On Writing …

I’ve always wanted to write a novel. I’ve probably tried to get started at least a dozen times. But for a variety of reasons, the idea didn’t finally take until recently. Maybe it was part of a mid-life crisis. Maybe it was about proving to myself I could do it. All I know is that when I started to share my dream with my family, I finally got serious about my writing. I’ll save the details for one of my first blog entries, but needless to say, while finding the motivation to write is ultimately up to only you, surrounding yourself with encouraging souls really matters, and my family was a big part of that for me.

As a “newbie” author, I’m going to share some of my thoughts, struggles, and successes. I’m getting ready to start my second novel, so join me and think out loud. Hopefully my blog can help provide you some encouragement and tips along the way because at the end of the day, writing can be a very lonely sport.

In the Beginning … You Have to DIVE IN

by Bruce Bradley on May 2, 2011

Diving In: Taking the leap on getting started on any new project can be difficult; Photo by: BLT's photostream

Diving In: A View From Above Photo by BLT

Where to begin?  When you’re writing, getting started can be tricky.   Writer’s block is a common ailment.  So no matter what your written task or genre, making sure you don’t get paralyzed by those first words is crucial.  Although we all have different ways of preparing to write, regardless of one’s style, at some point all writers must simply dive in and get wet.

Standing atop that diving board can be very lonely.  Sometimes you look down with trepidation.  All you want to do is crawl back down that long ladder to safety, but you hate that feeling of shame as co-workers, friends or family witness your failure.  On other days you appear more confident.  Instead you hold onto the rails of the high dive, check out the view, and pretend.  You make half-hearted attempts to jot down a couple sentences or thoughts, but ultimately you take a pencil dive off the board.  Let’s face it, to be truly successful, you need more than a pencil dive.  Whether it’s a backflip, reverse, or twist, all dives begin with putting your fears aside.  In mastering your fears you’ll be ready for the next steps … learning, practicing, and perfecting your craft.

Starting up any project, written or otherwise, is no different.  If you find yourself stuck, ask yourself “What am I afraid of?”  I asked myself that question this morning.  I’ve been mulling over this blogsite for months now.  Mentally I’ve labelled this time “research,” but if I’m honest with myself, I’ve been afraid to dive in.  So today, right now, I’m taking the plunge.  I’m going to scrap worrying about what people think.  I’m going to let go of what the entire picture looks like.  I’m going to stop figuring out this blog’s greater purpose or direction.  Instead, I’m going to work on what it is right now and begin.  Over time I know it will morph and take shape.  But today I must trust myself and just let it be-come.

What project has you stuck?  What trips you up?  Or if getting stuck isn’t your problem, help the rest of us out and share how you just dive in!

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