How to beat the blank page in 4 easy steps
When you imagine the ideal conditions for creativity and getting into your ‘flow’, pressure-cooker environments and curve-ball client deadlines don’t really spring to mind. But unfortunately, that’s the reality for many of us – our work demands, and the delicate needs of our inner ‘artiste’ are largely incompatible.
I have always loved to write but, for the most part, I was pretty sensitive about my outputs and the conditions I needed to create them. That all changed several years ago.
I had started working for a busy international bids team where writing was a large part of my role and complete silence, time, headspace (and maybe some essential oils and ambient lighting) was most-definitely not an option:
“We need a full section on ‘subject X’ and it needs to be exceptional, well-researched, distinctive, tailored-to-precision and ready to go into design by noon. Ok? Thanks!”
Gone were the hours of contemplation and waiting for the right words to come. I was now crammed side-by-side in a ‘war-room’ with my colleagues – completely immersed in our solo and collective work, and surrounded by the noise, food, mess, conversations, calls and meetings that came with it. Writing copy in that environment was going to be a massive challenge unless I learnt a new way to beat the blank page, no matter the conditions.
The game changer
Not long before taking that role, a colleague of mine (who was also very much a writing mentor) had told me that the greatest writers were actually really great editors. They were also excellent researchers. I reflected on his words of advice and realised that I would only be able to write in those pressure-cooker conditions if I stopped expecting myself to be writer, editor and researcher all at once.
I had to allow myself to play one role at a time. Cracking the nut on this was a complete game changer – it accelerated my productivity and my ability to focus. Years later, I still use the same process. Everyone’s creative process is their own, but it worked for me and it may just help you too.
The different roles of the writer
In very simple terms, there are four different roles for the writer (which also also correspond to the four different stages of the writing process):
- Research / Researcher
- Plan / Planner
- Write / Writer
- Edit / Editor
The key to never being beaten by a blank page or a frightening deadline is to know which stage you’re in, allow yourself to be in that stage without interference (i.e. get out of your own way) and try not to – under any circumstances – do more than one role at a time.
Step 1: Research
This is the exploration stage, the time to discover.
Follow your nose, analyse, research your topic, your client, your audience, your industry, your competition. This stage is a moment of freedom – approach it with abandon and the spirit of discovery. Get everything bundled together, mess up the page, jot down notes, use post-its, have fun.
Step 2: Plan
Now, shift gears into a more critical, analytical state of mind – and plan.
Having some structure sets you up for success when you are ready to write (even 5 minutes planning is time well spent). What do you want your audience to know or do? What point are you trying to make? What evidence do you have to back that up? What stories can you share? What’s your concluding position? Is there a call-to-action? What do you absolutely need to cover? Are there any limitations (word length for example)? Are there any specific requirements (selection criteria etc)? Plot it out.
If in doubt, stick to convention – every story has a start, middle and end.
Step 3: Write
Now return to a state of freedom and abandon – and write!
You have broken the seal on that blank page because the writing already began at the research and planning stage. Write whatever comes out, just get it onto the page – and when you get stuck, let your structure guide you. No internal critic, no internal editor – just plough through and write.
Step 4: Edit
Now shift gears again.
When you need to (only you will know when that moment arrives) – stop writing, put the pen or keyboard down and take a break. It’s time to put your critical hat back on – and edit! Read your work aloud, edit ruthlessly, check your messaging, check your structure, edit some more.
Repeat 3 and 4 until complete.
Depending on what you are writing and how much time you have, the duration of each stage will vary (it could be hours or months) but, for me at least, the roles and the chronology of the stages are always the same.
Don’t try to be and do everything, all at once
At some points of the creative process, you need to allow yourself to create with abandon – at other points, you need to be more objective and analytical. Allowing yourself the freedom to explore and write freely gives you something to structure and edit. Conversely, having the discipline to plan and edit well provides the foundations for you to explore and write with abandon.
It’s when we try to be Researcher, Planner, Writer and Editor all at the same time that we block ourselves. Know which stage you’re in, allow yourself to be in that stage, and then get out of your own way and write!
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Monique Shaw is the Founder of Re/Write, a coaching and consulting business that helps people and their businesses to find happier success through the power of story. For help with your story, get in touch at [email protected]. New Rewrite Your Career Story programme launching 1 June 2020.