Write first, fix later

I’ve talked a good bit about the idea of writer’s block, and how a blank page can be a tough thing to get past. However, if you can just get a smidge of an idea started, that’s often all you’ll need to get the full concept written out.

When you get it all written it might be kind of a mess, but that’s ok. Having a draft that needs to be tightened up is far better than stressing about a blank page.

In her book “ Everybody Writes “, author Ann Hadley shared a very simple quote from writing teacher Don Murray:

“The draft needs fixing, but first it needs writing.”

I do everything I can to help keep a fresh supply of loose ideas on hand. I read as much as I can, listen to podcasts, and just try to treat the world like a big “ blog walk “. The more I have, the easier it is to write those first few sentences. Once I get just a little bit of a start, it all rolls from there.

Originally published at https://www.mickmel.com on March 28, 2022.