Staring at a blank computer screen or a blank piece of paper can be daunting. Forego the frustration. Forget writing your masterpiece for the moment. We’ll get there. But first, jump-start the process.
Cultivate curiosity.
Listen and look. Observe the commonplace in everyday life—the earthworm crawling on wet pavement, your child at play, drivers at a stoplight. Note the weird and wonderful in any part of life. Mentally describe what you observe or write a description in morning pages. Growing your observation skills will increase your effectiveness in writing. Your practice may also remind you of experiences and values you’d like to share.
Take tools.
Carry pen and paper or a techie notepad. Write a word, phrase, or sentence that will remind you of:
- Story ideas.
- Memories.
- Intriguing snippets of conversation you overhear.
- Interesting words, phrases, ways of describing a thing or action.
If you get stuck waiting, observe the people and setting around you. Write about it. You’re not wasting time. You’re growing your writing skills.
Developing observation skills can seem either too simple or too overwhelming. But, whether you’re toddling your first writing steps or running an experienced book marathon, writer observation is the first step toward reader understanding.
Question:
What one jump-start step will you take today toward your writing goal? (A baby step is fine.)
