5 ways to start writing when you’re staring a blank page

10 Mar 5 ways to start writing when you’re staring a blank page

Established writers often advise to simply sit at your desk every day and write. This discipline not only helps the creative flow but also prevents getting stuck in front of a blank page.

I know that’s easier said than done.

I’ve got five options for you. I bet one will stand out more than the other. Use it and set your creativity free…

1. Start with a photograph

Photos can transport us back to another time and trigger in us emotions.

Choose a random photo from your collection. And start writing –

• where was that picture clicked

• what was happening then

• why were you looking the way you did or if you aren’t there then again writing why you weren’t there

• what does the photo say to you today
• 2. Start with a question

Curiosity triggers mental alertness.

The question can be personal questions, professional questions, cultural questions, or specific questions related to the topic you wish to write. Or simply ask yourself the question – what can’t I write today? Write down the reasons.

Use that to start your chapter. You can revise it in the edit

3. Start with a different piece of writing

Often times when you are too invested in your subject matter, you face a block. Think of another article you read, or a news story you heard or the conversation you had with your friend or family member. Write about it – how it made you feel listening to it, how you responded and why.

4. Start with a list

Our brain loves lists. It fools your subconscious too into thinking you are serious about the task at hand. For example, you are working on a book about branding. You could make lists related to the book…

• 5 beliefs people have about branding

• 5 experts who profess branding

• 5 people in your community who do not believe in branding

• 5 branding success stories

• 5 pitfalls of branding gone wrong

There are cases where people build their entire book’s structure with such a list.

5. Start with a memory

Two simple prompts ‘I remember’ and ‘At that time’ can get you started. Consider it as a journal exercise. Think of a year and start off with a general entry about the happenings that year, and zero in on a particular incident and delve into the emotion you felt then versus how you feel today, writing it after so many years.

This exercise will free you and refresh you.

Most importantly,

INTENTION!!!! Before you begin exploring any of the options provided above, set an intention for yourself: envision that engaging with these prompts will unlock a flow of words onto the blank page that previously seemed daunting and insurmountable.

If you still need help in getting unstuck, let’s talk. DM me or Book your FREE discovery call here  https://bit.ly/3TlAxTP