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? What if it’s boring…? You know what I say to that? So what! Really.
Listen, I’ve been an editor for about eight years now, and I’ve learned a few
things about polishing up narrative that is, how shall we say politely, less
than stellar. Put more simply, you can’t
improve something that isn’t there. So get something down on paper, no matter
how horrible it may seem. You can clean it up. Hell it may turn out that what you wrote is crap, but
it could lead you down a better path toward something that turns out to be
gold.
This philosophy doesn’t have to be restricted to writing alone. Doing
something, anything, is better than waffling over the possibility of failure
and not doing anything. I believe that the only true failure is not trying.
Lack of effort is the enemy of Potential. Nike always said ‘Just do it’. The wisdom
of that simplicity is astounding. So, give it a shot. Try. Make an effort, and
don’t fear the emptiness. Fill it up!
Photo is Feeling of emptiness.
Check out Ben Goosen's full portfolio.
Thanks for reading. Questions and Comments are always welcome!
