Don't Fear the Emptiness
I’ve often heard that when writers start a story the blankness of the
white page can be a daunting adversary. I have experienced a bit of
trepidation, anxiety even, when it comes to filling up all that white space. In
fact, I even used to write on yellow legal pads just to avoid having to look at
the emptiness of white. However, some writers find it paralyzing almost to the
point where they quit writing all together. Now I suppose that painters and
sculptors have similar problems at the beginning of a new project as well. Not
all mind you, but some may. Personally, I’ve found a way to combat that paralyzing
problem. Do you know what it is?
I write. Well, duh, that sounds simple doesn’t it? And a bit too obvious right? Let me explain. In my experience staring into the white, I’ve noticed that somewhere in my head I was worried about what might actually make it out onto the page. Questions would start creeping up on me and haunting my thoughts. What if it’s all crap? What if I get stuck…
I write. Well, duh, that sounds simple doesn’t it? And a bit too obvious right? Let me explain. In my experience staring into the white, I’ve noticed that somewhere in my head I was worried about what might actually make it out onto the page. Questions would start creeping up on me and haunting my thoughts. What if it’s all crap? What if I get stuck…