Writing Tips
30+ books in and the blank page still ambushes me like it's never seen me before. Today's fix: write a bad sentence, not a good one. The page stops being blank. That's the whole battle.
As a writer who's worked through numerous books and countless writing sessions, I can relate deeply to the struggle of facing a blank page, especially after finishing many projects. One trick that has consistently helped me is the encouragement to write a bad sentence rather than waiting for the perfect one. This idea might sound counterintuitive because we often pressure ourselves to write only high-quality content. However, embracing imperfection early on removes the paralysis associated with the ‘empty page.’ When you write a bad sentence, you're putting words on the page and breaking the intimidating silence of a blank document. This simple act changes the mindset from one of fear and hesitation to action and momentum. It’s important to recognize that the goal of the initial writing is not perfection but progress. After all, editing and refining come later in the process. This tip aligns with the concept of the “writing flow,” which many authors cite as essential for creativity. Writing a “bad” sentence can be just the spark that ignites the creative process and helps build confidence to continue. For example, I often start chapters or scenes with rough ideas or phrases that seem subpar because I know I can revise them once the full draft exists. Moreover, this approach reduces anxiety, especially during times like #RomanceAwarenessMonth when many writers focus on crafting romantic scenes or stories. Instead of being stuck trying to produce a polished sentence that perfectly captures emotion, letting go and allowing yourself to write imperfectly can lead to more authentic content. The hashtags #tipsandtricks, #writing, and #authorlife all resonate with this mindset shift. In short, when facing writer’s block, remember that the blank page is not your enemy if you simply write something—anything. The page stops being blank, and that’s truly 90% of the battle. Keep this tip in mind as you create, and you might find your writing sessions becoming less daunting and more productive.
