Getting Started
If you’re like me at all, then one of the hardest parts of writing is… actually writing. Getting started is hard. There’s so much to say and do all at once and you can only put one word after the other.
So I thought I’d write out a short guide on getting started and getting past that block.
1. Let go of insecurity and perfectionism.
I’m a perfectionist, and I’m sure a lot of you are too. I’m well aware that this step is easier said than done, but it’s so important. To break through the beginner’s block, we have to let go of our perfectionist ideals. We all want to write the perfect story, and we want to do our characters and audiences justice. That’s what editing is for!
No one has to see your first draft but you. There’s no need to be embarrassed or upset by mistakes, especially if you are the only witness. So do your best to let go of the insecurity and perfectionism that’s holding you back. You can stretch your perfectionist muscles during another draft.
2. Start with an outline or guide.
I know there’s a big debate in the writing community about pantsing vs planning, but planning has its uses! If you’re not sure where to start, an outline is a good way to organize your thoughts. If you have a dozen scenes and lines and ideas running through your head, write down a line or two to describe them and use the click and drag function on Word or google docs to organize where each scene goes. Once you have an order you like, you may find a starting point that feels more natural.
3. Just write.
I hate this bit of advice, but it’s important to remember: your story is not set in stone. If you write a scene and you don’t like it or don’t think it works, you can always throw it in the deleted scenes document. So don’t be afraid to just go ham and write whatever comes to mind. Eventually, you will find a direction.
4. Remember that no writing is ever wasted.
If you don’t keep something, that’s okay! No writing is ever wasted. Every minute you spend writing is a minute learning and honing your craft. Even if that scene or line doesn’t make it to the final cut, that doesn’t mean it was a waste of words! It made you better, even if the reader never sees that.
I hope this helps someone out there to get past that block and start their story. Remember the world will be better for it!
-Indy
