We’ve all experienced the stark terror of staring at a blank page. While we may have an intended topic or a brilliant idea, the thought of conquering the unknown mocks us, and we freeze. What is more perfect than a snowy white page? How can we possibly live up to the expectations? How do we proceed? An old saying counsels that we make a trail by walking. It is when we turn around that we “find” a path. Art teachers encourage their students to make one mark on the canvas.
Sheer physical willpower is my answer. Whether it is bold and daring or meek and uncertain, action leads to action. I force my fingers to move. I ignore the panic and type whatever words reach my fingertips. No matter how crazy it sounds or banal or weird the phrases seem, I let them flow. I push negative thoughts from my mind, hush my inner critic, and turn off my editor.
With each successive word, the process becomes less forced, and I can feel a trickle that promises the flood. As I relax, sentences emerge, which quickly spin into paragraphs. Hours pass, and the once empty page, now overflows, leaking across multiple sheets with a story.
How do you conquer a blank page?
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Keep on writing.
Jo Hawk The Writer
I’m already feeling driven before I get to the blank page. That may not work for everyone, but it’s worked for me so far. 🙂
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Hey Robert. Can’t find fault with a process that is working. 👍 Keep up the good work and keep writing.
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Thank you, JoHawk! I say keep writing until you know what kind of writer you are.
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I love that the overwhelming urge to write can come at any time. The trick is grabbing it with both hands before it moves on to someone or something else…
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Oh yes. That is the trick. I’m working on one right now. 😎
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I have lower standards than most so blank pages are easily filled. Sometimes I have to start in the middle or the end to get the flow going.
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That is the trick- getting the flow going. I figure the first several hundred words of any writing session will end on the editing room floor. 👍😊
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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Thank you for sharing. 💕📚💕
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Always a joy and pleasure to read and share your posts with followers, My Dear! Hope you have a great day!! xoxox 😘💕🎁🌹
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