Overcoming Writing Fears

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By Loretta Eidson

Pressing the send button for that first submission can be the most nerve-racking, push-of-the-button feat ever tackled.

Why?

Writing thrusts the writer’s reputation into the world. It shouts from the inner corridors of the heart, “I have something to write about, but will the editor think it is worthwhile?” It unveils a hidden desire to communicate with others.

We writers often experience fear and self-doubt with each submission. Confusion may take on a whole new meaning as excitement attempts to blend with its opposites. Feelings of insignificance may succumb to assumed failure, persuading the writer to quit.

The possibility of rejection comes with every submission. It’s like being fired from a job with no defense. Rejection rips our hearts and humbles our souls. Self-worth plummets, allowing disappointment to hurl daggers of doubt.

• What makes me think I can write?

• What did I do that was so wrong?

• Will I ever find the nerve to write again?

In the same way God provides armor for spiritual battles, we writers prepare ourselves to stand firm with writing endeavors and be ready for rejections and tough critiques. We must look at each failure as a soldier going through boot-camp. We learn new skills, grow stronger, and become wiser. Then one day it happens. Instead of a rejection, our project is accepted for publication and our doubting questions are transformed into affirmative thoughts and strategic plans.

• How do I improve self-editing?

• Who can give me the best advice?

• Where can I find the perfect fit for my work?

A new confidence in our writing drowns out the fear of rejection. We learn to press on and put our writing in God’s hands. A new attitude springs forward, abandoning doubt and unbelief. Our ability to pen a great story is enhanced, and our writing takes on a new image that invites more submission opportunities.

For new writers, allow time to grow and become familiar with writing techniques, writing formats, and writing lingo. Write every day. Take note of how writing grows with each piece. Don’t give up. Every writer has a beginning and faces similar struggles along the way.

For published writers, understand writing is an on-going learning process. We are aware that submission requirements change frequently and we must keep abreast of the latest change. Press forward to successes. Make time to encourage new writers. Let them know the best is yet to come.

Loretta EidsonLoretta Eidson writes romantic suspense and placed in the top 10 of ACFW’s 2013 Genesis contest. She has non-fiction stories published in various anthologies. Loretta completed four years of study with the Christian Writers Guild. She and her husband live in Byhalia, Mississippi. They have four children and twelve grandchildren. Connect with Loretta on her blog, Facebook and Twitter (@lorettajeidson).

Comments 0

  1. Thanks for this article about overcoming writing fears.

    Over the past decade I have helped “leaders” publish their first books more than 100 times.

    No matter how successful someone is, we all have to understand, quickly recognize, and know how to defeat the top 5 professional fears. They are:
    1. The fear of silence
    2. The fear of sharing
    3. The fear of selling
    4. The twin fears of rejection and failure
    5. The fear of success

    Not surprisingly, most (not all) successful individuals initially assume they are the exception to the rule. ?Fear? Who me? No way.?

    ?No fear? isn?t just a Millennial motto for the adventurous. It?s a way of life. I know all this, yet yesterday I got hit with 1 of the 5 professional fears and responded 180 degrees opposite of what I know to do in such situations.

    I still believe ?No fear? is a way of life, but it?s an imperfect way. Every time we give into fear, whether writing or other endeavors, we need to humbly acknowledge it, remind ourselves what to do next time, and then move toward that ?next time? as quickly as possible!

    –David Sanford, http://www.linkedin.com/in/drsanford

  2. Love it! Very insightful. In your years of writing I have seen how much you learned and just get better and better along the way, but I always thought you were a good writer Ha. You are an inspiration to others who write or want to write and am very happy and proud of you.

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