How to Overcome Your Writing Fears

Litany Against Fear

“I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.”
Frank Herbert – Dune

Writers have many fears:

• They fear submissions because they might lead to rejections
• They fear rejection because it might mean that they are wasting their time
• They fear criticism because it might mean they aren’t good enough
• They fear money because it might mean they’ve sold out
• They fear the blank page or screen because they might not be able to fill it
• They fear deadlines because they might not be able to meet them
• They fear publishers and agents because they are difficult to approach
• They fear public readings because it means they have to be the center of attention
• They fear success because it means they have to repeat it

Here are some things to try when fear is keeping you from doing something.

• Write down your worst case scenario. Be realistic. After that, write down the best possible outcome. Be realistic about that as well. Determine if the risk is worth the reward. It usually is.
• Make a plan. Your fear often grows when you are unsure of how to proceed. When you know the next step, you can concentrate on that rather than the entire problem.
• Listen to the things you are telling yourself. Decide if your fears are realistic and proportional to the situation. Don’t get caught up in negative self-talk.
• Take a moment (or longer) to relax. If you find that you are getting stressed about an issue, it is time to take a break. This is a good time to meditate if you find that helps you.
• Contact someone who has succeeded in doing what you are trying to do. Get their advice.
• Concentrate on what you are supposed to do. Put other people’s reactions out of your mind. Focus strictly on the tasks you have set for yourself.
• Listen to an inspirational speech. I have provided a number of them for you in a single package below.

For the Serious

For the fun