So many writers fail before they even begin. Whether it is starting a blog, freelancing, self-publishing books, or whatever else. Writers so often fail because they won’t even start writing.
This was true of me for a year before I started blogging. I had paid for my website and even set it up, but I didn’t even publish anything for a year. Then, I did this again by delaying publishing my first book.
One of the hardest things to do as a writer is to start. Yet, we can open so many doors for ourselves when we do. Most of all, we cannot get better as writers unless we start writing.
How to Start Writing When it Seems Overwhelming
Writing isn’t hard. Well, it is at some points, but it isn’t once you start. However, it can feel very difficult when you want to start writing online or self-publishing a book. Here are five things I do to help me start.
- Write an Outline: Sometimes, I need to list out the things I need to do before I start. This is helpful when we need clarity. Sometimes that initial list gets rearranged, but having it helps us get started.
- Remember Your Vision: When starting a new project, it’s important to have a vision for that project. Why are you writing? What is it you wish to accomplish? Where might it take you? These are all questions to answer and keep close to you when you start.
- Capture Inspiration: If you are feeling inspired by a particular article, book, or podcast go back to it for a few minutes. Capture the original inspiration and start writing.
- Remove Distractions: Close the door, turn off your phone, and step into the task at hand. The less you have to distract you, the easier it will become to start writing.
- You are a Writer: So, start writing. There was a book by Jeff Goins that inspired me to start my blog and then again to start writing my first book. The thing to remember is that you must write to be a writer.
Final Thoughts
Once you start, you will be able to write and write and write. I have found that creative work and writing are like a water faucet. Once you turn it on, the water flows. This is true of writing as well. Once you start writing, you will be more likely to keep writing.
Don’t let fear or feelings of being overwhelmed keep you from writing. Take those things, shove them in the closet, and sit down at your computer and start writing.
What kept you from starting? How did you overcome it? Share in the response below!
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J.R. Heimbigner is a #1 Bestselling Author on Amazon who loves helping people grow in their faith, find productivity success, learn about investing, and help writers become authors. You can connect with him on Medium, his website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Ko-fi!
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