writers across the country commit to writing a 50,000-word novel during the month of November. If you're a JJC student or local community member, you can stop by the JJC Library for a write in or special event. See below for more info.

Write a Novel in a Month: Preparing for NaNoWriMo
Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 - 6 to 7 p.m. (A-2003) 

2019 "Come Write In" Sessions, 7 to 10 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 6
Wednesday, Nov. 13
Wednesday, Nov. 20 (Writing Prompt Games begin at 6 p.m.)

Movie & Discussion: "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" (2018)
Friday, Nov. 15, 2019 - 1:30 to 4 p.m. (Library Event Area)

Success Booster: Simply Self-Publish
Monday, Nov. 25, 2019 - 6 to 7 p.m. (Library Event Area)

For more on the JJC Library or to learn about the resources it offers, click here.

The Library's typical hours for fall and spring semester are: 

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