How to Beat Writer's Block (or Fast, Furious, and Fearless Writing)

We've all had it: the dreaded writer's block. Or, what might be just as bad for the non-writer--having a situation require you to produce writing and all you see in front of you is a blank Word document. The white page mocks you. It intimidates you. But in reality it's just another monster with a weakness you can exploit to beat it. So how do you overcome it? What's its Achilles heel?

Already know what you're doing?

The best way to produce text fast is to already be an expert in the field you're writing about. This takes out the guesswork and the need for research and pits you and your expertise against the white space. In such a situation, you'll win fast if you follow these rules:

1. Get something onto the page, and fast. It might not be the best or even usable in the final draft, but this first attempt--or what I like to call the maiden text--will lower the intimidation level a good bit. It does a lot for your morale to see the page populated with text and gives you just the boost you need to continue. More than anything, it gives you something to critique. If it's stupid, your mind will start thinking of ways to change or improve it... and voila! You're writing. 
2. Talk about the topic. It's something you know a lot about, so pretend someone's asking you and simply start explaining. Grab your phone and record yourself. (Audio only is fine, though video will also work.) Then jot these ideas down by simply transcribing the text. Voice-to-text software can help a lot with this. 
3. Select some keywords from the text you have just written and create a focused think-session. Use each as a catalyst for performing (again) the step described in the second point above. Talk about them, transcribe those thoughts, and see your ideas mushroom into something... well, something. That is, not nothing, and more than that. It'll be useful too. You'll just need to tame it. 

Have no idea what you're doing?

This is where it gets tricky. You're gonna have to do your research. So really, the solution isn't that different from my number one rule of thumb: read your sources. Except for you this might mean find some sources and then read. And you'll need to read a lot lot more than those who have a clue. Ignorance is no dishonor... but it's no honor either. It can be expansive and deep, and it's not easy to slake. But you have to have an appetite for knowledge. So hit the stacks. Or slap the search engine. 

Find a voice. Decide what your tone's gonna be: academic, formal, light, gangsta... whatever. This might be up to you, or it might be determined for you by an instructor or the venue for which you're writing the piece (cover letter, grant application, blog, etc.)  Once you've done your research and selected your tone, you're no longer ignorant and are ready to review the three points given in the previous section. (Feel free to skip the little intro before point # 1, since you've just been reading up a storm. Unless you're still blocked.)

Some Notes on the Usual Advice Given for Writer's Block

Going for a walk: of minimal utility. This is great for stress relief in general, but isn't really peculiar to writer's block. While you're taking that walk, a pertinent object might light upon your senses and cause a spark... or it might not. Nothing beats the more focused searching that can occur in a library (digital or physical) when you purposively attempt to find ideas related to what you're writing about. Annie Dillard said it best: You have enough experience by the time you are five. What you need is a library. (This is a loose quotation. I'm relating this from memory.)

Getting rid of distractions: presumably the serious writers have already done this. If they have not, then what they're suffering from isn't writer's block but something related to laziness or immaturity or both. I won't patronize or insult the writer by suggesting something as basic and routine as this as a solution. 

Increase your blood circulation: Better to increase the circulation of ideas. Doing something to get your ideas flowing is what we've been talking about so far. (Get thee to a library!) Blood flow, circulation, and exercise are good ideas in general. Exercise is great for the body and will boost thinking as far as it gets blood to the brain. But what good is a thinker if he has nothing to think about? (This should not be taken as medical advice. My doctoral degree was not in medicine.)

Change your environment: Exactly! Go to the library!

Read a book: Exactly! Go to the library!

Free write: Agreed. See points 2 and 3 in the first section above. They are related to this.