How to Write with Zero Motivation

Sometimes I’ll ask a friend why they’ve halted on their creative fiction piece, or why they put off their paper to the last minute, and they’ll tell me they have writer’s block. I can relate to them; I used to get writer’s block too. I would tell myself I was going to write, and then just stare at the screen for awhile before surfing the net instead. Of course, this was before I started interning at The Free Lance Star. As a journalist, every story I’m assigned has a very real and present deadline. I can’t wait for creativity to strike or for my muse to enlighten me- I have to start working right now. And so far, I’ve written more than 50 stories and never missed a deadline. Here’s some of the ways I do it:

Why I Like Phone Interviews

Photo of Carole Lombard from Flickr user myvintagevogue

Every journalism teacher I’ve ever had has taught me that whenever possible, I should go in person to conduct an interview. But I’ve come to learn that when you’re 5’1″, female, and weigh 100 pounds and change, you need to make your own safety as much of a priority as getting the scoop.