Fear Is What Drives Writer’s Block
November 14, 2007 by Anne Wayman
Filed under Jobs
In my not very humble opinion on the subject, it’s my belief that almost all cases of writer’s block are caused by fear.
Fear of what? Well, all sorts of things, including:
- Fear of completing a book or other writing project – which is actually a fear of something else, like rejection, ridicule, or being unclear on what’s next.
- Fear of exposing yourself or family situation – this usually can be solved by careful writing.
- Fear of the blank page (screen) – the solution to this one is usually just to start writing something, anything.
Over time, I’ve found that most fears can be lessened or even eliminated simply by facing them squarely. When I accept that I’m afraid, truly accept it, it often, of its own action, begins to change.
I’ve written an article called Stopped in the Middle? that may help.
Is there something about writing that brings up fear in you? Tell us about it.
Write well and often,
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Abundant Freelance Writing – a resource for freelance writers including 3x a week job postings.
Writing With Vision – for those who want to get a book written.
In my equally humble opinion: you’re way off base.
In your article you mention very commonly known ways to deal with writer’s block. However, none of them seem to deal with fear.
I also find this article insulting. You seem to be insinuating that someone with writer’s block is a coward. Along those lines you also seem to insinuate that a person who does not get writer’s block is a fool.
“A foolish man feels no fear. A courageous man feels fear and presses on in spite of it.”
The most difficult times I face in my writing are the times I’m writing about the domestic violence I endured in my past. It seems the fear grips me and at times my writing can come out “choppy” and not at all flowing like I feel it should.
Then, there are times my muse delights me with compelling words that flow like honey ;-)
Smiles,
Michele
Writing the Cyber Highway
http://writingthecyberhighway.blogspot.com/
I think I’m afraid that I won’t be able to finish what I’m working on and that it will really stink. I call myself the queen of unfinished projects. I have articles, notes, ideas, stories, and projects that I was once so passionate about and now I can’t seem to discipline myself enough to finish them and get them out there.
Mark – wow… not what I meant at all… I agree totally with your quote.
Michele… yes, those times are lovely indeed.
Stacy – do you know what’s preventing you from finishing?
I realize that’s not what you meant. But that’s the way it came off to me.
Fear makes you not want to write.
Writer’s block is simply a lack of inspiration.
I don’t see how Anne’s post would insinuate that those who suffer from writer’s block are cowards.
I believe you’ve made several interesting points – and when I stop to think about it, I realize that the many times I’ve suffered from writer’s block stemmed from an underlying fear of… something.
Thank you for this informative post :)
Hey Anne, we´ve worked together before in Coronado and I just now saw a link to this post on Denise´s blog. I agree that fear of exposing yourself, your weaknesses and so on to just about anyone online can definitely hinder your ability to be a great writer. Great to see you doing so well.
Take care.
Mike
Thanks, Denise
I am 16 and I mostly have a fear that I am to young to write.That I don’t know all them big words most adults know but i know I have a talent.I also fear isolating myself from my family and friends because when i write,I do write for hours somtimes.I’m glad to know im not the only one that has fears when it comes to writing.Somtimes I dont know whether I should continue or not but it’s my dream and i REALLY love doing it.I liked reading your article.
@ Jenny: Don’t let your age hinder you! The gift of writing knows no age barriers. I’ve been writing since I was a child. I only wish I had focused on writing more when I was your age, instead of waiting until I was almost 30 to really pursue that childhood passion. Follow your dreams. Listen to your heart. There will be people your entire life who won’t understand why you write or what you write. They’ll say negative things to discourage you. Don’t listen to them. Follow that burning desire you have inside to empty your heart and soul onto those blank pages. Just be yourself. Just write…
*smiles*
Michele
Amen!
@ Anne: I just hope I helped! :-)
*smiles*
Michele