The Power of the Blank Page

What is the Insecure Writers Support Group?

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!  Wow...I like the sound of that!  

I've thought about this for awhile and have decided to take the plunge and join in!
IWSG posts are the first Wednesday of each month.  You will find my first post below.

The Power of the Blank Page

I'm a brand spanking, shiny new member of the Insecure Writer's Support Group and happy to be so!  As such, I'm writing my very first article for posting.  I'm excited, anxious, and a little nervous about taking this step, putting myself out there.  But that's what writers do - right?  Yes, of course!  And so, a little while ago, I sat at my desk, sharpened several pencils, and got out my composition book to start my rough draft.  (Yes, I still like to start off with pen & paper!)  Suddenly, I found myself face-to-face with the dreaded "Blank Page"!  

And 30 minutes later, I'm still staring at a blank page...only now, my respiration has increased, heart is racing, palms are sweaty, I'm feeling very inadequate, and my mind is still as blank as this piece of paper.  What is wrong with me?  Where are all those awesome ideas that wake me up in the middle of the night or dance through my head when I'm driving singing, "Pick me, Pick me"?  Why have they deserted me?  

Realization dawns...Oh no!  It's the mystical Power of the Blank Page...power that creeps in when you least expect it, stealing all your ideas, playing a conniving game of hide 'n seek - a game where you're always "it", desperately seeking answers to the age old question:  "What can I write about?"  This blank page is powerful enough to hold my ideas, thoughts, hopes, and dreams hostage - powerful enough to leave me battling thoughts of inadequacy while questioning both my abilities and intelligence and wondering why in the world I am sitting here...NO!  I take a deep breath and  glance back up to the name of the group I just joined - Insecure Writer's Support Group...S-U-P-P-O-R-T Group!   Safe Haven!  There's power in numbers!  I am not alone.  I have support now - other writers who have faced down the Blank Page and won the battle.  I can do this!

Looking down at this Blank Page again, I adjust both my attitude and posture, sitting up a little straighter and once again, I pick up my pencil and approach it with a little more authority.  What power does this blank page really hold over me?  A flicker of light illuminates the dark, blank recesses of my mind...Oh, it's daring to flame up - bursting to life.  Then comes the Ah Ha moment!  The light bulb is finally ON!  Yes, the blank page is intimidating and scary.  But more importantly, it is a blank slate, a new beginning, a chance to start over...an opportunity for those with enough courage to swallow their fear and dare put pen to paper.  A Challenge!  Yes!  I can do this!  I have come to the conclusion that the Power of the Blank Page is held in my hands - it's up to me to control it and turn my inner power loose.  I have to pick up this pen and write!  With a little help from my friends and support group,  I can do that! 

I'll catch you again the first Wednesday of next month!  The Power of the Blank Page will still be there next time I sit down to write but I believe I will be a little less intimidated.  

Thanks for joining me.  Please visit some of the other writers in our group by stopping by here...IWSG List

Cross My Heart...xxx
Sandra