Be Fearless
It's been so long since I've blogged about writing I almost don't know what to write about. But never fear.
Fear.
Fear is deadly. Fear can stop you mid-keystroke. Fear can turn scenes meant to be emotional, suspenseful, erotic, or whatever into skim-worthy-then-close-the-book prose.
Fear is the underlying reason some writers don't dig deep enough. Fear of what they'll find when they dig into themselves.
Fear is why some writers pull their words like a fighter pulling his punch. These writers don't want readers to know their innermost thoughts, or even thoughts from a character.
Fear is the reason some writers give up after years of work. Fear they're getting close to success - close to finally selling a manuscript - and not wanting to accept the realities that brings.
Don't let fear knock you down.
Look it in the eye. Tell it to go find someone else to pick on.
You're not going to take it anymore.
Fear.
Fear is deadly. Fear can stop you mid-keystroke. Fear can turn scenes meant to be emotional, suspenseful, erotic, or whatever into skim-worthy-then-close-the-book prose.
Fear is the underlying reason some writers don't dig deep enough. Fear of what they'll find when they dig into themselves.
Fear is why some writers pull their words like a fighter pulling his punch. These writers don't want readers to know their innermost thoughts, or even thoughts from a character.
Fear is the reason some writers give up after years of work. Fear they're getting close to success - close to finally selling a manuscript - and not wanting to accept the realities that brings.
Don't let fear knock you down.
Look it in the eye. Tell it to go find someone else to pick on.
You're not going to take it anymore.
Comments
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
Mason - Excellent idea.
And - no lie - cleaning the bathroom is something I have to do right now because people will be afraid to go in there if I don't!
P.S. The word verification code is 'apardon'.
So I will take the pardon offered and walk away from fear jail! :)
Alex - True.
Marissa - Good for you!
Conda - Thanks.
Talli - Just don't let it catch up with you.
Joanne - Yes!
Elspeth - You're welcome.
Excellent post.
Helen
Straight From Hel
Remember that the opposite of fear is faith. It's such a beautiful word! :)
Jane - I think so, too.
Helen - I fear a lot of things. But I work hard not to let it control me.
Kimberly - "We're Not Gonna Take It" ... you've been inside my head :)
notesfromnadir - So very true.
Sheila - Don't stop!
I have to put fear in a little box on my desk or I don't write, but the comments about using it and not holding back on the page tell me I have to embrace it, wrestle with it, use it to make the words come out true. Great post.
Kathy - Do what you have to do with it. As long as it doesn't control you, whatever you do works.