Writing Advice From Walter Block

The following email exchange took place with Dr. Walter Block:

Hi Walter,

You're one of the most prolific writers in academia. Do you have any advice for increasing writing output?

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Dear XXX:

Thanks for the compliment. Much appreciated.

Yes. Watch out for the perfectionist hangup. When I first started writing, I felt that the eyes of History were looking down at what I was writing, and frowning. That stopped the creative juices cold. So I concocted a short saying that I posted on the wall near my typewriter (no personal computers in the 1960s). It stated “The next essay I write will be perfect; this one, I’ll just write. Imperfectly.” Of course, this statement applied to all the “next” articles. I’ve never written anything perfectly. But, at least I write. I can only do so to the best of my very imperfect ability.

I’m gonna blog this with my friend Bob Wenzel. He’ll keep you anonymous.

Best regards,

Walter

Walter E. Block, Ph.D.
Harold E. Wirth Eminent Scholar Endowed Chair and Professor of Economics
Joseph A. Butt, S.J. College of Business                
Loyola University New Orleans
wblock@loyno.edu