What I've Learned On My Journey Of Fear-Less Writing
Photo: CreateHer Stock
In January, my writing coach and I agreed that I needed a “Word of The Year.” She suggested that “Fearless” would be a good word for me. The idea wasn’t for me to eliminate all my fears, but to allow fear to play less of a role in my writing life. Like most writers I am an introvert, and sharing my writing can be scary. I am also a planner and when something is really important to me, I will make a plan A, B, C, and D! I like to anticipate every imaginable outcome. The problem is that at some point, you have to stop planning and start doing. What I’ve realized is that sometimes my planning is really a result of fear.
With the year being half-way over, I thought I would share some of the recent writing fears that I have pushed through, and the lessons that I learned.
1. Sometimes Others See What You Can’t
Launching this blog was years in the making. I first thought of the idea somewhere around 2015 or 2016 when I was traveling for work and in need of a creative outlet. A friend of mine even purchased a domain for me as a birthday gift. However, I lost my courage because I didn’t have enough time, didn’t have any good ideas, and didn’t think anyone would read my blog (all excuses grounded in fear). So when I was finally ready to flip the switch in March, my friend admitted that she had kept the domain active. Yes, she had been paying EVERY MONTH for nearly 5 years, while I struggled to get over my fear. Honestly, I was more than embarrassed and felt bad about all of the money she wasted. I came to realize that she kept the domain alive because she believed in my dream (even more than me), and truly hoped I would take a leap of faith and pass “Go.”
2. The World Will Go On
I also worked up the nerve to submit a few pitches to a blog that I have been following for years. I discovered it while in grad school, and have been impressed by how it’s grown and evolved over time. Every now and then I would see a post about them accepting submissions, and I would think, “I’m not ready.” Then, this year, after reading an article by one of their newer contributors, I decided to look her up on Instagram. She had a post about deciding to conquer her fear when a friend of hers mentioned their latest call for submissions. I took it as a sign. I drafted some ideas, called a friend to talk it through, and finally pressed SEND. And you know what? The world didn’t end. I didn’t have anything to be afraid of.
3. Confidence Is Like A Staircase
The big ticket item on my Fearless Writing list is to finish my New Adult Fiction book. Due to a disappointing experience with an editor, I had pushed the book to the edge of my mind. However, after surviving the blog launch and the pitch submission, I decided that I might as well complete the book. It’s officially a work-in-progress again. I realized that with each step that I took, I had gained a little more confidence in my writing. As writers, how we feel about our writing, can change from day to day. I’m learning that confidence is like a staircase. Our confidence is elevated with every step that we take.
The next time you feel your writing fears creeping up, remember to take it one step at a time. Don’t focus on the whole book or article. Start with one paragraph and build from there. Fear-Less writing is a journey, be patient with yourself and keep moving forward. You can do this!
