Write Before You Know What You Want to Say

Stop Waiting for the Perfect Idea

Waiting for the perfect idea is one of the easiest ways to never write anything.

Sometimes the idea becomes clear only after you've started writing.

You don't have to know exactly where the piece is going before you begin.

Let the First Paragraph Be Messy

Start with the messy version.

Write the sentence that doesn't sound right. Follow the thought that might go nowhere. Put the obvious idea on the page.

Give yourself permission to write badly.

Edit What Exists

Eventually, you'll discover what you're actually trying to say.

That's when editing becomes useful.

You can change the structure, remove the boring parts, rewrite the opening, and find a better ending.

You can edit something that exists.

You can't edit a blank page.