There’s this scene in one of the Indiana Jones movies where our hero has to cross a gorge, only there’s no bridge. One step, and he’s a goner. That’s how I feel about writing sometimes—no bridge, no path, no way across.
Then I remember the rest of that scene when Indie—after much inner conflict—musters the faith to put his foot out. When he does, the bridge appears. Okay, I know, it’s a movie and a lot of things can only happen in movies. But I think the principle of having some sort of faith that the words will be there is true.
Sometimes we just have to show up at the page (or the blog post) and take that first step, put down that first word, and know more will follow. Our writer’s bridge will appear.
When you think about it, it always does, doesn’t it? But only if you take that first step. Then a second. And a third…
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Oh, I’m definitely struggling with that faith today. I’ve been trying to figure out how to approach a re-re-re-revision, and it’s a bit daunting. But you’re right – just put that foot out and trust that the bridge is there.
Oh, Anna, you can do it—I know you can!
The words will be there…
This is so true! I often start my writing day thinking something is impossible, or that I need to talk it over with a critique partner first, or ask my tutor… but after an hour of picking at it frequently it just starts making sense, I know what to do, and I keep writing. Now if only I could remember that more often and have a little faith in that bridge!
Anne, I know—remembering that more often is something I need to do, too.
I go through that quite a few times when, it’s just like you said, lifting that foot and putting it down again and pretty soon you’re moving a little more sure footed and wonder what all the worry was about. Until the next chapter…
Catherine, you made me laugh about the next chapter. It’s so true!
This is true for homework essay writing too, in fact just about anything I try and do. It’s always the hardest but you are correct…
It’s like “What About Bob?” Baby Steps!!!
Hi, Karin! Yep, it works for homework essay writing, and probably anything else we need to do. Baby steps work, too!
Yes! In so many things, we’re afraid to start out unless we have a blueprint. But that’s not really how it works. As the saying goes, you can only steer a ship that’s moving.
Marcia, I love that saying—you can only steer a ship that’s moving. No, blueprints rarely work, do they? Nor should they, really, because that leaves no room for the unexpected.
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