Shane Black Helps You Work Out Your Fears
I think we forget that all pro writers were like us once, sitting and staring, unsure of which way to go in a story. And I don't think that changes, even when you get older and more experienced.
You just have to find belief in what you're doing.
Of course, that can be hard when the world is surrounded by such rejection.
Again, this is stuff that happens to everyone. Black recounts a pivotal moment early in his career after his brother, whose opinion he deeply valued, criticized his first script, leaving him "crushed".
The next day, paralyzed by fear and self-doubt, he forced himself to do one small thing: type the letter "T". This seemingly insignificant act was the key that unlocked his creative flow. He continued to type, even though he felt like he was writing "bullshit dialogue", and eventually, something shifted.
The act of writing itself became more interesting than the fear that had been holding him back.
From Fear to Problem-Solving
To write and to share with the world is an act of bravery.
And this experience of being down and then lifting yourself back up taught Black a valuable lesson: writing often begins with fear, but the key is to replace that fear with problem-solving.
It's about tricking your brain into focusing on the task at hand rather than the anxieties that surround it. As Black puts it, "just keep going".
Black emphasizes the importance of silencing the inner critic and acting on the belief that you can write. So many of us hold onto the romantic notion of writing a book or a screenplay, but we avoid the actual act of writing because we're afraid of confronting our own perceived limitations.
We just need to tap the keys and get ourselves there.
Key Takeaways for Writers
Shane Black's advice is a powerful reminder that the act of writing is a journey, not a destination. Here are a few key takeaways:
- Start small: Don't wait for inspiration to strike. Just start writing, even if it's just a single word or sentence.
- Embrace the "bad" writing: The first draft is rarely perfect. Give yourself permission to write poorly. The important thing is to get the words on the page.
- Focus on the process, not the outcome: Shift your attention from the fear of failure to the challenge of solving the problems in your story.
- Be persistent: The most successful writers are the ones who show up day after day, even when they don't feel like it.
Summing It All Up
So, the next time you find yourself staring at a blank page, remember Shane Black's story. Take a deep breath, type that first letter, and see where it takes you. You might be surprised at what you can accomplish when you get out of your own way.
Let me know what you think in the comments.
