Break the Blank Page Blues: Unleash Your Inner Writer

It’s hard to start sometimes. (And I’m referring to just about everything in general.) We have these great ideas, and we can’t wait to get started but we don’t. Instead, we’re left with a blank stare on our face, a blank space between our ears, or for us writers, a very blank page. The problem: analysis paralysis.

As a professional writer, I’ve been in this position so many times. I’ve stared at more blank pages than I’ve stared at my nose-picking neighbor. (I can’t help it.) The key is to start somewhere – here are some tips to get the writing juices flowing:

• Enjoy some freewriting. Set aside at least 10-15 minutes a day (set a timer if needed) and start writing about whatever comes to mind, even if it’s about your struggle to write. Don’t worry about spelling or grammar. Just write. Use thought bubbles if you want. Go with the flow and see where your brain takes you.

• Consider a rough outline. If you have a topic in mind that you want to write about, jot down a few key points you want to cover. You can re-arrange the order, add or delete ideas, and change direction at any point. The goal is to have something to work with, and an outline provides direction and a good place to begin.

• Try a quick Google search for writing prompts. There will be no shortage of ideas to help you get started. If you have a topic or story in mind that you’d like to write about, ask yourself a prompt about your story. For example, “Describe one setting in my book.” Focusing on a specific question helps kickstart your thought process.

• Eliminate as many distractions as possible. A blank page will stay blank if you’re looking at and thinking of everything but writing. Oh look, squirrel! Try to find a quiet space where you can focus. Put ‘do not disturb’ on your phone and have at it.

• Start easy and build confidence. If you're working on a longer piece, start with an idea you’re comfortable with because you know it well. When you start with confidence, you’ll gain momentum to tackle the rest.

The first draft will not be perfect. Neither will the second nor the third. Allow yourself to explore different ideas, and remember, you can edit everything but a blank page.

Time to write. Enjoy,

Haverly

goFirestarter, Writer/Editor