Like many families, my testosterone-heavy crew has turned to nostalgic forms of entertainment during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re riding bikes, playing chess, creating “flip art,” and yes, puzzling over puzzles.

I love puzzles! I like the trial and error of fitting pieces together. I like the quest of searching for the correct piece and the sheer exuberance I feel when I locate it. I like that it’s quiet! With three boys under age 9, quiet is an important ingredient for my happiness.

So, I purchased a 1,000-piece Thomas Kincade masterpiece — a Justice League puzzle featuring the Batman, Aquaman, Superman and Wonder Woman, among other JL favorites. Who knew the “Painter of Light” had comic book heroes in his collection. Pretty and testosterone fueled. I’ll take that combo!

I’ve always known that putting together a puzzle and crafting a compelling narrative share certain common threads. But over the past week, I have felt the similarities smack me over the head. Both pursuits can be simultaneously maddening and rewarding. Both also come with a process that’s unique to the individual.

Some people start puzzles with the borders, creating a sort of outline for the big picture (a container!). Others randomly link together pieces that fit (random notes, anyone?). Still others tackle puzzles from top to bottom, like crafting an essay in chronological order. Sometimes, the same person (e.g., me!) takes a different approach for each puzzle they piece together.

But whether I’m piecing together a puzzle or crafting an essay, I’ve found these five strategies help me reach the end goal.

  1. Walk away. When I’m working on a puzzle, or writing an essay, I get obsessed! I set aside my paying work, ignore the dishes piled up in the sink and disregard the world spinning around me because I’m so focused on the pursuit. This week, my son Max literally took me by the hand and walked me away from the puzzle. “You need a breather, mom,” he said. And he was right. Whether you’re working on a puzzle or writing an essay, it’s important to walk away from it and breathe deeply!
  2. Change your perspective. While working on the puzzle this week, I noticed myself wandering around the table. When I walked to the opposite side of the table and viewed pieces upside down, I was able to locate missing pieces more easily. With essays, I change the font on my copy or read the draft aloud. In either case, I’m able to see my words through a different lens and get a clearer picture.
  3. Bring in a fresh set of eyes. When I feel stuck with the puzzle, I bring in my husband or one of my sons. More often than not, they’re able to spot the missing piece I’ve been searching for, sometimes for hours. As I’ve mentioned before, my writer pals play a critical role in my ability to complete an essay. I rely on their insight when I feel stuck or when I can’t figure out what the take-home message is for my story.
  4. Look at the big picture. There’s something to be said for taking time to pause and look at the big picture. Maybe you haven’t completed the puzzle yet, but you can take a moment to look at the progress you’ve made and pat yourself on the back. The same is true of essay. Sometimes when you read over your work, new thoughts and insights emerge.

Interested in learning more about how to tackle an essay? My June alumni workshop is filling up fast! The 4-week session is only open to students who have already completed my basic essay writing class. I cap the class at 8 students, so if you’re interested, don’t wait! It’s already half-full. Haven’t taken the basic course yet? My next class begins in August!
 Click HERE for details about my classes and to sign up!