I just did something that may seem stupid, but I created folders and writing diaries on my computer for three novels: Headshots, Preserve The Revelation, and China Tour. My reason for doing this was overcoming the blank sheet of paper syndrome.

In the past I’ve noticed that the blank sheet of paper is a real hindrance to getting started on the project. At work, one of my responsibilities is writing new construction guide specifications: for new materials, new equipment, new construction methods, etc. I’ve noticed that getting started with the next spec section was a problem. So I created a file, called TYPSPEC, which has all the paragraph headings I might need. That way I always have a start to the new spec. I bring up that file, change the name and save it in a new location, and begin writing. I did that to a new spec section today, and made good progress.

So now I have three novels started, or almost started. My plans are to write 1,000 words in two of them, or maybe in all three, and see what feels right.

Okay, I’m back to this. I just opened a new document and wrote the first scene of Headshots. Three hundred fifty-five words. It’s a start. Tomorrow and Sunday I hope to write a minimum of 5,000 words on something, at least 1,000 of them in a different work. We’ll see how it goes.