Writing around the block

 

I am working on a long form essay, due in about a week. The topic and content came easily, a dive into the literature helped me sharpen the question, I have far more than I need. But. The. Intro. 

I tried writing around the block, doing a solid sketch of the arguments and data. I tried walking around the block (twice). I tried a dose of poetry (see Poetry Pharmacy). I finally just tried writing something, anything, that might launch the essay.

It has taken me a full day of writing to craft an introduction that I was happy (though not delighted) with. I wrote three different version. Well, five. The last three are all variations on the same theme. Run forward, run backward. Two paragraphs, no, let's make it three. The conclusion fell out of one draft like an overtaxed gearbox, sparks flying off the pavement. 

It's not as strong as I would like, I'm still fretting about the hand off from the introduction to the body. I resorted to my default, "I would argue...". It will do. It is done for the moment, and as the saying goes at Bryn Mawr, done is good.