Don't let the thought of writing "Chapter One" paralyze you. The pressure to start at the absolute beginning, perfectly, is a huge block for many writers. Think of your novel's beginning less as a formal introduction and more as a doorway you can choose to enter from anywhere.
Instead of facing the blank page with the expectation of writing the opening scene, jump ahead. Ask yourself: What is the most exciting or important scene in the middle? Is it a major argument, a dramatic reveal, or a confrontation? Write that scene first. By skipping the slow build-up, you bypass the psychological hurdle and gain immediate momentum because you're working on something you're genuinely excited about. You'll generate energy and get to know your characters and their voices better. When you eventually circle back to the actual beginning, you'll have a clear destination in mind, making that first chapter much easier to write.
Talha Bin Tayyab
Sometimes, writer's block isn't a lack of words, but a lack of direction. The thought of improvising 80,000 words is overwhelming. I know many authors who swear by this: before writing a single sentence of prose, you must nail down your foundation. This isn't just about an outline; it's about defining the core conflicts and stakes.
Start by drafting a "Synopsis of Intent". Write a 500-word summary of the entire story, from beginning to end, focusing on the character's journey, the major plot points, and the climax. Once you've clarified what the novel is about, the starting point often reveals itself because you know what setup is required. This method converts the vague, scary task of "start a novel" into the manageable task of "write the scene that leads to plot point X." Knowing the end, or at least the major mile markers, frees you up to write the beginning with confidence.
One of the biggest culprits of writer's block is the Internal Critic whispering, "This isn't good enough." To overcome this, you have to temporarily silence that voice by making the work feel unimportant. This is often called writing a "Shitty First Draft" (or SFD), a term famously coined by author Anne Lamott.
Commit to writing for a set amount of time say, 30 minutes or a set word count, like 500 words, with zero editing. The rule is simple: Do not stop to correct, re-read, or judge. The goal isn't quality; the goal is quantity and momentum. When you know the work is meant to be bad or simply a rough draft the pressure evaporates. It’s like clearing a muddy path: it’s messy, but you can finally see where you need to pave the road later. You get past the block by giving yourself permission to fail on the first try.
If the plot feels stuck, it usually means your character isn't pushing it forward effectively. When I'm blocked, I often step away from the keyboard and get back to basics: Who is my protagonist, and what do they desperately want right now? The action of a novel should be a direct result of the character's desires colliding with external obstacles.
Take an hour to do a Character Interview. Write out the answers to questions like: What is their deepest, secret fear? What is the lie they believe about the world? What are they trying to avoid? Don't write about the plot; write about their internal world. When you have a richer understanding of their emotional state and their driving motivation, the only logical way for them to act which is your story’s starting action becomes clear. The block dissolves when the plot is dictated by an urgent, human need.
I love to write books i 1 month and i read this forum post.
