2.07.2017

How to Handle the Empty Page

Sometimes, it's just necessary to start.

At the moment, I'm feeling like I've been hit by a truck. I don't know why. I think it started on Friday, when I woke up with a headache that turned into a migraine.

But ever since then, I've been feeling so exhausted. Even when I sleep enough.

So the result is that just the thought of opening a document, or even the blog creation window, feels like having to climb a mountain.

And then I haven't even started actually writing.

So the blank page that appears if I do manage to open becomes a little bit more intimidating. A little bit more... empty.

That's when I write something silly. Or something random. Or just... something. Like "Sometimes it's just necessary to start."

Because the moment there are words on the page, it gets easier to follow up with more words. And even more after that.

And eventually, I can look back at what I've written and discover that I did, in fact, climb that mountain and reach the summit.

Because now I have a blog post.

Now, I just need to go do the same thing with my work in progress.

How do you handle writing when the words don't seem to flow? 

26 comments:

  1. Freewriting, aka timed writing, is my go-to for this situation. Like you say, the main thing is to get started, and then the words will grow. Within the text, a gem shall appear, the bit you get to keep.:)

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    1. So true! I also do timed writing every now and then, and starting with a 5 minute sprint can work wonders.

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  2. That is an awesome tactic! I do that too. Even if it is just like the characters having an idiotic conversation (since I love to write dialogue). When there's something there, it's easier. Of course, it'll get deleted later, but hopefully I will have written something good after the idiotic part!

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    1. Yeah it's the same with me, although you'd be surprised at how many "idiotic" things stay in as I edit. :-D

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  3. I threw an outline on the page and it's still there, incomplete. Maybe if I did just start writing...

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    1. I find it helps me to create an outline once I have one draft behind me. It just solidifies exactly what I want. :-)

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  4. That is a good way to get writing. For me, I'll often read a bit of what I've read. It often gets me back into the character's head and what's been going on in the story.

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    1. Sometimes I do that, but other times, that just triggers my internal editor, which stops me from writing.

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  5. Sometimes I sit and be in the story for awhile, thinking about it. Then some snippet comes of a scene, and maybe it never makes the final cut, but it gets me started. Starting is a huge hurdle sometimes.

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  6. Hi Misha - I hope that headache goes away ... if I can't write and feel woozy - then the only way is to do something completely different - many say you should go for a walk ... or I write something else that needs doing ... I rarely struggle: thankfully ... good luck and cheers Hilary

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    1. The headache is gone, but I've been feeling lethargic ever since, which is making it really hard to write.

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  7. Maybe that's a tactic I should try when I know I need to write, but am exhausted and lacking the energy to do so.

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    1. Exhaustion is a definite creativity killer. I've been struggling with it for days, now.

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  8. I just throw down something that sounds like a beginning. Once I get a few lines going, it becomes easier.

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  9. Doodling and journaling help me sometimes. I start doodling and then I am mind mapping. Sometimes I can just start with the mind mapping on the current problem or a story I've been thinking about.
    Juneta @ Writer's Gambit

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    1. That's a clever idea. I usually only mind map when I'm working on a concept before starting a story. But it makes sense to figure out internal issues too.

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  10. Sometimes it's good to throw down something and soldier on and other times you just might need a break. It is up to you to choose which one you need more.

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    1. That's true. I just really hate that I might need a break when I REALLY want my book done.

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  11. Yes, something to work from. To revise, even if it's a line or two, and then move forward. It's a form of momentum building. :)

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  12. I've been feeling that way too. I often think it's from having too many things on my to do list, which is ironic because staring blindly at a blank page isn't helping me knock things off that list!

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  13. I agree with you that getting started usually gets things going for me. It can be hard looking at a blank screen, but when we put something on the page- it is less intimidating. :) Good luck with your WIP.
    ~Jess

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  14. Sometimes I write random plot synopses. Other times I do a creative visualization meditation.

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  15. Sometimes, I just jump in and freewrite a scene, and sometimes I sit back and outline or write a tiny bit of dialogue. Getting something on the page helps.

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