Despite their skill, writers often find themselves at a standstill, staring at a blank page in search of the right words. Even 60 Minutes commentator Andy Rooney once grappled with this curse, proving that no one is immune.
Subscribe
Uncategorized
Walton: Every writer’s lament — Curse of blank page
Photo by The Blade | Toledo's
Key Takeaways:
- The struggle with blank pages affects both newcomers and experienced writers.
- Even the most gifted individuals occasionally hesitate when beginning a new piece.
- Andy Rooney, known for his concise TV commentary, faced writer’s block at times.
- The blank page can feel like a curse, triggering dread before words start to flow.
- Overcoming hesitation ultimately demands consistent effort and determination.
The Universal Challenge
Every writer, no matter how seasoned, has encountered the unnerving emptiness of a blank page. As the columnist explains, “EVEN GIFTED writers… occasionally find it difficult to sit down at the keyboard and actually start writing something.” In these moments, the blank page becomes a void—beckoning, yet intimidating.
Even the Greats Struggle
No one is immune to this obstacle, not even those most celebrated for their craft. “No less an expert at crafting fine prose than longtime 60 Minutes curmudgeon Andy Rooney occasionally had to battle the curse of the blank page,” the article notes. This fact can be comforting to those just starting out: If Rooney himself encountered the dreaded emptiness of the first line, the everyday writer can find solace—and perhaps even inspiration—in the commonality of this experience.
Why It Matters
The notion that anyone can be rendered momentarily powerless by a waiting cursor underscores the emotional weight behind writing. As the columnist remarks, seasoned writers sometimes “stare at the screen and lament the chore at hand.” Deadlines loom, ideas swim, but until the first words emerge, creativity can seem locked away.
A Shared Lament—And a Way Forward
Ultimately, wrestling with a blank page remains an integral part of the creative process. Regardless of skill or experience, moving beyond that initial hesitation is a necessary task. Though the lament is real and the empty page can feel like a curse, the act of writing begins when a writer decides to fill that space—one word at a time.
