You have the ideas, you have your computer open and the cursor is blinking on your brand new document. Suddenly, you're at a loss. You type in a sentence only to delete it, or you just stare at the blank page without any idea how to get started.
Sound familiar? If it does, don't worry, you're not alone. First things first, read this post all about how to banish your inner critic. It's imperative to get started without that little companion, so get rid of that voice in your head right now. Now that you've got that in hand, let's talk about that blank page again. What if you just don't have any idea how to start, or no matter what you do, you seem to still be having trouble with the beginning? Beginnings can be tricky. There's a lot of pressure weighing on the first few sentences-- we read articles and advice all the time about how it important it is to hook your reader right away. That's all true, but here's a radical thought: the first draft is not for your reader. It's for you. It's important to give yourself permission to write this first draft for yourself, for your story, and just that. This first draft is just to get those words out. That means it's allowed to have a cheesy first sentence, or start your book off with a less than exciting intro. All that can be fixed in the editing stage when your focus turns to polishing the book for your reader. Right now, though, give yourself the freedom to simply write, even if its done badly. Need some more ideas before setting pen to paper? Here are our top tips for how to start your story!
So there you have it! Thirteen tips for the first page, plus the permission to write badly, if need be, in the first draft. We'd love to hear from you in the comments! Share the first line of your novel, OR, relate an experience you've had where you struggled with first page woes. Stay Fearless!
3 Comments
Victoria Minks
11/3/2020 11:46:59 am
So pleased you found it useful!
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