Friday, February 25, 2011

Overcoming fear

I saw a great post this week on Brenda Kezar's blog called "Even Horror Writers Get Scared...Of Writing." Brenda also linked to a post called Writing Terrors by author Mayra Calvani.

I found both posts so helpful, as it's great to know I'm not the only one who struggles with these kinds of fears. I can elevate self-doubt to an art form, in fact it probably beats procrastination as my greatest skill. The "inner critic" that Brenda mentions is a constant companion for me, no matter how many times I try to banish her.

I also connected with the comments of those who said they feared others would discover they were a "fraud," or not good enough. It sounds as if lots of writers have these same nagging voices in their heads. I know when I started writing for Best Friends, even though I was only working as a volunteer, I was almost afraid to send my first article to the editor for fear I would be exposed as a fraud. When I did send the article, I stared at her reply for a few minutes, afraid to open the e-mail. I was sure I'd be told that even as a volunteer, there was no way I could write for a website.

It was silly, and I can laugh at those fears now, especially considering what a wonderful experience I've had working with Best Friends and that editor. But whenever I send a query or submit a story somewhere, I seem to have the same fears running through my head.

I guess the key is to keep writing and submitting in spite of those fears and nagging voices. I do wonder though if I will ever be able to get that inner critic to go away. I doubt it, but I'm glad to know that at least I'm not alone!

7 comments:

  1. Super post! I wish I could banish my inner critic to a deserted island!

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  2. I believe we all have those inner critic's that tell ue can't do something. The trick is to not listen to them. Great post. BTW good job getting up to 64 miles in your 400 mile challenge! Well done.

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  3. @Kittie, thanks! That's a great idea, I'd love to send our critics to an island together, get rid of both of them. :)

    @LynnMarie, I think you are right, everyone has those critical voices at times. Thank you about the miles, the challenge is a lot of fun. :)

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  4. Hi Julie,
    Sometimes it's hard to turn off the inner critic, but once you do it and the words flow, it's an amazing experience.
    Keep on writing,
    Donna Volkenannt
    http://donnasbookpub.blogspot.com

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  5. Hi Donna! Thanks for your comments, and for the link to your great blog. I'm looking forward to following it!

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  6. I definitely can relate to the inner critic, and not just in my writing! I am glad you wrote about this, it made me feel good to know that there are others who feel like this. Yesterday I had an issue with my plotting, and kept thinking, "Why am I even bothering!?!?"
    But, once I got back on track, I remembered...

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  7. Hi Laura! Thanks for your comments, I'm glad it made you feel good to know others have this same experience. That's the same way I felt when I read the original blog I referred to in my post! And I know what you mean about the inner critic for more than just writing, I am the same way.

    I'm glad you got back on track! :)

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