How to overcome fear when writing?

DrummerDancer · Post by **DrummerDancer** » 07 Apr 2015, 08:22

sharon.gmc wrote:In the first paragraph, write this:

I am going to write trash and I don't care. I'll just write.

I really like this. My biggest hurdle is always thinking my writing isn't good enough, and starting a story is always the hardest part. Thanks!

crain · Post by **crain** » 10 Apr 2015, 11:30

Fear writing. The fear should be recognized for what it is--having been slapped about for academic assignments. How can one associate fear with getting to know herself, and that is what writing does: it lays out for us our own thinking.

KingOfTheAce · Post by **KingOfTheAce** » 10 Apr 2015, 12:12

Overcoming your fear is important. I do not usually have this problem, since Im a scatter-brain. But if it overcomes me brainstorming helps. Let the inpiration come to you and do what they did in beginning of the 20th century, a technique called 'ecriture automatique' which roughly translates into 'automatic writing'. Write down everything that comes to you mind. Even if its is complete nonsense it helps empty my brain of fear and more often then not I have some interesting dialogues or plot twists for my book/piece of writing. You could try it, to see if it helps.

s_curley · Post by **s_curley** » 12 Apr 2015, 17:34

I haven't always been afraid when it came to writing. My teachers and peers in high school and college always told me that I could really write. But it's been a few years and I just recently started writing again and I'm terrified to let anyone read it. I just feel so out of practice and I feel like my writing might just be jumbled words for anyone who reads it.

KingOfTheAce · Post by **KingOfTheAce** » 13 Apr 2015, 12:18

s_curley wrote:I haven't always been afraid when it came to writing. My teachers and peers in high school and college always told me that I could really write. But it's been a few years and I just recently started writing again and I'm terrified to let anyone read it. I just feel so out of practice and I feel like my writing might just be jumbled words for anyone who reads it.

You should not be affraid to let other read it. Maybe it is better than you think! I would suggest to let someone close to you, friend or relative, read it and have them discuss it with you. These talks have always helped me, maybe they could help you aswell.

zeldas_lullaby · Post by **zeldas_lullaby** » 13 Apr 2015, 12:53

I agree.

aclester88 · Post by **aclester88** » 13 Apr 2015, 18:05

I think for me I'm afraid of being mediocre. My writing isn't anything to write home about but I'm not bottom of the barrel either. I have so many stories to tell but is it good enough to stand out amongst the others out there who are trying to be heard as well. So with all this running through my head, I sit down to write and I can't. I don't see the point. Maybe one day I'll get there!

BrookeWorm · Post by **BrookeWorm** » 04 May 2015, 10:57

There's a great book called "Bird by Bird" written by Anne Lamott. I've found it to be particularly useful in this matter. My favorite part is when she suggests that a writer imagine putting their inner critic in a sound-proof jar where it can't be heard. I loved this idea so much that I took it a step further and bought three mason jars. In the first, I put a plastic spider and labeled this, "Inner Critic". In the second, I put a plastic butterfly and labeled this "My Muse". And in the third I put a plastic ladybug and labeled this "Luck", because what writer couldn't use a little of that? It sounds silly, but this visual aid has really helped remind me to put my doubts aside so I can write freely.

Cybersplash · Post by **Cybersplash** » 06 May 2015, 17:57

To Overcome fear from writing is to simply first: believe in yourself. Writing novel is hard, depending on the creative vision you have it might take awhile. Some days the writer has this kind anti mood. He/She doesn't get into writing, and basically looses faith. When this occurs, don't write. It ruins the vision. It's a storm to cloud you. I suggest you should write when you have the mood to do it. Fear is an obstacle. The only thing to do is just let the fear come running in. Don't delete or throw away your work. Just wait, until you have the precise moment for your attitude to vision the story and world you have. That's what I do all the time. Hope this helps.

ryanjames50 · Post by **ryanjames50** » 04 Jun 2015, 01:51

I'm new here so i may not know as much, but for me, I try not to worry about stuff being bad the first time out. I kinda resign myself to it being bad. I get by the fear by knowing that i can make it better as i go. it may take a rewrite or two and i may get rejected a lot before i publish, but at least i'm making progress in the end.

zeldas_lullaby · Post by **zeldas_lullaby** » 04 Jun 2015, 11:09

ryanjames50 wrote:I'm new here so i may not know as much, but for me, I try not to worry about stuff being bad the first time out. I kinda resign myself to it being bad. I get by the fear by knowing that i can make it better as i go. it may take a rewrite or two and i may get rejected a lot before i publish, but at least i'm making progress in the end.

Welcome to the forum! Don't worry, it sounds like you know plenty!

Thesaurus Rex · Post by **Thesaurus Rex** » 11 Jun 2015, 00:16

I think if you are afraid of writing, then you're probably not very good to begin with. Try a new career.

Morgan Jones · Post by **Morgan Jones** » 13 Jun 2018, 22:12

I feel terrified most of the time because I am a bit insecure about my English, even though I know it's not bad. Also, when I feel like I'm not adding anything new to the table by writing something that many have written before. I am still trying to work on how to overcome that fear when it comes, but right now I simply choose to take a break until my anxiety subsides.

Post by **Sushan Ekanayake** » 17 Jun 2018, 13:13

What I do is finish the work as soon as possible because most of the time I am my personal judge and if I rest for longer periods during writing, my mind shows me the could be better points of my work