Every writer knows the feeling: you sit down, ready to write, and the blank page stares back like a void. Whether it’s a novel, blog post, screenplay, or journal entry, the blank page can feel like a silent dare, challenging you to be brilliant—or else.

The fear of the blank page isn’t just about writing; it’s about starting. It’s the pressure to create something perfect, the inner critic whispering that you’re not good enough, or the paralysis that comes when you don’t know exactly what to say. But here’s the good news: that fear is normal—and beatable.

Here’s how to take back control and get your words flowing.

1. Give Yourself Permission to Write Badly

Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. Your first draft isn’t supposed to be perfect—it’s supposed to exist. Let yourself write badly. Messy. Cliché. Awkward. Just write. You can’t revise a blank page, but you can sculpt a rough one. Tell your inner critic to take a seat—you’ll need them later, during editing.

2. Set a Timer and Just Go

Set a timer for 10 or 15 minutes and challenge yourself to write anything until the buzzer goes off. Don’t stop to reread or edit. This technique, often called a “free write,” helps bypass the inner critic and taps into your creative flow. You might be surprised what comes out when you’re not overthinking it.

3. Start in the Middle

Who says you have to start at the beginning? If the intro feels daunting, skip it. Write the scene that excites you most. Jot down the dialogue you hear in your head. You can always come back and build the beginning later. Starting anywhere breaks the inertia.

4. Use Prompts or Constraints

Sometimes, the scariest thing is having too much freedom. Give yourself a prompt, a question, or a creative constraint. Try:

• “Write a letter to your future self.”
• “Describe a moment of unexpected joy.”
• “Write a story that takes place entirely in a car.”

Constraints can spark unexpected creativity.

5. Change the Medium

If the computer screen feels too intimidating, switch it up. Try writing longhand in a notebook. Use a whiteboard, index cards, or even voice memos. Changing the format can trick your brain into relaxing and make writing feel more playful.

Remember: every masterpiece began as a blank page. The difference between a writer and a “wannabe” isn’t talent—it’s the willingness to begin. Show up. Write something. Write anything. The words will come.

And if today’s words aren’t great? That’s okay. Tomorrow’s will be better—because you dared to start.

Need more inspiration? Subscribe to my newsletter to get weekly writing prompts, behind-the-scenes peeks at the creative process, and motivation from fellow writers in the trenches—just like you.