Writer's Block or Writer's Fear by Heidi Chiavaroli

The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines writer's block as "the problem of not being able to think of something to write about or not being able to finish writing a story, poem, etc.” 

I'm not convinced I've ever suffered from writer's block. I seem to have tons of ideas—especially those juicy new ideas. 

Recently though, I've experienced what I like to call writer's fear. What I define as "the crazy notion that putting nothing on the page is better than putting something horrible on the page."

Perhaps you can relate. You have that story idea marinating in your head—it’s juicy, yummy, and you can’t wait to share it.

But hold on there. What if your idea loses its juiciness when you actually put it on paper? What if it runs out of flavor? What if it’s not even a good idea to begin with? After all, things always sound so much better in your head…don’t they?

Ridiculous, right? And yet I succumb to this fear all too often. Over and over again, I have to remind myself that “God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (New Living Translation) 

Amen! If God has given me a spirit of power, then I don’t need to fear. He’s already done the hard work. I simply need to follow his prompting, whether it be to serve in a certain way, show love to a coworker, or write! J 

So go ahead, live in power and love and self-discipline. Write that first word. That first sentence. That first paragraph. If it helps, look at the clock and see how many words you can write in thirty minutes. Any small accomplishment or mile-mark is helpful. You can do it. God himself has given you his power. 

Have you ever experienced writer's block or writer's fear? How did you overcome it?

Heidi Chiavaroli is a writer, runner, wife, mother, and grace-clinger—not necessarily in that order. Ever since taking her first trip to Plimoth Plantation with her sister, mother, and grandmother at the age of nine, she has been fascinated with history and its significance to today’s people and culture. Heidi is the winner of ACFW’s 2014 Genesis Contest, Historical Category. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, two sons, and Howie, her standard poodle. Learn more about Heidi on her website: www.heidichiavaroli.com.