As I continue to meet people on this writing journey, there are many who have great stories, great story ideas, but are afraid to move forward in the venture. So I ask the question, "What are you afraid of?"
We all have some degree of fear, that's part of being human I think but is it holding you back from success? As writers I believe we have to stop and assess ourselves from time to time on our progress. Does it do anyone any good if you have all these manuscripts and no one ever reads them?
You have to tell yourself daily that you have a voice and it matters. That's part of an affirmation we use in our monthly meetings. It is hard to be vulnerable to the world,or your audience, but sometimes we have to look fear in the face and in spite of it continue to persevere.
Four things to practice to overcome your fear of success in writing:
- Define it - Give it a name. Is it lack of self-esteem, fear of failure, self sabotage, etc. You can't deal with it if you don't know what it is.
- Set a goal each day. Just one to start, then as you accomplish the goal add to it. You will eventually reach the ultimate goal.
- Join a group of writers - You will get the support and encouragement you need to succeed.
- Celebrate the Accomplishment- Whether it is completing your book, getting it edited, or even getting it published, you have overcome the thing that was holding you back to succeed.
We have to remember no man is an island. The more support you have on this journey, the more likely you are to succeed. At least once a year invest in yourself financially by attending a conference. You will get to see the fullness of it all when you do. It will encourage to dream bigger, be encouraged by others stories and their accomplishments.
The 2014 Queen City Writers Group's annual conference is scheduled for October 16th -18th. What better way to allay the fear than to get connected with a great group of writers.
What are you afraid of?
