Sit Down and Write.

A Writers Journey

Part 1. Staring at The Blank Page

Part 2.Sit Down and Write.

It always sounds so romantically perfect to hear anyone say I sit down and write.

I can be if you're ready.

But if you are ready here’s what you can do, should do, and shouldn’t do.

Assuming you have everything in your mind (mostly incomplete as it will change) you sit down and start to write. 

When I am ready to write I do this.

• Block out a time period (when I can)

• Stick to that time like it’s an appointment.

• Lock myself away somewhere private (my writing room)

• Switch on my Mac

• Open pages

• Now before I write anything I write a headline for the chapter. Maybe this is a throwback to my days as a copywriter but for me, this sets the scene. I will spend time using a healing that describes the chapter.

For example, a headline I have just written for my latest book is, ‘THE PROPHET - THE ROGUE SCIENTIST ARRIVES’

This will be removed once the book is written, but for now, it helps me as a memory aid for the chapter I am working on.

Then I write. I don’t stop, don’t edit, and barely look at the screen. I keep wiring until the thought I have is on paper. This works for me. When I look up I am always confronted with a piece of writing that has dozens of red squiggles under badly spelt words.

At this stage, it doesn’t matter. What really matters is the flow of the story is allowed to come out in one movement.

And I keep writing until the moment arrives when my pace slows, and I begin to struggle with what is next. That is the signal for me to stop writing until the next time. 

This is also the stage where I read through the 3-4,000 words I have typed. I correct basic spellings and edits. I do not do a full edit at this stage.

Once this is done it’s time to leave my writing room and grab a drink, play with my kids or simply change my thinking. 

Ghostwriter | Videos | Mentor

Alan Forrest Smith

Ps leave a comment I’d love to know what you think.