Today starts the saga of Sherman Shilmeister's attempt to write a book. Each episode is under two minutes long and is followed by some practical tips.
THAT BLANK FIRST PAGE CAN BE SCARY. Here are some ways to overcome that fear:
* Remember that you don't even have to start with the first page. If there's a scene later on in your book or screenplay that you know will be part of the story, jump ahead and write that one first. It may help you break the ice.
* Remember that you'll probably end up rewriting the first pages anyway. Don't try to write the perfect first line or the perfect first paragraph, page, or chapter. Just get something down that gets you rolling. You can and will come back to it later to make it better.
* Write three different openings and decide later which one to use. Having several options takes the pressure of you to come up with the 'right' one immediately.
Sherwin's journey continues tomorrow...
(And your journey of writing can be made easier with advice from the greatest writers--like Twain, Dickens, Austen, Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Conrad, and many more. They spill the beans in my newest book, "Your Creative Writing Masterclass," published by Nichoals Brealey and available from Amazone or your other favorite book seller.)
