Blank Page Syndrome

We’ve all been there. Whether it is writing for pleasure, for work, or school. You sit at your computer; open your word document and you are met with a blank page staring at you. Or, if you prefer writing by hand, it is literally a blank piece of paper. It can be daunting when you first start writing something. Sometimes it may be that you have so many words swirling in your head that you have no way of knowing where to start. Other times, there is nothing. You shout into the void of your mind only to be met with nothing – not even an echo of your screams.

In those moments, it’s easy to feel stuck. But here’s the thing about blank pages – they’re not meant to be an intimidation. Gandalf isn’t standing in front of your keyboard or your pencil yelling “You shall not pass!” No, a blank page is an invitation. And the beautiful thing about it is that it does not matter what you write as long as you write something. When there are times that I feel stuck I will write something like, “This sandwich I am eating is delicious”, or “I prefer apple juice over orange juice” (controversial opinion I know).

The funny thing is, when something is already written down it isn’t seen as being so intimidating anymore. Suddenly, it’s like my brain can finally begin letting my thoughts flow.

So, how do you overcome blank page syndrome? Some writers swear by freewriting, letting thoughts flow without judgment. Others meticulously outline every detail before typing a single word. And then there are those who find inspiration in the mundane, turning everyday experiences into prose. Whatever your approach, remember this: every word you write brings you closer to breaking through that initial
barrier.

Writing doesn’t always have to be profound or perfect from the start. It’s about getting those initial thoughts down, breaking through the initial barrier, and allowing your creativity to take over. So next time you face a blank page, remember, it’s not an obstacle; it’s an opportunity.