The true reason why we're finding it hard to write is because we're already trying to edit ourselves in our head. While we’re supposed to be writing for the words is already in our minds, we can’t seem to do so because we wanted to land the perfect words.

Let me give you an example: You have this idea about a story, and you wanted to start the scene with the characters meeting for the first time. You wanted to start by first describing the setting. Scratch that; jumping straight into the character's POV is better. No, the inciting incident should be the start. And on and on, until your mind is tired from thinking and you haven't written anything at all.

Another scenario: You found yourself thinking in the middle of your writing session. You still have the energy to extend your writing sprint, only that you don't know what to write. You then end up not writing anymore because you're still working on the next scenes.

Then, I got just the trick for you.

While trying to learn Javascript years before, I learned about the existence of comment tags. Comment tags are basically annotation from the source code (for those unaware, the source code is where a set of commands were listed, instructing the computer what to show you). Whatever that is inside the comment tags will not show on the interface. It’s primarily used by programmers to section off their work, tell other programmers what the line of command below the tag is for, or even to use it to comment on other programmer's work.

Anything written between the command tag gets ignored by the computer when it shows the “final look” to the end users.

How can a writer use this same technique? It is through using your own tags or markers to section off your real work from your notes, comments, or stream of consciousness, just so you can stay, or find, your flow.

This will help you get over the editing voice in your head because you’re consciously aware that your writing is not yet final. It will allow you to write freely and write as you think. You can be assured that anything written in these tags or markers will not be included in the final draft of your writing, thus giving you the freedom to explore and remove any hesitations.

You can add it anywhere, even in the middle of dialogues (because I'm one of those writers who reacts on what my own characters were saying). The beauty of adding a stream of consciousness in your writing is that you’re not interrupting your flow, which is difficult to regain when you’re finally in the state. Another good thing about writing your thoughts freely is that it could be a gold mine for materials to include in your current and future work. Since it’s documented, it’s easy to look for. You don’t have to think about it again, trying to pick up the thread of inspiration, and instead retaining your state of flow. You can always go back to it after your writing session.

I personally use two asterisk at the start and end of the notes because you won’t usually encounter an asterisk in fiction. Yours can be any character, any font color, anything, as long as they're easily identifiable and searchable. You can then highlight the chunk of text and delete it later. (Or you can also leave it in your current document and copy your formal writing in a new document for safekeeping.)

Experiment. Mix and match this with your current writing process. The goal is to help facilitate your flow and for you to write continuously.

In the end, the important thing is to still write. To put your thoughts into paper and to never hesitate on whatever it is that you wanted to write. You can always edit your drafts multiple times until it's good enough. Revising is a required part of writing. Every writer goes through the process. No one is exempted. So might as well save yourself from the hassle and write what you're thinking.

Using this programming language trick will help you write more.

5/19/2025