Writing help | Advice
Just Start Writing
The best advice you’ll find
Every writer has faced this moment: staring at a blank page, the cursor blinking like it’s mocking you.
You want to write, but the ideas aren’t flowing. You feel stuck, like maybe you’re just not ready yet.
But here’s the thing — they’re lying to you. The idea that you need the “perfect” moment to start writing is nothing more than a myth.
There’s no magic formula, no lightning bolt of inspiration that’s going to make it easier. You just have to start. Forget the perfect opening sentence, stop obsessing over where the story is going.
Put your fingers on the keyboard, and let the words spill out — no matter how messy or unpolished they feel.
Because writing, like life, isn’t about waiting for the right moment. It’s about creating momentum. And once you do that? Everything else follows.
Just Start
The best advice I always give to my students is simple: just start writing.
I can’t tell you how many emails, messages, and comments I get asking for writing advice or how to improve my writing skills.
And while I could talk for hours about storytelling techniques, character development, or structure, none of that matters if you don’t start.
The biggest roadblock isn’t a lack of ideas or talent — it’s the fear of not being good enough.
You know what I tell people? You don’t have to be “good enough” right now.
In fact, your first draft will likely be messy, and full of half-formed ideas, and that’s okay.
It’s not about getting it right the first time. It’s about showing up and putting something — anything — down on the page.
When I write, I don’t wait for a big, life-changing idea. I sit down and start typing.
Sometimes I have no idea where the story is going. I write until something clicks, then I start refining.
And here’s the magic: once you have words on paper, you have something to work with.
It’s like sculpting. You need a block of clay before you can start shaping it into art.
The blank page is your clay, and every sentence you write — no matter how rough — is a step toward creating something meaningful.
The biggest mistake you can make is to sit and wait for the perfect idea or the perfect moment. Writing isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress.
Start with a single word, a sentence, or even a rambling thought. You’ll be amazed how quickly the story takes shape once you get going.
Don’t Call Yourself A Writer (Yet)
Here’s something I tell everyone: You’re not a “writer” until you’ve written. You can’t claim the title just by dreaming about it.
Here’s why.
Too often, people get caught up in the idea of being a writer. They like the title, the romantic image of sitting in a café, tapping away at a laptop while inspiration pours from their soul.
But calling yourself a writer before you’ve written anything can sometimes be the very thing holding you back.
I see it all the time. People focus on becoming a writer instead of simply writing. They want the validation that comes with the label before putting in the work.
But here’s the hard truth: writing isn’t about having the title, it’s about the act of doing. It’s about showing up, day after day, and putting words on the page whether you feel like it or not.
The key is to focus on the process, not the identity.
When you sit down to write, don’t think about what it means for your “writer status.” Just focus on the words in front of you.
Write for the sake of writing. Forget about what it means to be a “writer” — it’s the doing, the practice, that makes you one.
There’s freedom in not worrying about the title. Without the pressure of living up to the label, you can experiment, make mistakes, and learn as you go.
And guess what? The more you write, the more natural that title will feel.
One day, without even realizing it, you’ll have earned it — not because you called yourself a writer, but because you wrote.
Get Better with Time
This is where the magic happens. Writing is a skill, and skills improve with practice. The more you do it, the better you get. But how do you get better?
Here’s how I approach it:
- Read often. Not just to consume, but to study. Pay attention to what you like (and don’t like) in other people’s writing.
- Ask for feedback. Don’t be afraid to share your work, even if it’s unfinished. The feedback will help you grow.
- Write regularly. Don’t aim for “perfect” — aim for consistency. The more you write, the more you improve.
Remember, writing is a marathon, not a sprint. Every word you write, every sentence you finish, builds on itself and brings you closer to becoming the writer you aspire to be.
As Stephen King wisely said:
“Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.”
3 Layers of Writing
Writing is a lot like peeling an onion — each layer reveals something new, something more refined.
You might think that once you’ve written your first draft, you’re done. But the truth is, that’s just the beginning.
To really create writing that resonates, you need to think of it in layers — each one adding depth, clarity, and nuance.
The first layer is getting the words down, the second is shaping them into something coherent, and the third is polishing them until they shine.
It’s a process, but every layer brings you closer to writing that feels effortless, meaningful, and impactful.
Let’s break it down:
Layer 1: The first draft — Getting the words down
This is where you don’t worry about perfection.
Just get the ideas out of your head and onto the page. The first draft is raw, it’s messy, but it’s where the magic begins.
Let your thoughts flow freely, without judgment.
Layer 2: Shaping the content — Structuring and refining
Once the words are on the page, it’s time to shape them.
Cut out what’s unnecessary, rearrange ideas for clarity, and ensure there’s a smooth flow.
This is where your writing starts to take form — organizing your thoughts into something cohesive and digestible.
Layer 3: Polishing — The fine-tuning and editing
Here’s where the real work happens. You comb through every sentence, fixing grammar, adjusting tone, and sharpening the overall impact.
This is where your writing goes from “good enough” to great. Pay attention to rhythm, word choice, and clarity.
The layers can take time to master, but if you don’t go through all three, your writing will miss that depth and polish that makes it stand out.
The magic happens in the details — when you get comfortable with these three stages, your writing will feel natural, deliberate, and powerful.
Writing, after all, is a craft — one that requires patience and persistence.
There’s no shortcut, but with each layer, you get closer to producing work that you’re truly proud of.
So next time you’re staring at a blank page, remember that writing is a process, not an event.
As Hemingway famously said:
“The only kind of writing is rewriting.”
You Are a Writer
It’s easy to overthink your writing, to doubt whether you have the ability, or whether your words are worth sharing.
But here’s the truth: if you write, you are a writer. It doesn’t matter if you’re published or if you’ve written one page or one hundred.
What matters is that you’re doing the work, and that’s what counts.
Too often, we put ourselves in boxes, waiting for validation or for a label to officially call ourselves a “writer.” But the reality is much simpler: writers write. Period.
And by starting, you’ve already taken the first step toward improving and finding your voice.
So stop waiting for the “right moment” or for everything to be perfect.
Instead, trust the process and believe in your own words.
Whether you’re writing for yourself, for an audience, or just for practice, every word you put down is a step forward.
Final Thought
The best advice I can give?
Just start writing.
Forget the excuses. Don’t wait for the perfect idea or the right time. Begin, and keep going.
Writing is a journey, and it’s not about having the “perfect” words right from the start — it’s about showing up every day, putting in the effort, and trusting that improvement will follow.
As Anne Lamott once put it:
“Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere.”
And with that, go ahead — start.
PS. Coaching is the quickest way to improve your writing. I have the capacity to coach a few writers. Click here to learn more and see if it’s a fit for you.