The first was that I wanted someplace I could work in when I didn't want to work from home. That meant a workspace that was equipped with all the tools I used, in a location that was convenient to all the outside resources I wanted: office supply store, restaurants, etc.

The second thing I knew was that a good workspace allows for both solitary work and collaboration, and a great one would be almost infinitely customizable to its users' needs. That's why I designed BLANKSPACES on a strong system grid, with a mix of inward- and outward facing cubicles, work bars and tables as well as the meeting and conference rooms. People can move around as their needs change, and everything can move around for a larger group event (or even the occasional party).

I look at the year ahead as a kind of grid: there are 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days that you can configure any way we want to. What kinds of things you want to do determine how you map out those months, weeks and days. Like the grid at BLANKSPACES, they'll support your unique goals.

All you need to do is figure out what those goals are.

What to do when you just can't write

Whether you find yourself grappling with a wicked case of writer's block or are just wildly unhappy with what's coming out of your keyboard, there are tried and true methods that will help you get that piece of writing out of your head and onto the page. Here are my three favorites:

1. Do a "vomit draft"

99 times out of 100, what gets me stuck are visions of a perfect final draft dancing in my head as I sit down to the keyboard. While writing a lot makes it easier to get to that draft faster, no one gets it in one shot (and if you do, email me immediately: I want you on emergency speed-dial). Give yourself permission to write one horrid version of the email/proposal/what-have-you. Then give yourself a break--the longer the better, but at least a cup of coffee or walk's worth--before tackling Draft #2.

2. Write it for a five-year-old or the clean-up crew

In other words (haha), step out of your own fancy way and explain what you mean in terms so simple that a child (or a random adult with no knowledge of your field) could understand. Alternatively, spew all of your ideas as bullet points on a page without regard to how they line up. You'll have to move stuff around later, but at least you'll have stuff.

3. If all else fails, talk it

Some people are great in the room and not so hot at the computer. If that's you, save yourself some anguish and talk your piece into voice mail or a digital capture device. Yes, you'll have to go back and transcribe, but better that than banging your head against your MacBook for a morning.

Getting stuck is an inevitable part of the act of creation at times, and writing is no different. But slowing down, taking a breath and applying one of the above tools can go a long way towards unsticking you, and making your writing stronger, to boot.

Colleen Wainwright is a writer/speaker/consultant who helps other creative types figure out what they want to say and learn to say it more effectively.

You can see for yourself by subscribing to her free newsletter. She's been a fan of Los Angeles, Jerome and BLANKSPACES since before she knew of them.

DYLAN CAMPBELL HIGHLANDER SOLUTIONS

I work out of BLANKSPACES

MediaBistro "Front of Book Articles"
Thur Jan 14, 6:45-9:45pm

MediaBistro "The Secret Behind Writing & Editing Your First Book" with Dan Smetanka Thurs Jan 21, 6:30-10:30pm

Most of our events are open to the public and some are free for members! For more information regarding our events & seminars, please visit our online calendar