The way to start writing is to start writing. Not so much to take a first step toward a destination, as to begin a process.
Writing (as in art or any other creative pursuit) derives most of its value to the author in the doing, not in the final product.
In the thoughts and feelings that must be conjured, evoked and arranged.
In the discovery of fresh ideas whose seeds were always there inside you, latent and available, but that are only brought to flower with the application of effort to share some related thoughts with an audience.
In the sweat and toil of it, overcoming inertia, uncertainty, laziness, fear.
In striving to construct an architecture of ideas expressed in language that is honest, clear, compelling, complete and reaches for a measure of grace.
In learning how to advance your craft.
In learning something about yourself by exposing yourself to an audience.
In learning something about your audience by challenging yourself to know them well enough to ensure that what they read into your words is as intended.
In the satisfaction of doing something hard.
In answering the call, shared by each of us, to express and connect.
In the letting go that must come when it's time to put down the pen and allow your little creation to escape and succeed or fail on its own.