Episode 002 – Release Your Writing Fears

Welcome to the Writer Roadmap podcast! This week, it’s all about the most common fears writers have around writing and publishing. I dig into how to release those fears.

You’ll find the full transcript below and if you’d like to answer the QOTW, you can do so in the comments. I want to know: What’s your biggest fear around writing or publishing?

Transcript

Hello Navigators. Welcome to Writer Roadmap, the podcast for writers seeking inspiration, guidance, and support on their creative journey. I’m your host, Holly Lyne, and in today’s episode, we’ll be diving deep into the topic of releasing fears around writing or publishing. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or a seasoned author, we all encounter fears that can hinder our progress. But fear not, because today, we’ll explore strategies to overcome these fears and unleash your true writing potential.

Before we begin, let’s acknowledge that fear is a natural part of the creative process. It’s a sign that we care deeply about our work. However, when fear holds us back, it becomes a barrier to our growth as writers. So, let’s examine some common fears and ways to release them.

Fear 1: The Fear of Failure

One of the most prevalent fears among writers is the fear of failure. The worry that our writing won’t measure up to our own expectations or the expectations of others can be paralysing. But remember, failure is not the opposite of success; it’s a stepping stone on the path to success. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity and recognize that it’s an integral part of the creative journey.

In fact, many renowned authors have faced numerous rejections and setbacks before achieving success. So, don’t let the fear of failure hold you back. Embrace it as a chance to learn, improve, and grow as a writer. The only time we fail is when we give up. And even then, sometimes quitting is the exact right thing for us to do in order to move on to something that is a better fit for us. We can always learn from setbacks and changes in direction. As long as you remain open to those learning experiences then you will keep moving forward.

The biggest lesson you can embrace is that lack of previous success is not a predictor of future success. We just have to keep picking ourselves up and trying again until we reach our goals.

Fear 2: The Fear of Rejection

Another fear that often plagues writers is the fear of rejection. The thought of sending our work out into the world, only to face rejection and criticism, can be daunting. However, it’s important to remember that rejection is subjective and doesn’t define your worth as a writer. Instead of dwelling on rejections or negative reviews, focus on finding the right audience or publisher who will appreciate and connect with your work.

It’s crucial to remember that rejection is a part of every writer’s journey. Even the most celebrated authors faced rejection before finding success. Use rejection as an opportunity to refine your work, seek feedback, and keep pushing forward. Remember, it only takes one “yes” to change your entire writing career.

No book is right for every reader, so you are bound to find readers who don’t like your book. Look at any critically acclaimed or commercially popular book on the market and look at its reviews. It will have many negative ones. Wear your 1-star reviews as a badge of honour that you’ve joined the likes of Shakespeare, George Orwell or Stephen King! Our bad reviews can even help to sell our books.

If a review says that the reader found it “too descriptive” or the main character was “too emotional”, other readers seeing that review may well decide that your book sounds perfect for them. Some authors are even using their bad reviews this way in their marketing, for instance, Jay Kristoff is running a series of posts on his Instagram at the moment quoting bad reviews for his book Nevernight. It’s thoroughly entertaining and a great way to turn those bad reviews into something positive.

Fear 3: The Fear of Vulnerability

Many writers fear being vulnerable and exposing their innermost thoughts and emotions through their writing. Sharing personal experiences and perspectives can make us feel exposed and open to judgement. However, vulnerability is what makes writing powerful and relatable. Embrace your vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness. Your authentic voice will resonate with readers who connect with your truth.

When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable through our writing, we create a deeper connection with our readers. Remember that vulnerability is a sign of courage and authenticity. Trust in your own unique voice and the impact it can have on others.

We’ve explored some common fears that writers face, but it’s important to remember that overcoming these fears is a process. Here are a few tips to help you release fears and cultivate a fearless writing mindset:

• Recognize and acknowledge your fears. Awareness is the first step in overcoming them.
• Reframe failure as a learning opportunity and embrace it as part of the creative journey.
• Surround yourself with a supportive writing community or join writing groups where you can share experiences and learn from others.
• Practice self-compassion. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that writing is a process that takes time and practice.
• Celebrate small victories along the way. Each step forward is a reason to celebrate.

I really love the way Elizabeth Gilbert talks about fear in her book, Big Magic, it’s along for the ride whether you like it or not, so as long as you put it in its place – the back seat with no control over the wheel or stereo, then it can’t do any harm.

Well, that brings us to the end of today’s episode. I hope you found these insights and strategies helpful in releasing fears around writing or publishing. Remember, fear may be present, but it doesn’t have to dictate your creative journey. Embrace the unknown, step out of your comfort zone, and let your writing soar.

I’d love to hear from you. What’s your biggest fear around writing or publishing? Let me know on Spotify or Instagram @hblyne.

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Writer Roadmap intro and outro music used under license from Pixabay. Music track “Salangseuleoun” was Created by “Dayfox”.