How to Overcome Your Fear of Writing

Many people have a desire to see their name in print but far too many people never follow through with that dream. What are some of the setbacks that people face when they dream of becoming an author? How can you personally overcome your reservations so you can move forward and begin your dream of writing a book?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Notebook or Computer
• Time

1. Fear of the unknown can be a huge obstacle to overcome in the beginning stages as a writer. Will your book be good enough? Did you write well enough to grab your readers attention? Would a publisher ever accept your manuscript? These fears are all valid and easy to overcome with a strong mindset. Try to turn your fear of the unknown into an excitement for the unknown. Every day can be a new adventure for you so embrace the unknown. Don't sell yourself short just because you have a few concerns.

2. Before you begin on your journey as a writer take the time to research this profession. There are thousands of good writers and only a select few of great ones. Do you want to be good or reach for the stars and try to achieve a position with the greats? Research the steps that these writers took to reach their success and follow suit.

3. Write about your passions, areas that you have a lot of knowledge in. To focus on your strengths you can overcome many of your concerns simply by knowing your material in and out. Start with the basics and expand out to new topics that might interest you.

4. When you have finished writing your story have your peers read your book and take their constructive criticism to heart. Make any changes that you feel are necessary and then send out query letters to potential agents. This process can become lengthy so make sure you send out several letters at the same time to several agents so that your waiting time is not too terribly long.

5. Enjoy what you do. Nothing makes a reader my enthralled with a book then when they can read your passion coming through on each page. Be confident in your abilities as a writer and have fun with it. There will be ups and downs, as with any career, but this one is a labor of love with many many rewards at the end of the day.

Tips & Warnings

• Always keep a notebook on hand for when ideas pop into your head. Those ideas may not be there later.
• Keep a good support group behind you to be your cheerleaders during the long nerve wracking waits for a response from an agent.
• Know that the old rule always applies to writing, If at first you don't succeed, try again.
• Set aside time each day to write. Discipline will be essential should your book be accepted by an agent. If you have created a book series you will need that discipline as you begin working on your next book.
• Never give up. If writing is your dream them pursue it daily.
• Don't allow a no from an agent to slow you down. Your book simply may not be what they are looking for at the moment. A no from one agent could be a resounding yes from another.

[grannykaren]

on 11/13/2009 This is a good article. I haven't got to the book stage but writing online. Thanks for the tips.