Comments on: The Fear that Holds Creative Writers Back

By: Ceci

Ceci — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 20:15:28 +0000

I’ve noticed this habit among writers, and I’m definitely guilty of it too. But I think there’s a reason for it, for me at least. Writing is personal. When I write, the images in my novels are things only I’ve ever seen before, things I’ve spent time creating; the characters are people I’ve grown to love, even though they don’t really exist. When others read it, and they criticize, it feels like they’re critiquing me, even if it’s not about me. I feel that I am so deeply connected to my writing that if others don’t like it or identify it, they won’t like me either. I really just have to learn that this is not the case, that who I am is in most ways unrelated to my writing.

Thank you so much for this – I stumbled on this web site by accident but now I’m glad I did. You made me think.

By: Karen Putz / DeafMom

Karen Putz / DeafMom — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:20:26 +0000

I can remember in the middle of writing an article about cochlear implants, I was gripped with fear. I had already committed to writing it, but even before I wrote the first sentence, I was getting mud slung at me on a forum for tackling a controversial subject.

So I kept putting off the article, because each time I sat down to write it, I ended up with a pit in my stomach. Then I had a moment of, “the heck with it, I’m just gonna let the story unfold and whoever gets upset reading it can just deal with it.”

It turned into an article that I’m really proud of. And the mud? Well, they stopped slinging it.

Karen Putz / DeafMoms last blog post..A Mother’s Journey, And a Final Goodbye

By: Yvonne Russell

Yvonne Russell — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 09:25:55 +0000

Hi James
I’m reading an interesting book – The Courage To Write: How Writers Transcend Fear. I can recommend it.

It does take a certain amount of courage to put your work out there “in public view”.

That’s one of the things I like about writing for the web. You do get feedback, often instant feedback (and of course interaction with your readers).

Talking about fear and writing… not being able to edit comments after you’ve hit the submit button can be scary too.

Yvonne Russells last blog post..Weekend Writers Cafe – I’d Rather Be Writing In… All Virtual Expenses Paid By The Writers Cafe

By: James Chartrand - Men with Pens

James Chartrand - Men with Pens — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 19:26:15 +0000

@ John – I know how you feel. I’m all over the place, too.

James Chartrand – Men with Penss last blog post..One Easy Way to Clearly Convey Your Message

By: John Hoff - eVentureBiz

John Hoff - eVentureBiz — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:58:58 +0000

Thanks for the correction, Meryl. I seem to be all over the place this morning LOL.

The problem is, in times like these (slow economy and job losses) people start developing that negative thought process more easily.

John Hoff – eVentureBizs last blog post..Blind Marketing Is Risky

By: Meryl

Meryl — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:32:26 +0000

Just so you know -- James Chartrand wrote the post. I am just the person who put it up. Want to be sure credit goes where it belongs.

I love your technique. Simple and takes only a few minutes. We need to learn to think more positively in today's negative society.

By: John Hoff - eVentureBiz

John Hoff - eVentureBiz — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 14:22:10 +0000

Hello Meryl.

I think one of the most important things people need to do who tell themselves they are not good enough is to think the reverse.

They are good enough.

A little technique I learned back in my college days for overcoming negative thoughts like that is to immediately write down 2 reasons “why you are good enough.”

In other words, for every negative thought that comes your way, write that down. Then write down 2 reasons why that’s dumb and you can do it.

John Hoff – eVentureBizs last blog post..Blind Marketing Is Risky