No. 103 This writing system removes blank pages from the equation
No. 103 • 12/14/2025
Dear readers,
This description of writer's block (aka Blank Page Syndrome) is one I think many of you can relate to:
"Even if your mind is buzzing with thoughts and ideas, actually getting them all down in words can seem utterly overwhelming. So you end up unable to think about anything else, but equally unable to get started. This is blank page syndrome (also known as writer's block)." —Oxford Open Learning
The writing and note-making system I teach—based on the practices and principles of Niklas Luhmann—will not cure Blank Page Syndrome. BPS and "writer's block" are symptoms of something no one system or lifestyle change can eradicate. But, here's what a system can do:
Remove blank pages from the equation.
In other words, the anxiety, fear, dread, and overwhelm typical of Blank Page Syndrome becomes a non-issue, because in this system blank pages do not exist.
Instead of sitting in front of an empty Google Doc feeling distracted and frustrated, we do something else:
We play!
We explore and unpack ideas. We rummage through our database of thoughts like a chest of found treasures. We pull things out, we set them aside. We add thoughts, drop in questions, and leave a few notes for ourselves.
When we're done, we look at the page and realize not only is it not blank, but it's got the makings of a rough draft.
Go from rummaging to rough draft in twenty minutes
The System for Writing Master Course will show you how I go from rummaging to rough drafts, usually in under twenty minutes. For a sneak peek, check out this slapped-together video I made two years ago, which somehow has sixteen thousand views:
Two time signatures of note:
00:40 → Notice that the writing process begins not with a blank page, but with a random note pulled from my zettelkasten. From there, it's off to the races.
04:48 → Notice how quickly my blank page fills up after exploring my notes.
Heads up: My next course course will probably fill up
Ten people signed up on launch day for The System for Writing Master Course. With a little over four weeks to go, I'm guessing it's gonna fill up. I usually cap my “writing with a zettelkasten” courses at around twenty people. Not sure where I'll cap this one.
So, if you're thinking of signing up, I'd consider doing so sooner rather than later. I really want to get into this stuff with you, and there might not be space left by the time we start.
Love,
Bob
Further thoughts on the above
Blank Page Syndrome, writer's block, etc. should be understood as symptoms of a separate issue, be it environmental distractions or something more involved like any number of anxiety-related conditions. Don't rely on writing "hacks" to unpack what's at the root of your resistance to writing.
Writing courses and workshops can't "cure" writer's block. In fact, I think the entire concept of "cure" is flawed, be it in regards to "curing" BPS or "curing" a cold. A better way to think about "curing" is "creating the conditions whereby issues can resolve themselves." This is what I do with all my clients.
What I'm up to
"Getting Lost is a Feature, Not a Flaw," a new interview with yours truly just dropped. Hope you enjoy it.
Was just interviewed by Keanu Heydari for his podcast, Explain Things to Me. Should be released in the next week or so. Follow him on Bluesky HERE.
Bonus poné
Got a question or something you'd like me to write about? Send me what you're thinking!