Guest Post – 3 Ways to Overcome Your Fear of Writing
Fear is what holds us back from being successful. Most times, you just have to jump in and see what results you’ll get. So what if you fail. At least you tried. So then what? Brush yourself off and try again…and again…and again until you succeed.
There was a time I was afraid to write. Some times, I still hold back. What was my fear? I was afraid of what people thought about my writing ability. What if I suck? What if people don’t like what I have say? OMG! If I suck, my real name is on this piece of writing. The worse thing that’ll happen is someone will have the nerve to email me and say I suck donkey crap and I should never attempt to write anything again. Don’t worry; I never got an email like that and you won’t either.
On the flip side, there’s a better chance of someone emailing you and thanking you on how your article helped them or how it inspired them.
Here are three ways to overcome your fear of writing and break down the barriers that are stopping you from becoming a writer.
1. Start a Blog
A blog is your personal space. You can write whatever you want. People don’t write poorly on purpose. Everyone has a writing style or writing voice. Find yours and be relatable because that is what attracts people to you. Even if your writing isn’t very good to begin with, it will improve over time. The more you write, the better you’ll become and you’ll gain more confidence.
2. Just Write
Don’t keep putting it off. Start writing now. Choose a topic you’re familiar with and write about it. Then run it through Word. Let it sit for a day or two, and then tweak it if needed. Don’t worry if your article isn’t perfect because no one cares. As long as you get your point across and people understand and like what you’re writing, then that’s good. Next, find someone you know, preferably another writer, who will give you constructive feedback. Accept this information and work on your problem areas. Get help from other writers; find a writing mentor, or take a writing course and continue to write daily. It doesn’t have to be a full article. You can set a timer for 15 or 30 minutes of uninterrupted writing time.
3. Submit to Article Directories
When your articles are accepted into a popular article directory, it’s a feel good achievement. When your articles are reprinted and republished on reputable websites, well then, I must say, it means your writing doesn’t suck donkey crap! Don’t stop with article directories. Keep writing for yourself and for others. By now, you should know you have something worthy to share.
Your fear of writing stops right here, right now because there are doors open with many writing opportunities.
“Don’t be afraid of your fears. They’re not there to scare you. They’re there to let you know something is worth it.” ~ C. Joybell C
Sophia McIntyre is an Article Marketer, Ghostwriter and founder of WorkAtHomeSpace.com, a free resource offering work at home companies and jobs, home businesses, ghostwriting services and other work at home related topics.
October 13th, 2012 at 1:59 pm
Thanks for the great article! I’m a “Middle Baby Boomer”, mother of 8 and 5 grandchildren and live alone. Over the years I’ve had some success, but and recently have been blessed with the opportunity to take my “shot” in the writers world with the determination I now possess. Thus… welcome to the “World of West”