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Rituals
Writing thrives in idiosyncrasies. It is an expression that responds to certain environments, certain peculiarities of behavior. Every time that environment or behavior is evoked, our writing mind responds with expression. The idiosyncrasies of behavior and environment then become a signal for our brain to think in terms of writing. Allow yourself to develop these idiosyncrasies and use them as rituals that will prepare you for the act of writing. The blank page, then, becomes a natural staging area.
The right time of day
Watch yourself. See what time of the day you feel most productive, most energized, most confident. Some of us feel this time of day is the early morning when the possibilities of the whole day are in front of us. Renewed, still unhassled by an angry boss, a demanding family member, an upset friend, at this time of day the mind can be cajoled into anything, even writing. On the other hand, some of us feel better equipped at night, when are minds are fertile with the impressions of the whole day. Your time of day is the time when your mind is most likely to respond to.
Warming up
Allow yourself some warm up time to relax. This could include anything from enjoying some quiet time in your room to doing breathing exercises. Some people find small, mindless activities like straightening books on the bookshelf or sharpening pencils relaxing. Discover your own mode of warming up and make it a part of your writing rituals.
A warning: Avoid rigorous activity or television in this warm-up period. The former will tire you out and defeat the purpose, and the latter will distract you.
Idiosyncrasies
Aside from these processes, if you find yourself engaged in some quirky modes of behavior, don't restrain yourself. These are the idiosyncrasies that make the writing environment perfect for you. These normally include compulsions arising from your temperament. For example, if you feel the need to straighten your monitor to a certain angle, do it. If the speck of dust on the monitor screen is irritating you, clean it. If someone has tidied up your room, and it doesn't feel like your space any more, go ahead, pull out some clothes and throw them on the floor. If wearing a certain article of clothing makes you feel more creative, put it on. If having a certain stuffed toy near you makes you feel safe, find it and put it on your desk. Whatever it may be, know that your reflex mind is setting its own patterns. Allow it. These are your rituals. Next time you decide to write, follow these patterns like religious rites. You'll be surprised to discover that the blank page recognizes these rites of passage and accepts you into the fold.
Tricks:
While performing rituals to pacify the power of the blank page works for some, for others these idiosyncratic quriks amount to nothing. In fact, for them, they even seem a little ridiculous. For those of you who feel that the blank page is too awesome to be quelled by some silly little rituals, try tricking it. Don't allow it time to overwhelm you. Don't allow your mind to be overwhelmed by the thought of it. Trick the page and yourself.
Approach the page, suddenly, unexpectedly. Catch it and yourself unawares. In the middle of watching a television show, get up and write the first random thought that comes into your mind about your assignment. Put down another one, then another one. Before you know it, your thoughts will start falling into place. Returning home from work or school, don't wait to remove your shoes, or change into comfortable sweats; begin writing. Surprise the page. See what happens.
Try approaching the page in unfamiliar settings. Write at a time you wouldn't ordinarily. If you normally tackle the writing assignment in the morning, bring it with you to the cafeteria at lunchtime. Take it outside to a park in the afternoon. Try an environment you haven't worked in before. Not only will the novelty of the experience inspire you, it will also surprise the fear out of the page.
The Blank Page
Last revised: March 30, 2002
© 2002 Meena A. Nayak