The Blank Page

A good friend and mentor of mine has a writing group she calls The Blank Page. She would send weekly prompts to our online private Facebook group. The idea is to use the prompt to jumpstart an idea, a thought, a viewpoint. And it works. Some participants write poetry, others a short story. I would usually write an essay of sorts – mostly first-person, and always with the thought that I would share the result here. It got me in the habit of setting aside time to write every day. I liked the process so much I signed up for back-to-back groups. I met interesting people. I got and gave support and suggestions. I’m still connected to everyone. Still sharing.

When it was all over, I felt ready to commit to writing on a regular basis. I constantly write down ideas (like the prompts) in a small book when something strikes me. It could be a sign I see, or my grandkids, a birthday, or workmen putting new floors in my office. You never know when an idea might strike that could become a starting point on a blank page.

I still have the best of intentions. I can set aside time to do it. I can use my laptop or a lined pad of paper. The pens stand at the ready. So why don’t I do it every day? Good question.

It is more then just creating a new habit. I know how to do that. I did that when we committed to working out with a trainer three times a week. I did that when I decided to singularly focus on helping nonprofits with their strategic planning through my business. I read every day. With each of those I can see results. I can lift more weights and am able to keep up with the grands. Implementing new plans has immediate and long-term positive effects for organizations. I finish one book and start another. So what is it about writing?

That damn blank page.

I laugh when I hear a writer say – I write for myself, I don’t really care what others think. Hah! I believe we write to express something that is important – at least to us. So, logic would dictate that we have to care.  Perhaps we want to give folks a chuckle. Or talk about something that others can see in their lives, too. It could be that we are trying to convince ourselves (and others.) Maybe tell a story that does all of the above.

But where to start? Like strategic planning, there is a first step, then a second, then a third. Like training, you start at one level of ability and expand from there. Like reading a book – you turn to page one.  But while those activities have a measurable end in sight, writing might not. And that’s okay.

One of the best things I took away from The Blank Page was the concept that it is okay to just write. No crossing out, no editing. Put thoughts on paper (or screen) and let them live there for a bit. Walk away and then later, reintroduce yourself to the words waiting for you. Be willing to follow where those words take you and not be upset that the original intended direction has left the building. It is one of the most creative art forms. As frustrating as it can be sometimes, I really love it. And if that’s the case, I’m crazy not to pursue it.

So here it goes. I’m committing to writing every day. Whether it’s a sentence, a paragraph, some scribbles or a blog post. I’m committing to posting something to Let Me Get My Shoes at least twice a month. (Hey, I’m realistic – life and work get in the way sometimes.) Okay. It’s out there now. Just like showing up for workouts, staying on a diet, or agreeing to teach a class – writing will also take a priority position in my life. You can hold me to it.

[If you’re interested in The Blank Page (which I highly recommend) or any of Dawn Leas’ writing groups you can find her at thehammockwriter.com and on facebook.com/dawn.colangeloleas.]