Thursday, February 10, 2011

Beginnings

Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832)

Beginnings are difficult. I'm in the beginning of a new Dewey book, and while it's exciting, it's unchartered waters. I'm still figuring out how events unfold. How those events effect my characters. And how Dewey and the gang will handle what comes their way. Facing the empty page each day is the job of the author but sometimes it's downright daunting. I will be a much happier camper once I've got words down on the page that I can play around with it.

Best writing advice: Get black on white.

In other words, just get started.

I was making a quilt the other day. An original design, no pattern involved. Just a rendition of something I'd seen. But I couldn't get started. I was using techniques I hadn't used before, with a new machine. Nothing familiar or comforting about this sewing. The quilt was for a show my little guild is putting on, so it came with a deadline. Thank goodness, because otherwise it might never have gotten finished.

All I really needed to do was get started. Take that leap, be "Bold" as Goethe said, and then the rest followed.

How about you? Are beginnings hard for you? Have you got eggs in your wall (I hope not) or a new car to get used to or a new job? Or just a project that needs to get started?

8 comments:

Monica Ferris said...

I know beginning a new book can be as hard as it is exciting. I'm still struggling with where my new book starts.

And with a new car, though that's more fun. It had its first bath day before yesterday.

Terri Thayer said...

It's worth struggling with something new, even if it's just to find the defroster button. Enjoy your car!

Rochelle Staab said...

One of my favorite quotes, Terri. I'm inspired for the day. I'm a staunch believer in small but bold steps to conquer big tasks. Action begets action.

I love your "get black on white" advice and I'm going to take it right now!

Terri Thayer said...

Go Rochelle, go! Hope your writing went well.

Betty Hechtman said...

I've said this before, but I have an easier time beginning with a yellow legal pad and a pen than I do with a blank screen.

Morning and coffee helps, too. The only problems is reading my handwriting later.

Terri Thayer said...

I agree, Betty. Makes it easier to think. I'm going to take your advice.

Susan said...

Yeah, a new Dewey book!! Cheering you on to get this book to the publisher and into the hands of your fans!

Terri Thayer said...

Thanks, Susan!