A blank page can evoke feelings of fear in any writer. We then sit paralyzed as we contemplate our task instead of actually putting pen to paper. We fear putting thoughts, feelings, and parts of ourselves on the paper. Writing intelligent words that sound great, but lack style and voice can be very tempting to those wishing to get on with it and keep themselves safely hidden from the world. But the only way to connect with readers is to write what you would want to read. In doing so, you can then create a piece of work that is of value both to you and to others.
Where does this blank-page fear come from?
Writing in any way is a means of conveying thought. In putting pen to paper, we expose ourselves to the world. We are then open to the judgment of others. Even in fiction writing, writers put a bit of themselves into every written word. Everyone has a unique style, a voice, that comes through in their writing. It is an incredibly vulnerable state to be in, especially when you are thinking of all the people that could potentially read your work.
Add to that the fact that a writer’s success depends on these judgments of others. Whether or not an audience likes what is written drives sales. No sales equals doom. And so the negative cycle of thought continues. Thus the blank page becomes a block for the writer. It seems safer to leave it blank or write words you think others want to hear rather than open yourself up to possible ridicule.
In this day and age, it is also incredibly easy to get into the habit of comparing ourselves to others. Writers should always be readers as well. It’s how anyone learns and grows. However, losing ourselves in another’s work and beginning to believe that anything we create cannot possibly be as good as this will leave you trapped in a web of self-defeat. That blank page will remain blank, possibly forever, as thoughts of doubt swirl in our minds.
How can we overcome this fear?
Keeping an audience in mind is important, of course, but you will continue to sabotage yourself by always thinking of what others will say. Turn your back on that black shadow of doubt hanging over your head and write for yourself. There has to be a reason you are writing. Find it in your mind and focus on it. Do you have expertise to answer burning questions for others? Maybe you found information on an online topic particularly lacking. Or, my favorite, do you just have stories in your head begging to be put down on paper? Once you have your reason, re-define it as your purpose. Write it down to remind yourself. Then write the story/article/novel that you’ve always wanted to read.
Why should you write for yourself?
When the fear isn’t present to cause you to question if anyone will ever like your writing and you have your purpose for writing in the forefront of your mind, words will start flowing from your fingers like magic. A shift in focus to creating something that you will like will bring your story out of you in the best way possible. It is easy to be true to yourself and it will free you from judgment long enough to get your words out. No one else can write just like you, so keep that in mind as an extra confidence boost.
Not only will fear slow your progress, but readers can point out those who don’t believe in what they are writing pretty quickly. When writing without a purpose, sentences become stilted and lackluster. It becomes information without any spark. If you really wanted to write this piece, it would be crafted in a way that you are proud of. It will be apparent that hard work went into it, and your audience will notice and appreciate that. Most importantly, they will continue reading.
Remember: If you wouldn’t read it, why should anyone else? Readers need a reason to pick up any piece of writing. It can be easy to forget that your personality and passion shine through your writing. People want to read words that have been crafted with care and passion. They want to read content created by a human, not a robot. This is especially true with creative writing, but also can apply to works of non-fiction. We get bored easily with writing that does nothing to hold our interest. There are many other avenues to get information/entertainment in this digital world.
And so, ironically, it is important to write for yourself first so that you then can captivate your audience. Forget them in order to create a piece of writing that is worth your while. Look at that first blank page as a welcome, a vessel just waiting to contain your knowledge, hopes and dreams. And then write.
