I’ve often heard of the “fear of the blank page.” The blank page can look like a great expanse, terrifying to fill. Or it can feel like you’re standing on the edge of a cliff, afraid to jump into the great unknown. Or it could signify future rejection or criticism by readers, editors, and others. Whatever this fear is based on – and I imagine the fears are different for each writer – they must be acknowledged and overcome. Otherwise, you won’t write anything, stalled in the fear lane of life.

Personally, I rarely feel the fear of the blank page. For me, the blank page is something I get to fill with ideas, images, explanations. When I’m writing long hand and I reach the end of the page, I feel a moment of disappointment. The page is full. But then I turn to a new page, with endless possibilities. On my computer, the screen is usually full, unless I scroll down to the bottom, and the blankness is infinite

What if you do feel this fear? What can you do about it?

I like to focus on the possibilities of that blank page, the purpose I have for writing that piece, the eventual outcomes for the writing. I picture my audience reading the piece and being helped or entertained by it. I focus on the project at hand and forego dwelling on negatives that might not happen.

Mark Twain said it best: “I’ve had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.”

So don’t worry about the editor’s critical letter, or the pile of rejection slips on your office floor (where you threw them). Focus on the joy of the moment. You are creating a piece of writing that you have a passion to write. You are engaging in a process you love (or should), moment by moment. Stay bright and focused on the positives. Have fun. Play with it.

How do you feel about the blank page? How do you overcome this fear? What other fears do you experience about your writing?

Do you want to use this blog in your ezine or on your blog? You have my permission, as long as you send notice of publication with a link, to katie@ploegersservices.com,

 and include the following paragraph with links intact in your post:

Katherine Ploeger, MA, MFA, is a writer, teacher, and consultant. She publishes practical, process-oriented information for nonfiction writers and screenwriters on her blog, Katie’s Writing Notes.  Also check out her website at www.ploegersservices.com for books about writing nonfiction.