Just Start Typing

Are you stuck?

Are you out of ideas?

You do not know what to write or where to start. Is that a fair statement?

OK. Let me give you a hand.

Open your word processor in another window and start typing.

Typing what?

I am glad you asked.

Try this:

Just yesterday, I was thinking about ...

Do you need a few more words to go on?

... about how

... about how I ...

... about how I used to ...

That should spark something, but if not:

I have a question for myself. My question is, "Why ..."

Did that help? No?

Well, type this,

I was completely stuck about what to write. I am still stuck, but some guy named Tom said to put my fingers on the keyboard and start typing. All I can think to type is ...

Now, keep going. Do not stop. Do not edit. Do not censor. Do not read what you wrote.

Have a conversation with yourself about how hard it is to write and how difficult it is to find something about which to write.

Ask yourself questions and answer them.

Find phrases and sayings and respond to them.

Just type and keep typing.

I know it is not easy, but it is an exercise. Don't try to be brilliant. Don't even try to be good. I didn't when I started typing this.

This is our common struggle. You are not alone.

If you want to practice with real readers, find a Q&A forum. In fact, make this article a Q&A forum. Let's start a dialogue right here.

I am willing to bet you will write something that is worth reading.

What are you thinking about right now?