You Can’t Edit A Blank Page

By M Alice

A LIST OF THE THINGS I DON’T NEED TO DO TODAY

1. Procrastination.

Writing is a lot of fun. Until you actually start. Then it’s haaard.

Looking stuff up on the internet is a lot easier and way more fun.

The idea that I have crackles in my head with intriguing possibilities. Two people, thrown by fate into opposition. Compelled to fight when they both know there’s a better way. A story woven with winding turns, tunnels of alluring and deceptive temptation and possibility. Whispered invitations. At least, that’s how it was yesterday afternoon while I was out walking.

Now the crisp, white page looks back at me. Perfect. Clean and fresh and lovely. All that I can do by writing is to make a mess on it.

So. Drop into the first scene as late as you can and get out as soon as possible. Obviously, that means giving the setting and the backstory enough time to develop and percolate. Otherwise, I could easily blow all the neat surprises and drop a big, clumsy hint at the big reveal. Burst all of the balloons, right in the first paragraph.

I should probably let it cook just a little more. If I start to commit it to the page now, I could begin in the wrong place. Or worse, from the wrong point of view.

The start, the first line, has to be perfect. It needs to grab the reader’s eye and tantalize them. Tempt them with outrageous and unthinkable possibilities. Tease and tickle with hints and shadows of ideas in the dark. Let them know, we will be going places you could hardly dare think of.

Clearly, I can’t risk ruining any of that by writing too soon. Jump on the idea before it’s all had a chance to properly develop, and I could easily scare it off. Make it turn and scamper. Run off in a flash and burrow back, deep into the darkness.

If you drag an idea out into the light too soon, you risk scaring it and making it shrink or shy away. Hold on too tight and you could choke it.

No.

The best way to get the writing going is to simply write. Write and keep going until you start to like it.

Did I pick that up from somebody, I wonder? I’ll just see if I can look it up.

M Alice loves to weave twisty tales of romantic suspense, with rock-hard heroes, kick-ass heroines, and thrilling layers of darkness and intrigue. M Alice has published for more than twelve years and has more than two hundred and fifty titles published over three pen names.