Writing is easier than showing up to write is. There’s a Bible verse that’s a perfect prompt for inspirational writers who are reluctant to put ink to paper; but before I share it with you, I want to write about some other things first.
Once I’ve got a Word Doc open, I tend to forge ahead with words. There’s a quote I often note to myself. It inspires me to gather my thoughts and form sentences from them. Here it is:
You can’t edit a blank page.
My, oh, my, this has helped me. A. Lot. Even if a first draft is a complete dud, it is closer to a completed article than a blank page is. Sometimes we just need to show up and spew a bunch of rambling thoughts down. Later, we can look over them with editor eyes and chuck out dull stuff and keep the paragraphs, phrases, or sentences that sparkle.
When we’re stuck, let’s remember: we can’t edit a blank page.
I love this age of word processors:
• It’s easy to delete paragraphs.
• It’s a snap to shuffle them around the page.
• It’s a breeze to copy and paste new sections into old drafts.
Yes, once I’m started, I find it easier to get going.
Like I said, it’s the planting my pants in front of my keyboard that’s the most challenging.
One of the ways you inspire me here on this InScribe blog is by your honesty. You’re honest about the struggle to sit thyself down at thy computer and write. Humans have a need to know they’re not alone. When we struggle, we are comforted and encouraged to hear we’re normal. Thank. You.
I’m amazed how much more housework and hobbies appeal to me when I have a writing deadline looming. I may think about cleaning a dirty fridge or crafting a junk journal for days without being interested enough to actually start the process; yet, once I have to start a writing project, cleaning and crafting suddenly take on an exciting aura that easily ensnares me.
I’m telling you this because I’m hoping my honesty will encourage you. At the moment I began the first draft for this post, I had a journal project and a cleaning rag begging me to submit to their enticements. I decided I would check my to-do list first. There, written on my day calendar, were the words: InScribe Post. That meant I needed to start it. I like to have the first draft written at least a week ahead. Yikes. There were only six days till it was to go live.
A first draft doesn’t have to be completed in one sitting. Having a few paragraphs down is a huge help toward finishing it later. Not only can we not edit a blank page—we can’t complete a document that doesn’t exist.
Now here is where I share the Bible verse that’s a sure motivator for even the most reluctant writer:
If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done. Ecclesiastes 11:4 (TLB)
I hope this blessed you, because you blessed me. Now I need to go and grab the cleaning rag. Afterwards I’ll make a fresh cup of coffee and dive into art/junk journaling.
I’m nosy-to-know what inspires you to sit down and write? I’m also nosy-to-know what creative enticements keep you away from your keyboard? And most important of all, I’m nosy-to-know which Bible verse motivates you to sit thyself down?
Blessings as we write our way through 2021 ~ Wendy Mac
P.S. For a chance to win some of my hand-painted stickers that are similar to the ones I used in the pictured journal page, please sign up for my monthly newsletter. I give a dozen or so of them away regularly. Here’s the link: Wendy L. Macdonald
Enjoyed the glimpse of your pictured journal page - lovely! I am most often motivated to write by the same tip as you: 'You can’t edit a blank page'. And, as you also mentioned, sometimes it just needs the act of opening a new doc to push past that first resistance. As a scheduled InScribe guest blogger later this year, I've already got my draft posts started with a few notes already down. It really works. :)
ReplyDeleteBest blessings for your writing, Wendy, in 2021.
Brenda
Thank you, dear Brenda, for letting me know I'm not alone in finding that quote helpful. Yes, starting with a few notes also primes our pens. That way we allow additional thoughts to simmer and float to the surface.
DeleteBlessings for 2021 ~ Wendy Mac
Everything you said + 100% true!! It continues to amaze me, even after all these years, how I can get sidetracked from writing fo no real reason. I love your honesty, Wendy. And your writing style makes me smile!
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear Tracy, for blessing me. I never would have guessed a prolific writer such as you also battles the distraction bug. It's obvious you're a victor.
DeleteBlessings for 2021 ~ Wendy Mac
"Force of habit," said the rabbit. That's what keeps me going. I also make weapons-grade coffee to blast my sluggish mind into orbit.
ReplyDeleteHow true it is about waiting for perfect conditions. It also helps to write when inspiration strikes. And when inspiration goes on strike, that's the time to edit.
One thing which helps me fight temptation is to have an old computer in a bedroom which I use as my writing room. It's not connected to the Internet and runs on Windows XP. All my familiar writing tools there, both on the PC and in print form.
Yes, Bruce, "force of habit" and "weapons-grade coffee" are handy helpers for writers. I like your idea of keeping an off-line computer in your writing space. I got out of that habit. Relying on my willpower doesn't always prove profitable. You've got me thinking. I know having my notifications and my phone off helps.
DeleteBlessings for 2021 ~ Wendy Mac
Loved this! ❤️😆 I’m glad to known I’m normal too Wendy! And I love the bible verse you shared !
ReplyDeleteThank you. When I first noticed that verse, I hung it up in my former house to remind me to get out in my garden rain or shine.
DeleteBlessings for 2021 ~ Wendy Mac
Thanks for this stimulating post, Wendy! Your questions are good starters for discussion. I've added them to our 2022 blog topics. The insights you and others give will help us when we struggle with getting down to business and writing. Your verse also fits well as a caution.
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear Sandi. "Caution" is a good description of that verse. It's an applicable warning for all areas of our lives.
DeleteBlessings for 2021 ~ Wendy Mac
Hi Wendy! Thank you for sharing with us. I am most often inspired to write from listening to people and taking walks on the dike next to where my wife and I live. People are full of experiences and stories one may learn from. I also find nature just as fruitful when I have writing ideas flowing through my head. Thanks again, Wendy. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Alan. Yes, people and nature are perfect inspirations for writing. And I bet you're like me in enjoying the inspiration of grand little people too.
DeleteBlessings as you write in 2021 ~ Wendy Mac
The part that jumps out - and love the personal glimpse into your journal - thank you! Creativity affirmed - is the part about the Hobbies... do you write about your hobbies, Wendy? Or if not - have you considered this? - this is me talking without having much background on your writing - but it came to mind.
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear Dayna, for your kind comment and timely question. I've written about regular journaling before and lately have been sharing about the joy of art/junk journaling. Just this weekend I created a new junk journal idea that has me wondering if I should share the process on my YouTube. It was so much fun to do and may appeal to others. Thanks again for your question. Yes, I'm considering writing about this. :) When I shared my latest journal page on Instagram, it got a warm response. Hmm, I will pay attention to gentle nudges and proceed as the Spirit leads.
DeleteBlessings for 2021 ~ Wendy Mac