We’ve all been there: you’re sitting at your desk and have nothing to write. No fun anecdotes, no interesting wording, not even a sentence that would pass in sixth grade. Nothing. There’s a discussion post due, maybe even a full essay if you’re lucky. You sit at your keyboard and stare at the prompt until the words seem to dance off the page. You have something to say, of course, but is it even passable? Of course not.

In the end, you get it done (at least I hope so). It’s not your best work, but at least it’s there. It’s never fun to deal with writer’s block.

I have the unique opportunity of being both an IB student and the Opinions Editor. Now, don’t get me wrong, I appreciate both greatly, but it’s difficult to maintain writing productivity when each treats words like they’re worth their weight in gold. With each free response and article, it becomes a challenge to take a unique viewpoint and tone. I usually pride myself on originality and being niche, but recently, it’s felt like writer’s block (and a healthy case of Senioritis) have greatly impacted my work.

For example, I’m not really a procrastinator. I feel a decent amount of pressure to get work done ahead of time, so it’s rare that I wait until the last possible minute to get work done. Well…until recently. It’s become harder to get inspired with interesting ideas because I feel like I’ve started to run out of them. Each time I write on topics like power or symbolism, the words become less compelling and remind me that I had to force them on the paper. To be fair, I often choose these topics because they seem the easiest to argue and I’m genuinely interested in them. That’s often the position writer’s block strikes at.

Just look at a list of the opinion pieces I wanted to write before getting writer’s block: why we need to be more niche, why 504 plans are important and even an election night analysis. The last one is nearly inexcusable. I want to go into politics and am very invested in them; why was it difficult? Say it with me: writer’s block.

I even got it on this very article. It was sitting sadly in my Google Docs for about a week as two lines and a vague idea of a story. I considered making the article an advice column but it’s rather hypocritical to give suggestions when I myself struggle with writer’s block. How could I possibly give advice on something that plagues my writing? It just wouldn’t be right.

With that being said, the one thing I have found semi-helpful has been handwriting notes when I can. At first glance, it seems strange because handwritten notes can hurt productivity as you can’t easily copy them to another document. This is true, but handwritten notes allow for far more creativity. Typing notes all day gets frustrating and forces a single style on the way you learn. They’re a collection of mindless bullet points, rather than true notes. As I’ve been taught from IB and The Township Times, words have power. The more creatively you can express yourself, the more power you have.

To my opinion staff, I hope you never have to deal with writer’s block, but who am I kidding? We all do. It’s ok to have writer’s block, it’s ok to have to take your time, it’s ok to try and fail… as long as you try again. It may sound cliché, but you will find your voice eventually. Some articles will be the most inspired thing you’ve ever written while others may just be simply acceptable.

In conclusion, hold yourself to a high standard, but understand that it’s natural to have writer’s block. Even if you’re staring at the screen like a deer in headlights, inspiration will come. It may not be the best, but it will be there. You will find your voice.