I just can't start.

8 posts
User avatar
Gender Female
Points 1318
Reviews 17
I can't start my story. I have the basic plot outlined, the characters, everything. My mind won't let me begin to tell it. Each time I'll attempt to write a first paragraph, I'll just think 'no.' and erase. I've read every article that exists on this topic, but nothing seems to help me. I've even attempted starting from the middle, but that only makes things worse. I'll get sidetracked about how it won't fit with the start, even if there is a possibility it will. My friends all think I've given up on writing because I haven't churned out one decent page. They've been, well, boring.
I've tried to spice things by having action start the story, but the words I write seem corny to me. I can't even tell if what I have is just Writer's Block, or me being stubborn. If it's Writer's Block, I've had it for around six months now.

I did NaNo. I thought it would help. I only got to around five thousand, I think. Maybe more. Everything in my story was rushed, so I stopped. UGH!




User avatar
Gender Male
Points 15698
Reviews 369
This is a difficult problem, one I have had myself. The best advice I can give you is to just write anyway. Even if you don't like that first paragraph, keep going. That's why what you're writing is called a first draft. You can go back and fix everything later, once you've started. And, at least you'll be able to say you got started. Cause a bad paragraph is better than no paragraph. :)
Garrus Vakarian is my homeboy.




User avatar
Gender Male
Points 16552
Reviews 376
You could also try writing about something else. Like a diary or short story or an essay if you're into that. Basically to get yourself in the mindset of writing. I've also been inspired to write while reading.
Perception is everything.




User avatar
Gender Female
Points 1656
Reviews 122
Yes, I find that reading helps a lot. I tend to stay away from it for a while, and exercise a bit or take a walk, or do anything that isn't related to writing. Then, when I get back to it, I usually get ideas.

Also, I find that observing people works well too. That sometimes backfires and leaves me a lot more confused, but generally, it's successful. And I agree with Conrad. Just keep on writing. You'll get the feel of things eventually.
There once was a cat.
He wasn’t particularly fat.
Fuzzy was his favorite mat.
And really, that was that.

Oh, but did you really think so?
Keep reading, it’s just the start of the show!
And as for how far this tale will go…
Well, even the cat doesn’t know.




User avatar
Gender Female
Points 1318
Reviews 17
Thank you guys for the help! I've actually written a page or two. Hopefully I won't get to my old ways...




User avatar
Gender Male
Points 13719
Reviews 243
Just don't look back, once you've started, that is. Otherwise you'll insist on finding fault and get all worked up.
"A man's face is his autobiography. A woman's face is her work of fiction." ~ Oscar Wilde




User avatar
Gender Female
Points 6100
Reviews 121
Never look back until you've finished the story and you can edit. First drafts are never good, although they do have their good points, and they can make your Inner Editor act up. Just keep writing your story, and have fun with the parts that you are currently writing. As the brilliant advice says, "You can't edit a blank page." I have no idea where it's from, but it is good advice. :D
Some people fall in love and touch the sky.
Some people fall in love and find Quicksand.

- Incubus




User avatar
Gender Female
Points 2082
Reviews 71
My best friend's dad is a screen-play writer who just made his big debute. I was lucky enough to contact him before he got too busy, and he's given me so much good advice. Here's what he told me:

"The key is the passion for the story, that's where the best writing comes from.
Your focus needs to be on what you're passionate about. Why do you want to tell this story? What story do you want to tell about it? And so on.
Don't fret. Many a better writer has been where your at, which is why I suggested to "chill", rethink, get focued, and plan a little. I would definitely do that before torching everything you've written. Remember, get your ideas on paper first. Revisions and revisions and there will be plenty come later. But you can't revise something you can see on paper.

Writing is rewriting"

Hope this helped. It sure helped me!



If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man.
— Mark Twain