Who can say what ignites a certain combination of words, causing them to explode in the mind? … These are high mysteries … there is no satisfactory explanation of style, no infallible guide to good writing, no assurance that a person who thinks clearly will be able to write clearly, no key that unlocks the door, no inflexible rule by which the young writer may shape his course. He will often find himself steering by stars that are disturbingly in motion.

—E. B. White

The most formidable opponent to the writing process is the blank page. The expectation that it will be filled with intelligent prose or poetry weighs heavily on the writer, no matter what age. The result of the process is often a disorganized and superficial product. How can we as educators unlock the door to good writing? Where are the keys?