Many times when I sit down to write I end up staring out the window or getting up to pace back and forth across the room.
Soon, I find myself checking out other peoples’ blogs, going on different social media networks, vacuuming – basically anything to avoid confronting that intimidating blank page.
The words eventually come to me – out of sheer desperation – but I can tell that much of what I’m writing will probably be cut out. Sometimes my words show up like mixed up metaphors or other mumbo-jumbo or my main character suddenly is someone I don’t recognize. I ask myself, why did I like her again?
Whether you’re writing a YA novel, an genre fiction or a nonfiction book, getting started sometimes can be the hardest part.
Why are there so many obstacles to getting started?
1. Writing is Hard.
There are many surveys out there that say up to 82% of Americans want to someday write a book. That’s amazing! That’s 8 out of every 10 people you know.
How many of people you know, are going after their writing dreams? How many of those people will actually make it?
Tips on what to do:
- recognize you’re trying something that is quite difficult.
- It means regular practice and staring at your computer screen and more than likely some tears(I used to practice piano everyday for an hour – writing is similar in that it needs regular practice for each of us to continually get better;)
- there will also be scenes or paragraphs that need to be rewritten – but this is all part of what we as writers do.
- Make it a daily practice to write for 15 minutes or so. This will help writing become a habit in your life and once the routine is established, writing becomes just part of what you do everyday.
2. Writing is Messy.
Most writers want their words to come out right the first time. This affliction that plagues us is also known as fear of failure and perfectionism. Way too many of us as writers deal with this – I know I do… in spades.
Tips on what to do:
- Embrace the truth that no writing you do, is a waste of time. Even if you write a paragraph or a scene or a chapter that you end up throwing away, it was still time spent refining your craft.
- If you’ve ever saved any of your old writing you did in elementary or Junior School or High School, look back at that and realize, yes I am making massive progress.
- Accept that nobody’s first draft is flawless. Just write the first draft – without editing – and embrace your love of story.
3. Writing is Scary.
Writing can be scary. Sometimes the thought of writing a whole book, can seem intimidating. There is outlining to do and then there’s the opening scenes and the rest of the chapters to figure out. After that, there’s still rewriting and editing.
With all of time and effort that goes into a book, we worry that maybe we’ll never be able to finish writing it.
Tips on what to do:
- Rather than staring vacantly at the monstrous project before you, break it down into small chunks.
- Every once in awhile check your chapter beats or your outline sort of as a guideline where to where you’re going, but then focus only on the next scene you’re writing for that day.
- Write to a daily or weekly quota of words. James Scott Bell recommends doing this and says it helps to keep you focussed and productive.
- BIG key is that your goal seems do-able for you as the writer. When you write regularly, the story will seem like it finishes itself.
Some last thoughts. I’ve discovered in my own writing process, when I focus on the story, I begin to fall in love with the story all over again. When the love of story wraps around me, that’s when I get into story flow. Seriously… that’s when the book seems to ‘write itself.’
Give yourself a pat on the back for doing something that many people say they want to do, but most don’t do the hard work to write.
Most of all, let go of all of your fears and inhibitions and just have fun! After all, we’re writers and we’re telling stories because we love it 😉
What are some obstacles you’ve faced as you’ve started to write your book? Please, share your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear your tips on writing your book.
