Face Off -- Fear Versus Willpower

Happy Monday Everybody,

Every writer has a fear or had a fear they have to face down (or had to face down). Some on a continual basis, and some once or only a few times.

It's okay to be nervous. It's okay to be concerned on whether or not your story is strong enough to withstand the critical eyes of the General Public, but unless you work on your craft, get those critiques, do those edits, and put yourself out there, you're getting nowhere in the business. All you're getting is fear.

Every author has to face down his or her fears. Just because an author has "made it" doesn't mean they weren't nervous/worried/scared/overwhelmed at one point or another. The difference is, they chose not to be debilitated by it. Those authors chose, instead, to say "Hello fear, nice to meet ya. Now, go away, I'm a professional and I got work to do."

You can overcome your fears. But only you can do it. Nobody else can smack that fear over the head with the sword of willpower thus vanquishing it for you. You have to pick up your sword and slay the dragon of fear yourself.

However, you're in good company. Any number of authors will understand. They'll encourage you while you do that 10th edit on the same chapter you were editing last week, simply because it just won't come together just yet. There are those who will offer you support when you get that rejection slip and have to pick up and send off a new query.

Authors do need that support. That's why there's writers' groups, critique partners, critique groups, conferences, workshops and contests and a myriad of other materials for aspiring and published authors.

So no more fears. You get yourself a writer's group, critique partners/groups, attend conferences, read up and do your research because if you're serious about this business you can't let fear take over. You take over fear and crush it under your will power. It doesn't mean you will never be nervous/fearful/apprehensive, it just means it won't prevent you from following your goal of being a writer and being serious about the business.

Have A Monumental Monday!