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the hardest part is the first sentence
Starting is the hardest part of writing. Even for grownups. Even for me.
The fix is small: set a timer for ten minutes and let yourself write something silly. The silly part is important. It tricks your brain into beginning. Then the real story shows up around minute four. Try it tonight and see what happens. Writers who finish books are writers who got good at starting. You can practice that tonight.
Hard part · easy part
| Hard part | Easy part |
|---|---|
| The first sentence | The next ten |
| Opening the page | Writing once you're on it |
| Deciding to start | Continuing |
| Today | Tomorrow, after today |
Tonight's ten-minute start
- Set a timer for 10 minutes.
- Write something silly first. A story about a sock.
- When the real story shows up, follow it.
- When the timer rings, you can stop OR keep going.
- Do this 4 days in a row. You're a daily writer.
The first sentence is the hardest part of any writing day. The silly start tricks your brain into beginning. Then the real story shows up. Always around minute four.
— L.A. Walton, The Book Maven
From the Maven Catalog
- Kid Free eCourse — The Ten-Minute Start
- Kid Master Course — Writing Habits for Kids
- Kid eBook — Start Anyway
- Kid Planner — My Daily Writing Planner
Tonight. Ten minutes. Sock story first. Real story second. Set the timer. The silly part is the secret. The real writing follows.