#writerconfessions

Every story begins with a single word, yet that word often feels heavier than the entire book that will follow. I’ve always found beginnings strangely terrifying, almost paralyzing. The blank page doesn’t intimidate me because it is empty—it intimidates me because it is infinite. There are countless possibilities inside its whiteness, and once I choose one, all the others vanish. That weight sometimes keeps me from even starting, as though hesitation were safer than creation.

But beginnings are also intoxicating. They carry the thrill of opening a door without knowing what waits behind it. I’ve learned to love that moment of uncertainty: the heartbeat before diving in, the silence before the first note of a song. In those fragile seconds, everything still feels possible. The characters haven’t yet defied me, the plot hasn’t tangled itself, the doubts haven’t risen like shadows. There is only the promise of discovery.

And perhaps that’s why I keep returning to writing despite the fear. Every new beginning feels like a small act of rebellion against my own doubts, a reminder that even imperfect words are better than silence. The first sentence may not be the right one, but it opens the path for the ones that follow. And once the door is open, the story begins to walk.

I used to do that, too! My number was even lower. I only sent out five. But that has its own levels of torture too. Sending out so few queries and having to wait six months before you send out more means your journey will be slow.

I'm sorry to hear that. The fog is hard to see through sometimes. Try small steps like:

Making a map

Just outlining a scene

Talking about your work with another writer

Reading (I find audiobooks very helpful when the fog comes on)

It's important to take breaks. I'm sure the thought has crossed your mind that you might never return to the work and that can be frightening, but if you try to force yourself to go back to it that will almost surely happen.

Don't worry about taking breaks from your work. It'll be okay.

I think we all share this fear and I feel a deep level of camaraderie with you. But I think you know, if you let this fear stop you, your work will never be out there. You might be missing out on a huge opportunity because of it.

Sometimes, I feel like this is an easy answer. If your story is about a concept (this is the color blue, or rhythms, etc) then it's clearly for younger children.

But as things get older, this gets harder. Dating, crushes, drugs, death, violence, and all that is for older kids. A lot of people think that's only for adults.

I decide mostly on the age of my characters. So if I'm thinking of a 12 year old whose best friend died, then I'm going to present that story in a way I feel is okay. The friend probably dies off screen and not in front of them. If the friend does horrifically, then the details will be kept minimal and brief.

But if I move that to YA. We're going to watch that friend died in real time.

The decision to write for older or younger kids is equal parts the age of the protagonist and the content you want to write.

Then study!

Pick up some craft books, write a whole bunch, and bite the bullet for joining a group. You won't get better without feedback.

Writing is work, so put your pen on some paper.

The best thing about Camp NaNo is that it's pretty loosey-goosey. Use camp to get some ideas on paper and explore things.

Also, my writing group will have weekly write-ins for Camp NaNo.