The Beginning (Instead of The End) by Allie Burton

 

Most writers have a prewriting system: character questionnaires, outline, story map, etc. (Although some are pantsers, i.e. writing by the seat of their pants.) But once the prework is done, it’s time to stop procrastinating and write.

Staring at a blank page can be scary, so make it not blank. Start freewriting anything. Get your mind moving and thinking about your story. Start with a ‘what if I start the book here’ and move on, or set the scene and think about how the setting effects the mood of the story.

Don’t worry about spelling, punctuation, or grammar. You can come back and fix those later. Just get the words down. Write fast to get the emotions and the movement of the scene. Bare bones paragraphs and pages that you’d never show anyone, not even your editor. Remember, you’ll go back and fill in the pieces, smooth out the rough edges, and make it better.

Take a page from Nora Roberts who doesn’t believe in writer’s block and just write.

Allie Burton is the author of several young adult fantasy books including A Glass Slipper Adventure, Lost Daughters of Atlantis, and Warrior Academy. You can find out more about her at www.allieburton.com.

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