Everyone always asks me how i'm able to write, 2 hours a day everyday. I look back at them and wonder why it's such a mystery. I've been writing poetry for as long as I can remember, and find it strange that most people can't- it's second nature to me.
When I reverse the question back, a lot of people say they find it hard to write or cannot write at all because they get stuck. They can't get past the block of thinking and the actual step of writing.
My advice? Don't think.
I know that's easier said than done. But when it comes down to it, if you overthink a line or a character or even the entire plot, it feels fake. You don't connect to your readers and you're left discouraged and that places an even bigger stumbling block on your creative process.
So if you have an idea- just write. Even if it starts out as nothing, write what comes to mind. Develop the idea and watch the progress on the paper.
If you don't even have an idea? Start writing. Find a quote or a color and start from there- your opinion about it. What you're seeing at the moment. Soon enough, if you allow your mind to just wander and follow your pen (or keyboard!) you will fill your page.
It may not be all first class material. But that's what editing is for, and chances are you'll have a few pieces; either sentences or words or even paragraphs, that will spring more thoughts and therefore more writing.

The most important thing to remember though? STOP THINKING. Just write.

Learn more about this author, Alysia Waters.
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