It is true what they say about writers and blank pages. As I wanted to start writing my next book yesterday, I sat in a cafe and opened the laptop, opened a new document on pages, and had a full blank page staring at me.

30 minutes later it was still blank. Thoughts racing in my head, how to start? where to start? the scene, the line?

60 minutes later it was still blank. Thoughts wrestling in my head. Which to eliminate? Which to keep? what sounds promising? anything exciting to start with?

90 minutes later it was still bank. I started to worry. Am I unable to start a new book? or the idea of the new book is all wrong? it is an ambitious project that I won’t be able to complete? Did I lose my magic?

At that point I had an idea to explore. Wrote first line, then deleted it. Rephrase. Rephrase again, and again. Don’t be too critical I tell myself, I continue, finishing a paragraph. The idea becomes clearer, it branches into other ideas, putting it into words, shaping it up, the character has a voice.

120 minutes later I had 3 paragraphs written. I am pleased about the beginning and the direction I will take in the book. I stop writing and feel excited about the next session.

Photo Credit: ASHLEY EDWARDS