Writing Anxiety

Many writers experience anxiety about the projects they are working on. In the month of August, we at the OC Tech Writing Studio are going to focus on addressing this anxiety in students that we meet with and see what strategies are helpful.

As the Bedford Guide to Writing Tutors explains, "Writing anxiety can take many forms. One student frets because he can't simply put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and immediately produce a good piece of writing. Another student dislikes writing so much that she puts off getting down to work and finds herself approaching the deadline with little behind her but worry and procrastination. Still another student writes and writes and writes, trying to get what he has to say 'right.' Though the specific suggestions you offer each of these students may vary, it is always helpful to present yourself as a sympathetic ally" (Ryan 43).

David and I will comment on the kinds of anxiety we see in students this month and how we approached the related challenges.