Getting Past Page One

“Overcoming the White Space”

Hello, writer! I hope you enjoyed feeding your creativity this past week! Today, we’re going to get down to business: to actually putting words on a page. Sometimes, writer, after all those creative inputs and bubbling ideas, we still struggle with how to actually get started. But here’s the nice thing. There’s no one right way to begin. Now, before we dive in, let’s take a look at some people who didn’t let their proverbial “blank page” stop them.

Getting Past Page One in History

Helen Keller is an excellent example of a woman who got past “page one.” After going blind at 19 months old, she—through the persistence of her tutor—learned not only to communicate through finger spelling, but went on to learn Braille and author several books and essays that were on the leading edge of social issues of her time. She did not let the “blankness” of living blind and deaf stop her from making a lasting impact on the world. And you don’t have to let any form of “blank page” stop you either, writer.

Getting Past Page One in the Bible

Another good example of getting past page one in Nehemiah. When faced with the daunting task of rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls with a skeleton crew of survivors and with enemies breathing down his neck, Nehemiah boldly began by seeking God and then the King’s favor. With those two votes of confidence in place, he traveled to Jerusalem, surveyed the situation by night, and quickly put a bold plan in place to accomplish the mammoth work in record time. Nehemiah didn’t let obstacles or the size of his goal stop him. He boldly took that first step in faith, trusting God’s wisdom and presence to back him, and he actively utilized God’s wisdom and principles to guide him past every threat and obstacle.

Now, here’s the thing, writer. A blank page or the idea of writing a whole book may feel intimidating. But just like Nehemiah, if God has called you, He’s also prepared you for this work. Whether you feel ready or not. Whether you anticipated all the roadblocks or get jumped by your share of Sanballat’s and Tobias’s. Let’s continue…

Getting Past Page One in Life

For me, my most intimidating “page one” was leading a weekly community of people twice my age. I felt like I had no idea where to start. But I took my first step by saying “yes,” and then with some coaching and lots of prayer, I walked through two years of leadership that both grew me and blessed the people I led.

Here’s the thing. Sometimes when we don’t know where to start, it’s okay to learn from others and to see what’s been done before. Just like I did with the man who mentored me. But here’s the other thing, writer. As you learn, you need to be cognizant of your unique story and voice and to see how you can use what you are learning to grow and reinforce your unique story. You will want to be aware of what God has asked you to do and how it needs to be expressed. Not just the way it’s always been done by someone else. Because here’s the beautiful thing…

Getting Past Page One in Your Life

No two writers are exactly alike. While there may be some sweeping categories to help us identify generalities and some tools we can all utilize, your approach to starting your story may be as unique as you are. That’s the way God designed us to be. But one excellent pattern for getting started can indeed be found in Nehemiah’s example.

How Nehemiah Got Started (and Kept Going!):

1. He knew God’s call and promise to Israel and to himself.
2. He assessed the needs and scope of the work.
3. He made a bold plan and courageously stepped forward.
4. He didn’t let any obstacles or threats stop him.

You can do the same, too, writer. Want to know how I know? Let’s take a look…

• “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10
• “Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established.” – Proverbs 16:3
• “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
• “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. – John 14:12

You see, writer? You can tackle page one, page one hundred, and—for some of you—page one thousand! Why? Because you were created for this. And this is the beautiful thing writer. We were created not to do simple things and have an easy life. We were created to do hard things that bring God glory…because He clearly had to be part of it.

Did you know that when Nehemiah finished building his wall…all of Israel’s neighbors and enemies feared God, knowing the work could only have been done with His help? And when you persist past obstacles and fears to start (and finish) your book, it brings God glory, too.

Where to Start with Getting Past Page One

So are you ready to jump in? Here are some ideas to get you going…

1. Know Your Call. If you have a call to write or share a certain story or message, I encourage you to do your best to write that call down, along with any supporting scriptures, and keep it in a place you will see it every day. Regularly pray over it, thank God for it, and ask for His wisdom to fulfill it. Write down what you feel He says and ideas that come to mind. This continual refocusing helps us not only take our first step, but to stay strong when life gets difficult.
2. Know Your Goal. Assess what you format you need to get your story or message out. Will you need to write a novel (or trilogy)? Start a blog? Maybe you need to pen an article. Once you know what format suits your message, make a goal and a target date. Even if you don’t hit that goal, you will have made progress by aiming for it and will know how to refine your next goal.
3. Know You. There are so many ways to start a story!!! Choosing one that works for you and your story is key. Some people create a detailed outline of their story our topic before they write a single word. Some begin with a vague idea of their characters and conflict and simply start writing and watch the story unfold as they go. Some dive into character or world development and the story bubbles up out of that. Some start with the story’s ending and work backwards to figure out what happened. Some start abstract, using mind maps to develop their ideas and how to connect them, while some like to start with a real life person or situation. There’s really no wrong way to begin, so give yourself freedom to experiment with what flows naturally for you and your story.
4. Create Rhythms of Rest & Community. Plan how you will address the moments when you feel weary. Make sure you are staying strong in the Word and with God and refilling yourself spiritually and creatively. Create some rhythms of rest, even if it’s simply taking time off on Saturdays to recharge in nature or with family (or in any other way you get refreshed!). Ask friends to pray for you and your work and be sure to keep them up to date with your progress. Sometimes, when our writing suffers, it’s simply an indication that one of these areas of life has gotten out of line.
5. Assess Obstacles with a “Can Do” Attitude. So often in life when we encounter obstacles, it’s tempting to fold or give up or assume our dream to write is lost…or simply unimportant. But here’s the thing, writer. There will always be an obstacle—and sometimes serious ones—to writing. But just like Nehemiah, when you know the God who called you, you can face those obstacles with the confidence that there is a way over, around, under or through it to finish your book and finish it well. Even when it seems impossible. Sometimes, it may take some creative problem solving and adapting. Sometimes, it might simply take resolve to continue no matter what. And sometimes, it might require recognizing and rejecting lies and lesser priorities.

Because here’s the final thing, writer. Even should the worst happen, you can be sure that—if God has given you a call to write—He will also give you the strength and ability to fulfill that call no matter what. As long as you trust him and don’t give up. Even in moment of catastrophe, you can know that God will make a way.

So, I encourage you today, writer. Don’t let a blank page or the thought of tackling that book or blog or project make you tremble. Build yourself up in your most holy faith, knowing that He who promised is faithful to bring to completion every good work He has begun in you. And as you take that first step, know that He is the one who will be faithful to fulfill His words in and through you.

#writing #start #faith #courage #EveryWriterWriting