So you want to write, but you’re unsure of where to start. Or, perhaps you’re worried that whatever you write won’t be as good as it sounds in your head? Facing the blank page can be hard. Getting started can be hard. Finding the right words can be hard. But there are ways to trick yourself into defeating the blank page and getting started with a story idea, or a blog post, or whatever else it is that you want to write.
I have faced many blank pages over the years, both for work as well as with my creative writing. Here are a few things that have helped me, and I hope they help you too. (Affiliate links included).
Face the Blank Page by Starting With What You Know
Chances are if you’re writing something, you know a thing or two about the general topic. Start there and write a few notes down. If you truly feel stuck even after putting “what you know” onto paper, then chances are it’s a sign you need to do more research (or brainstorming). Just don’t get caught in the research loop; give yourself a research deadline, and get back to your first draft.
Find Inspiration Through Pictures
I’ve been working on a story that takes place during the French Revolution. Even though it’s largely fiction, it’s based on a real time period, so I keep photos around me for inspiration. I have postcards from my trip to France stuck to a board. I have photos saved to Pinterest and my laptop. When I feel stuck, I flip through those phots and look for inspiration. Sometimes it’ll start a new idea or a new thought, but that’s okay too; after all, entering the story (or article, or post) at some place other than the beginning can be a good trick to getting started too.
This method of finding inspiration through pictures can be used for all sorts of writing, whether you’re writing about a setting, a meal, people, or more. Thank goodness, in this case, for the internet.
Get Rid of Distractions
But the internet can also be a big issue during the writing process. While the internet makes it easy for us to find things with literally the click of a button, it can also be a huge distraction source. Let’s be honest; we say we’ll spend a minute on Facebook and suddenly we’re sucked into a social media vortex that lasts 10 minutes, if we’re lucky, or more.
So, put your phone across the room for you. Do not open your browser on your computer. Then set aside a specific time to write. (Bullet journaling can help me cut distractions and focus my time). Chances are, even if you only give yourself 30 minutes to write, just by eliminating distractions and getting started, the words will start to flow.
Don’t Write; Journal
Okay, I know, I know. You want to write what you’re actually working on. But sometimes, when you’re stuck, and that blank page seems to be mocking you, turn to a journal instead. Use that journal to hand write, rather than type, and get the thoughts out of your head.
Brainstorm. Take notes. Create an idea map (like this one). Free write in your journal. Get in the habit of doing morning pages each morning (as suggested by “The Artist’s Way.”) It might just be the jumpstart you need to face that blank page on your computer again.
Give Yourself Permission to Write Terribly
It sounds counter-intuitive. After all, you want your writing to be beautiful, right? But first drafts are supposed to be messy, because the goal of a first draft is simple: you just want to have something to work with.
I consider first drafts my puzzle pieces. After the first draft, I go back and re-assemble. I move things around. I work on the outline and add subheadings if its an article or blog. I adjust the structure of the piece if it’s a story. Then, I add in more details and start editing.
Give yourself permission to face the blank page, write terribly, and embrace the editing process. You’ll get that beautiful draft eventually… but first you have to start.
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Favorite Books about the Writing Process
- “The Artist’s Way for Parents” by Julia Cameron
- “Bird by Bird” by Anne Lamott
- “Writing Down the Bones” by Natalie Goldberg
- “Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft” by Janet Burroway
Good article. What all of these people who responded are saying is of value for me, and hopefully for many others. I can t pretend to understand the rules of grammar completely, but I do try to avoid as many as possible by reading and re-reading, and being aware of how it could sound to others. Perhaps the greatest problem I have is ending a sentence with a preposition. Thanks for all of the good tips!