all you writers...

I understand what you mean. I recently finished writing a novel. At times, I couldn't stop writing. Other times, it felt more forced.

For the novel, I had an outline. I would then start writing based on the outline. Once you get thoughts down on paper (or on a laptop in my case) they go in unexpected directions. Start with a rough outline and start writing. The ideas will come.

In note form list all the information you want to convey.
Place the notes in a logical order for the flow.
Use the notes for the story.

I agree with the comments so far. I would add that using an outline does not have to be the formal dreaded process like you may have had in Language Arts. There are all kinds of graphic organizers you can use as well. The biggest thing is to get your information down then organize it.

At some point in the process:

list information
group information
sequence information

This is the process I use for writing tutorials and documents at least. The process is very fluid when you are doing it for yourself because it doesn't matter what it looks like as long as it serves its purpose in aiding you.

If you have all of your information in order, it is easier to focus on word choice because you don't have to think about sequencing and grouping.

At least for informational content, always consider how easy it is to process what you have written while working on your grouping, sequencing, and word choice.

If you do it enough, you will be able to just do the sequencing and grouping in your head after a while. (Unless you're writing a thick book. XD)

/nvm

hi Jennifer
recently checked out from library:
"Finishing School. The Happy Ending to That Writing Project You Can't Seem to Get Done" Tennis and Morton

back cover says "self-doubt, shame, yearning for perfection, and even arrogance gets in the way"
"Tennis and Morton help writers overcome these emotional blocks and break down daunting projects into manageable pieces"

only 12 pgs in so can't say anything yet
best to you

Just write words. They don't have to make perfect sense. They just have to convey what you're feeling. Worry about organizing them once you've gotten them out. And don't stress it. I often go back and edit what I've written over and over again. It's like drawing. You never draw a perfect picture the first time. (Unless you're some crazy good expert.) Sketch an outline, draw over that, erase the outline... there's a lot of erasing in drawing. Likewise, writing is going to have a lot of editing before it's finished.

Speaking of drawing, I plan to illustrate my own books, and drawing illustrations is a good way for you to express yourself without words. Even if you don't intend to use illustrations, it might help you if you try and use some other medium to express your writings. Maybe it will help you find the right way to express what you want in print.