# Paper, lots of paper

>I am eager to get to my computer to start on my latest idea

Get started in little ways before you “start writing”.

Similar to [the Answer by GGx][1], I suggest using pen-and-paper rather than computer to get started. 

My key point here is that brainstorming/sketching/**planning is a separate phase from drafting** ("writing"). Drafting is done at the computer when you are generating your prose. But before that you must have ideas, directions, doodles, outlines, and such from which to generate your prose. 

I myself am doing technical writing rather than fiction, but I suspect the process is similar. I walk away from the computer, literally, going to a coffee-shop or friend’s home. I carry a certain small backpack or bag with loose plain-white paper, a notebook, a [fine-paper pad][2], and an inexpensive but enjoyable [fountain pen][3]. I pull out of my pocket some scraps of paper or napkins with a title, key phrases, or blips of ideas. From that I sketch, doodle, and draw my own version of [mind maps][4]. I do some research on an iPad. I make a list of resources to consult again later. I jot down every thought, every point, that *might* be useful. 

Eventually I begin to organize those points, evolving into a loose outline. 

From there I make rough cuts on the loose-leaf paper (or index cards). I use loose-leaf so I can shuffle to change order or replace entire pages. I switch back-and-forth from the loose-leaf pile to all the other material to make sure I included all the good nuggets, or to redirect myself if I lose my way.

Only after the pile of loose-leaf pieces come together as some kind of a whole do I approach the computer. What eventually comes out of the computer is always substantially altered, but still basically formed from the foundation laid down on paper. 

>as soon as I see that blank page

Notice the trick I devised: **At no time did I stare at “a blank page”.** 

Whatever process you discover for yourself, I think the key is separating the phases of brain-storming, planning, drafting, and editing. Trying to wear more than one of those hats at the same time is what kills creativity and drains energy.



  [1]: https://writing.stackexchange.com/a/36348/11193
  [2]: https://rhodiapads.com
  [3]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf4CcluJH00
  [4]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map