We’ve all been there. You’ve finally carved out an hour of peace. You’ve got your coffee, your laptop ( fully charged), and your determination high. You open a new document, and then… nothing. The cursor blinks at you like a tiny, rhythmic heartbeat of judgment.

The blank page is arguably the most intimidating part of the entire creative writing process. It’s a vast, white desert of “what ifs” and “not good enoughs.” But that blank page isn’t your enemy. It’s just a mirror reflecting your own fears back at you.

As a writing coach, I see writers get stuck at this hurdle more than anywhere else. If you’re staring at a blank page that’s whiter than a blizzard, you’re probably making one or more of these seven mistakes. Let’s break them down and get you unstuck.

1. You’re editing while you draft (the “Internal Critic” trap)

This is the number one momentum-killer. You write a sentence, look at it, decide it sounds like something a middle-schooler would write, delete it, and try again. Ten minutes later, you have exactly zero words and a headache.

The fix: Give yourself permission to write absolute rubbish. The first draft is really just you telling yourself the story. It doesn’t need to be pretty; it just needs to exist. If you find yourself hitting the backspace key too often, try the “placeholder trick.” If you can’t find the perfect word for a character’s shoes, just type [insert cool shoes here] and keep moving. You can’t polish a page that doesn’t have any words on it!

2. You’re waiting for “the muse” (the inspiration fallacy)

There’s this romantic notion that writers only work when struck by a bolt of divine lightning. While those moments are great, they are as rare as a quiet toddler. If you only write when you “feel like it,” you’ll finish your book somewhere around the year 2085.

The fix: Treat writing like a professional appointment. You wouldn’t skip a meeting with your boss because you “weren’t feeling the vibe,” right? Set a timer for just 15 minutes. Tell yourself you only have to write until the bell rings. Usually, the act of starting is enough to invite the inspiration to show up to the party.

3. You’re trying to write “Step 10” at “Step 1”

New writers often look at their first page and compare it to a finished, professionally edited novel they bought at a bookstore. That’s like comparing your first day at the gym to an Olympic athlete’s gold-medal performance. It’s unfair and, frankly, a bit mean to yourself.

The fix: Focus on milestones, not the finish line. Your only job today is to get through the blank page. Don’t worry about agents, publishing trends, or what your Aunt Brenda will think of chapter twelve. If you need help staying focused on the right steps, working with a book writing coach can help you break the journey into manageable chunks. (Check out our Aspiring to Actual Author programme for more information)

4. You’re overthinking the “perfect” opening

We’ve all heard that the first sentence of a book is the most important. No pressure, right? This belief leads writers to spend weeks agonizing over the first paragraph while the rest of the book remains unwritten.

The fix: Start in the middle. Seriously, if the beginning is scaring you, skip it. Write the scene where the house blows up or the couple has their first fight. You can always go back and write the “Once upon a time” later. The story doesn’t care what order you write it in; it just wants to be told.

5. You’re going back to page one every single time

Do you start every writing session by rereading and “tweaking” what you wrote yesterday? If so, you’re likely stuck in an infinite loop. You’ll have the most polished first three chapters in history, but you’ll never reach the middle.

The fix: Forward motion only! When you sit down to write, look at the last two sentences you wrote yesterday just to get the flow, and then keep going. If you realize you need to change something in Chapter 1, make a note in a separate document and keep moving. Save the tinkering for the revision stage.

6. You’re ignoring your natural voice

At the blank page, many writers try to sound “literary” or “important.” They use big words they’d never say in real life and sentences that are so long they require a map. This makes the writing process feel stiff, difficult, and, let’s be honest, boring.

The fix: Write like you speak. Imagine you’re telling your story to a close friend over a cup of tea. Use your own slang, your own rhythm, and your own perspective. Your unique voice is your greatest asset. If it sounds natural to you, it will feel authentic to your readers.

7. You’re trying to do it all alone

Writing is often seen as a solitary pursuit, the lonely author in a garret. But the truth is, isolation is where self-doubt thrives. Without feedback or encouragement, that blank page starts to look like a wall you can’t climb over.

The fix: Find your tribe! Whether it’s a creative writing course, a critique group, or a coach, having people in your corner makes a world of difference. At Accomplish Press, we specialize in the “get unstuck” approach because we know that sometimes, you just need someone to hold the ladder while you climb.

How to move past the blank page today

If you’re feeling stuck right now, I have a small challenge for you. Close your eyes, think of one character, and write one paragraph about something they are afraid of. Don’t edit it. Don’t judge it. Just let it be messy.

Writing a book isn’t about being a genius; it’s about being persistent. It’s about showing up even when the page is blank and staying until it isn’t. It’s hard work, there are no shortcuts, and yes, there will be days when you want to throw your laptop out the window. But if you have the passion for this, you’ll stick with it anyway.

Ready to turn that blank page into a finished manuscript?

If you’re tired of the “start-stop” cycle and want professional guidance to navigate the hurdles of authorship, I’d love to help. Whether you need a writing coach for one-on-one support or you’re looking for structured creative writing courses to sharpen your skills, Accomplish Press has a place for you.

• For the aspiring author who is feeling stuck: Check out my Resources page and grab my ebook, The Procrastination Cure, and learn how to silence your inner critic for good.
• For a short consultation to get you moving: Book a Consultation Call with me today to discuss your project.
• If you’re ready for coaching: Check out my different coaching packages and get in touch to start your journey to your finished book!

Stop staring at the white screen. Let’s start writing your story together.

Ready to get started? Schedule a call with Tolulope to discuss your ideas and goals.