I’m a writer. I want you to be a writer.

Writing can be intimidating. I get it. But your words are so needed, positive or negative. Because, your words are not the end of your statement, only the beginning.

My creative, inspirational and academic writings have taught me one important lesson….

‘Write everything down that you DON’T know’.

You now have position and placement.

That’s it…now, keep going….’Pause – Reflect – Document’.

REPEAT!

I’m not talking about editing. I’m talking about filling the page. It’s a great place to start when you are staring at that blank, white screen. For example: I know nothing about blogging. So, I’m starting at the start.

I tried to google a few ‘how to’ tips to get started. But, ‘What on earth do I write’? From there, I sat…and waited…

30 minutes later, still waiting…Made a cup of tea, went back, waited some more…Nothing…Got a glass of wine, went back, waited some more….Still nothing. Nup, nothing. Mind Blank.

At this point, I started reflecting on what I need to approach writing in a professional way. So, I contemplated my computer. The computer is my vehicle for communication. It’s what I use to get my message out there.

But, as I sat at the computer, and waited for the inspiration to HIT…there’s just nothing. My computer was not motivating me to write. My blank, white screen was just reflecting my blank mind…waiting patiently.

Then I got it! There…right there…was my first big lesson. My computer is not the place to sit down and wait for inspiration. It is NOT a vortex into the abyss of channelling authors of yesteryear or ascended masters.

NOTE TO SELF: The computer is not where I sit to receive divine inspiration. It’s not. To proceed in this way is intimidating and self defeating.

When writing off the cuff, a computer IS good for show & tell (eg: on Socials). And its even better for reacting.  In front of a screen, it’s super easy to react to something said on socials or email. Not a problem. I can shoot back a reaction as quickly as anyone. 

But writing from within (actioning rather than reacting)…that takes a different setting.

2ND NOTE TO SELF: My thoughts, impressions, observations and rumination actually take place away from the screen.

Here my mighty ‘pen and notebook’ take centre stage. I write down things I don’t know. I don’t write great passages in my notebook, but how I admire those who do. BUT, my notebook is filled with snippets that I jot down around the clock. My notebook is usually with me.  If it is not, then there is a trail of post-it notes, ripped of bits of paper, backs of envelopes or shopping dockets, all scrawled with impressions that ‘I mustn’t forget’. My house and car are littered with such  little ‘notes’.

This could give the impression of one preparing well for senior years. However, this is not altogether a bad thing. As I articulate everything I don’t know…answers start appearing. And if the don’t, my questions lead to other questions. Glimpses of inspiration starts to hit, whether that be from TV ads, conversations or observations. These moments of inspiration must be remembered. Not that memory failure is an issue – yet. But memory recall is…given the many years of recording information and memories. The data bank is very full.

So, in my case, the ‘notebook and pen’ is my inspiration time. THAT is when I’m forming thoughts and insights into coherency.

My lesson, therefore, is not to sit at my computer waiting for something to write. It is where I go, armed with notebooks and bits of scribbled, scrap paper. It is where I go to scribe, to organise, edit and share my observations.

So, as this scary blank page is now full, I now share these reflections with you. Not a bad first day at the office.

Michele Patrick

michelepatrick.com