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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/6997-The-Blank-White-Page.html
Action/Adventure: May 20, 2015 Issue [#6997]

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Action/Adventure


 This week: The Blank White Page
  Edited by: Storm Machine Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

"A blank page is no empty space. It is brimming with potential... It is a masterpiece in waiting -- yours.” ~ A.A. Patawaran,


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B004PICKDS
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Letter from the editor

Fear of the blank page keeps many writers from pouring out their masterpieces. What is it about staring at a white screen or that empty notebook that makes us feel like we need to do anything else? Oh, I forgot, I think I have a dentist appointment!

I've been participating in a poetry course called How Writers Write Poetry though the University of Iowa. One week they discussed how form gives the poem freedom to be better. What does that have to do with prose? Well, there are writers who attempt to constrain themselves in order to create better stories. There is also the idea that a limitation makes your brain find new ways to get around the problem.

So the problem with the blank page is there are no obstacles. We don't know which direction we're going. A prompt can change this - only 1000 words or using these specific words: black, fae, journey, wind. And if those leave you cold?

You could attempt to work out something else- like Heinlein in The Moon is a Harsh Mistress- supposedly the only 'the' is in the title. There was another novel written in French, La Disparition, and then translated to English, A Void, and neither version uses the letter e. How do these constraints help you?

If you cannot use the words you start with, you have to find new ones.
Choosing words is difficult without adding constraints, but it can allow free thoughts.
[Still can't do a whole sentence without an e!]

What will make your brain more dedicated to your own writing adventures? Maybe you should forbid yourself certain items and see what happens.

Note: if you're curious about the novel without an e, check Oulipo  Open in new Window. for the group that spurred the author to attempt it.


Editor's Picks

 June 6th 1944: D-DAY? Open in new Window. (E)
The seas whip and froth around the bow of the barge as it heads towards the distant shore.
#2041292 by History writer Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2041425 by Not Available.

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#2042055 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
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#2041501 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2041560 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2041138 by Not Available.

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Last Contact Open in new Window. (13+)
A cautionary tale for all would-be space explorers.
#2041079 by the prodigal son returns 2024. Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2041117 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2040893 by Not Available.

 
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Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: B0CJKJMTPD
Product Type: Kindle Store
Amazon's Price: $ 4.99


Ask & Answer

blunderbuss
Hi Storm!

Thank you very much for the Newsletter and also for highlighting my children's story here in the Editor's Picks - already got a review!
         Awesome!

Quick-Quill Author Icon
I like strong women. I think, for me, the issue is women who take over a story to the detriment of other characters or ones that lead by example. I Like a joan of Arc, but I woldn't like some mother forsaking her family to run off and fight for a cause. I'm a traditionalist.
         It takes all kinds.

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Word from our sponsor
ASIN: 1945043032
Amazon's Price: $ 13.94

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