by Steve Laube
A clean slate. An empty canvas. A fresh start. A new beginning.
Or a potential nightmare of guilt, failure, and shame.
Thus begins the process of each writing project. This blog post began with a blank page. I wondered why I ever agreed to write a blog. I procrastinated with enough excuses to be described as legion. I told myself that no one cares what I think on any subject.
Once my episode of complaining was done I began to write. Each of my posts begins in a Moleskine notebook written by hand. The pages are littered with half-started ideas and incomplete thoughts. And this was no exception. Today’s post is the fourth one that received some scratches.
The blank page is the universal place where every writer begins. And in that moment and in that place all things are equal.
A place where the artist begins creating verba ex nihilo.*
A place of immeasurable potential and endless possibilities.
A place upon which a treasure map is drawn leading a reader to riches unimagined.
A place where worlds are spun into existence.
A place of creation, inspiration, and wonder.
Remember this as you fill today’s blank page:
The world will be a little different tomorrow because of what you write today.
*words out of nothing
I agree, however I would argue that there are no blank pages, just as there are no empty skies, no lifeless lakes, and no boulders that do not contain hidden figures. Give the boulder to a sculptor and see what emerges. Give the blank page to a writer and see what that writer reveals.
Great visual. I recently started my new book project. The story is already complete in my head, now I just have to get it down on the computer screen so my beta readers can read it and let me know what works…and what doesn’t.
It can be intimidating! But hey life would stink without that risk in there.
That’s what gets the heart pumping!
Great post. Thanks for sharing.
Good thoughts. Today, I have the opportunity to write upon my children’s hearts. What I write today will affect tomorrow–for our family. Such great thoughts today, Steve. Thank you for the reminder.
Yes, the page begins blank, but that’s fine as long as the brain is not. Perhaps the true challenge is reaching into our mind (which is loaded with a lifetime of rich experiences and thoughts) and then excavating, refining, and shaping a small portion of that ore to share with others. It’s work.
Thanks for the reminder that the greatest writers in history began their manuscripts exactly the same way we do–with a blank page.
As I read your blog title, my first reaction was, “Really? Steve Laube is afraid of the blank page?” But my second thought was, “Of course.” Pinned on the bulletin board over my desk is this quote by John Steinbeck: “To start a story still scares me to death. I will go so far as to say that the writer who is not scared is happily unaware of the remote and tantalizing majesty of the medium.”
Steve, I love the beauty of your words in this post. And I needed the reminder today that every project begins with a blank page–a page that ultimately is filled with words spun by God through the hand of man. Amazing…
I’m glad you took on the blank page today, Mr. Laube.
Thanks for that great reminder today, Steve. I think that’s the way most of my books and writing begin. Usually I have the idea, but don’t know where I’m going until I face the blank page. (With blogs, sometimes I stare at the screen without an idea, though!) Somehow, God answers the “help” cry and words start flowing. I had to remind myself of that the other day when working on a new chapter and nothing came–nada–not even an idea. I love the way you used “a place where…” Those poetic words and reminders are so encouraging–and a great reminder to me when I face that blank page–not to give up, but to keep the potential in mind. I think it’s that “creative possibility” that drives me forward. We get to participate in God’s creative process: creating something (word pictures, stories, encouragement, etc.) out of nothing, except the raw materials God placed within us–and His help, of course.
I love the fact that each of your posts begins in a notebook written by hand. There’s something about pen on paper that sparks creativity in a way that a computer screen can’t. I find that most of my blog posts and the better scenes in my writing begin as scribbles on paper. Thanks for tackling that blank page over and over and over!
Thank you for this, especially the last line. . . The world will be a little different tomorrow because of what you write today. It keeps our perspective in focus–that we can change the world one word at a time.
The blank page can be intimidating, but I figure that if I put something on it, then I have something I can shape, revise. If I just stare and worry that my first attempt won’t be good enough, then I’ll never make progress!
Steve, please know that I follow your blog and I care about what you think. I revere your wisdom in this writing industry and your posts are revealing and helpful. Blessings, Lorraine
It’s not often I can’t eagerly face a blank page. I’m one of those that does well at the beginning and the end. My middle drags – feels more like a blank page to me there.
Blessings,
Jan
Yes, blank pages are a little intimidating, but I love the excitement and anticipation that I feel when I lay one out before me. It’s like strapping in to a roller coaster ride… only a reeeeeaaaaally long ride.
Thanks for the encouragement today, Steve!
Blessings,
Becky