how to I ctrl+alt+delete my brain?

[orangerful]

I have a writing assignment I'm working on, like a thing I will actually get paid for doing. It's only 800 words but I have now thought TOO hard about it and need to just scrap everything and start over and get my head in a better spot. I got the job pitching an idea and using my blog posts as examples of my writing. It's an opinion piece, I can write in my own voice...but my brain keeps making me write it like a term paper and that is BORING.

Any of you professional writers have any tricks for just resetting your mind? Or should I just buy a bottle of wine and write my rough draft after a drink or two? Because right now, that is the best idea I have.

It's due February 15 but I want to get it done by next week in case I do it all wrong and the editor sends me notes back to tweak anything.

Yes, I'm being coy about all of this...I don't want to jinx it. If/when I get it done and it is published, you know I'm going to spam you with the link but right now...I'm just trying to focus.

Comments

[rhoda_rants]

Oooof. I know this brain thing well. I tend to rely on restrictions like the word count or style guide. Also, I brainstorm out loud while I'm in my car. That helps a lot. Thinking while not staring at a screen does something to my thought process that's useful.

I'd say send it away and let the editor tell you if you need to tweak it. They will probably do that anyway, and if you've done the best you can and you're still stuck--get it off your desk.