This entry’s prize is from the author: One custom banner for a blog or web site created to the winner’s specs and preferences, valued at $200. Men with Pens ask for a 7 to 10 day turnaround from the point that the winner transmits her/his specs. We’re also giving away two copies of Ricochet Infinity (Windows only). Just leave a 30-word comment on this post by June 23 to get an entry for a drawing.

My meeting James Chartrand of Men with Pens didn’t go smoothly. We met on Poewar and had a friendly debate about men vs. women bloggers. But as I got to know him, he grew on me. He oozes talent and confidence that many writers don’t have. Sure, his lyrical writing style made me feel insecure at times… so how appropriate that he writes about the topic.

The Fear that Holds Creative Writers Back

Creative writers generally work alone. They write alone, they think up their plot lines alone, they secretively select who they’ll show their work to and don’t really enjoy receiving feedback.

Creative writing is a personal matter, after all. The very action means that we’ve called upon ourselves, our experience, our minds, our skills and parts of our soul to create what we will.

The problem with creative writers is the tendency to think, “I’m not that good.” It’s a rare day when a creative writer stands up tall to proclaim, “I rock. My short stories are awesome. I’m fantastic at this! Wanna read?”

Right. I know. You wouldn’t think of being so bold. You probably say something like, “Oh… It’s really not that good. Kind of silly, even. I could let you see… but…well, okay.”

Not the impression of someone confident in a creation from the heart, is it?

Most creative writers set very high standards for themselves. They do so through comparison. They read the works of others and think, “I wish I could write like that.”

And instead of saying, “I’m going to try to write like that,” they avoid public embarrassment, bow their heads and go back to their solitary work, feeling disheartened.

Not good, that.

We know. We’ve seen it. We recently opened a new creative writing game that lets writers put their talents out there in a collaborative environment. They can practice, learn from others and improve by trying new techniques. Action brings reaction, after all. And a game that uses creative writing is fun.

But some writers, excited as they are to try the game, start to squirm. They create marvelous characters, write a few introductory parts… and start comparing themselves to other writers in the game.

That person writes fantastic dialogue. These two writers have marvelous chemistry. She pens great description. He’s aces at vivid scene settings.

The whisper of fear and self-doubt begins. “I’m not as good as they are.” The hesitations start. The excuses slip. “I’ll just read a bit more… I’m not ready to write yet.”

And another writer slips back into the isolated, lonely world of creative writing, wishing to be better but creating mental obstacles to stay exactly at status quo.

Who says that you’re not good enough? So you’re rusty. So you’re unsure. So you’re new at creative writing. So what?

Writers need to work hard to break the feeling of not being good enough. It’s a fear that we impose on ourselves and one that many of us carry forever. It’s also a fear that holds us back:

• We don’t experiment and try new techniques.
• We don’t learn to adjust and improve our writing.
• We don’t become comfortable with our talents and skills.
• We don’t learn our limits — or push the ones that exist.
• We don’t learn to trust that we can overcome obstacles.

Imagine what would happen if you stood up and said, “You know what? Here. Read it. I don’t care. I love writing and maybe I’m not great now, but I can be and will be. So honestly, truly, genuinely let me know what you think and I’ll work on improving.”

The more that you start putting yourself forth and taking steps forward instead of back, the more your creative writing becomes richer and better. But you have to take that deep breath and try.

And one day, someone will look at your work and sigh, “I wish I could write like that.”

You’ll be able to smile and reply, “You can. Just stop being afraid of what people think.”

About the Author: Want more great creative writing tips? Interested in improving your fiction or getting more solid advice from a pro? Visit James Chartrand’s blog Men with Pens, the Capturing Fantasy blog or hop on over to the hottest new creative writing game on the Internet, Escaping Reality.

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