Writing Tip Wednesday: Unblock Your Writer’s Block with the “Knowns and Unknowns” Hack!

Ever feel stumped on what to write? Here’s a trick to jumpstart your creativity: tap into what you know—and what you don’t! The concept of the “four quadrants” can help clarify where you’re at and where to go next in your writing process.

As former U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld once said:

“There are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns—the ones we don't know we don't know.”

This framework gives us a way to explore our thoughts with more clarity and confidence. Let’s walk through how you can use these “four quadrants” to overcome writer’s block.

Let’s say you’re inspired to write about Tracee Ellis Ross and want to convey how incredible she is. Here’s how you can tackle it step-by-step:

1. What You Know You Know: Your “Why”

Start with your core reasons. Why do you want to write about Tracee Ellis Ross?

Example: "I know Tracee Ellis Ross has shown me what success can look like as a single, childless Black woman, at a time when so many narratives of success for women of color seem to center around partnerships, children, or assimilation. I want to share that hope and create community."

What we “know we know” usually stems from our lived experiences. This often reflects our “why”—the deeper, universal truths behind our specific perspectives. Begin by connecting with that why; it’s the heart of your message.

2. What You Know You Don’t Know: Find Solutions

What challenges do you face in getting your message across? Acknowledge the gaps, and brainstorm solutions for them.

Example: “I know I don’t know how to express all of this in a brief, social media-friendly way. There’s so much to say about Tracee Ellis Ross! How do I distill it without minimizing it?”

Solution Storm: A Toolbox for Writers Here are some practical tools you can use to bridge the gaps:

• Use AI like ChatGPT as a springboard for conciseness.

• Ask a friend to review and help condense your thoughts.

• Hire an editor to shape and polish your piece.

• If social media feels too limiting, expand it into a full blog post!

• Start with a concise TL;DR statement, then build out from there.

For example, you could make a #WCW post inspired by Tracee’s quote, “I could have a wheel of lovers,” to showcase her confidence and humor:

"Tracee Ellis Ross says she could have a ‘wheel of lovers’—because she’s out here setting her own standards and living her best life on her own terms. She’s an icon of joy and confidence, and I’m here for it! 💖 #LifeGoals #WCW"

3. What You Don’t Know You Know: Embrace Discovery

Sometimes, you uncover what you know only through the process of writing. Be open to these unexpected insights—they’re often powerful!

Example: "I realized that Tracee's fuller quote about wanting a relationship that would make her life ‘better than it already is’ was what truly resonated with me. It made me see how strong, joyful, and complete she feels on her own. The ‘wheel of lovers’ part was just the punchline."

This self-discovery can be incredibly empowering, building confidence through the knowledge you uncover along the way. Embrace the joy of realizing just how much you know.

4. What You Don’t Know You Don’t Know: Draft with Grace

Writing is a journey, and sometimes we don’t even know what we’re missing until we try. Give yourself the freedom to write a draft, make revisions, and leave room for new insights. Drafts are stepping stones; each one gets you closer to a finished piece.

Example: If the post turns out longer than you expected, give yourself grace. Take notes for next time, and remember—it’s just a draft, much like life!

Rinse and Repeat…

Now it’s your turn! Try out this framework next time you’re stuck. Tap into your “knowns” and “unknowns,” and see what insights come up. And whatever you write, be sure to tag @htdandcompany so we can see your unique take. Happy writing!