Starting a new project used to fill me with dread. All that blank space to fill, all those words to generate and mold into a cohesive story.
“All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.” –Ernest Hemingway
This is superb advice. Now I see potential in that blank page and I’m filled with anticipation rather than dread. I start with what I know and fill in the details until the story starts to make sense, until the scenes in my head come together on the page for my readers.
Sure, experience helps. Having more than forty completed (and published) novels, helps my confidence tremendously. But I’ll tell you a secret. Completing the first novel helped me write the second. Those two helped me write the third.
When I’m scared or uncertain, I have proof in my pocket that it can be done. By me! Those completed projects helped me grow and complete one more page, one more chapter, until I had another manuscript to send out.
If you’re staring at a blank page, trust yourself and just start writing. Every book on the shelf had that same inauspicious start. Yes, the “truth” of your story or project may change and grow as you go along, but you need to let the words flow, let them carry you to the next truth.
Relax. Breathe. And write that one true sentence.
Live the writing adventure,
3Jul2019
If you have a question about your writing journey, leave a comment and I’ll do my best to address it in an upcoming post.
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