Writing Blog - Starting is Half the Job (Patreon)

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. You have a really good idea in your head. You think it would make a great book. You’re even mostly finished with it. All that’s missing is that one crucial part where you start writing the damn thing.

You sit in front of your computer. The blank document stares back at you. The minutes pass by. You adjust your seat a bit because there is no way you can start writing if your seat isn’t just right. You remember you haven’t done the dishes yet, so you go and do that. Can’t write in a dirty house. Since you’re in the kitchen, you decide to make yourself some snacks. Can’t write on an empty stomach. Then you’re a bit too full, so you decide to rest for a bit. Maybe watch some funny videos you Youtube. Listen to some music. Stuff to get you in the mood, you know?

As you do you this, time passes by, and the page remains blank.

I’ve lost count of how many times I did everything I just typed above. It’s a sad truth that starting to write might be the hardest part. I had a buddy who used to say, “Butt. In. The. Chair.” like it was gospel. You want to write? Sit down and do it. Put your butt in that chair and type.

Now, the moment you do it, it’ll feel wrong. You’ll think it sucks. You’ll want to delete it and pace around the room a couple of times. Don’t. Just type. Doesn’t matter if you think it’s bad. Keep typing. Keep making sentences. 

For me at least, the hardest part of starting any chapter is making that first sentence. I have that big blank document staring back at me, and I type that first sentence. It looks lonely and weak, like a child lost in a snowstorm. I tell myself to make another sentence. Then another and another. 

By the time I finish the chapter, I'm sure I've written the worst thing ever, but you know what? That’s fine. At least I have a chapter. I can now go over it and fix it. It’s painful, but it’s progress. People talk about writer’s block a lot, but I find writing is the best cure for it. So if you ever want to write, just go ahead. Make a sentence. Then another. 

Don’t go get cookies. Don’t decide to redecorate your house. Just keep that butt in the chair, and everything will be fine.

Well, as long as you don’t get distracted by funny video your friend just shared. I hate it when that happens to me.