How to Write Powerfully Even When You Have Nothing to Say

Thomas Mann said,

"A writer is a person for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people."

Yesterday morning I faced a deadline. I had no idea what I'd write after I showered. So I did what most writers do when they're stuck—I picked up a book and picked the first thing that interested me.

If you're a planner who knows a year in advance what you'll write today, this post may not be for you. But if you struggle to choose a topic sometimes, this post is filled with hope you can summon every time the blinking cursor taunts you.

Random topics aren't as random as you think.

We're always thinking about something. We have a variety of experiences we can draw from. In my case, I chose a book I'm using for research as I pen newsletter articles.

When you choose something random, it's because it got your attention. Maybe it raises a question you want to answer. Maybe it's something that brought you joy and you think others might enjoy it, too. Or maybe you've discovered a new way to do something that might make other people's lives easier.

Surprises like these may not fit on content calendars. That's okay. Spontaneity inside a well-defined arena will give you wings to fly without veering off your chosen course.

My "random" topic was inspired by an event that happened to me the day before. The first passage my finger landed on made an immediate connection.

This happened because I took my experience and tied to an available idea. Do that regularly and your writing will resonate with readers.

Preparation happens when you're engaged in other activities.

It would be great if we had countless hours each day to research.

Jobs can interfere with that. So can family responsibilities, your social life, and your body's need for sleep.

All of life provides material for writing and storytelling. Pause long enough to notice. Amplify the memory you store in your brain's bank. Later, when you need to retrieve that nugget, it will present itself to you quickly and easily.

The best way to research is to test what you learn. Observation works, too. You don't have to live every life lesson yourself. When others fail or succeed, put on your study hat. The insights you gain will feed your writing more than any textbook alone can.

And here's a bonus: the lessons you learn with your eyes and hands are yours! Use them to write your own book, teach a class, or offer yourself as a coach.

The key to great writing is your ability to explain a topic.

When I was in Toastmasters, we battled stage fright with impromptu talks.

One member would take the lectern and ask someone a question they weren't expecting. We had an opening to use and it was up to us to fill the space behind it.

"Thank you, Madam Topicmaster, fellow Toastmasters, and distinguished guests..."

One tried and true strategy is the Point/Evidence/Point format. You choose one main idea, support it three ways, and summarize by restating your point. If you don't have a clue about the given topic, you can bridge to one you are familiar with. The point is the structure gives your words a path to follow.

You may not know what to say. However, knowing how you'll say anything can cut your fear in half.

Remember these three truths the next time the blinking cursor beckons. Draw from your experience. Follow a proven format. Commit those words to paper. The more you do this, the easier writing will become.

You might even learn to enjoy it.

We need your insight. Don't let writer's block hold you back any longer.