All because of fear.
But what about our writing? How is fear influencing our careers or our manuscripts? Consider the statements below.
Fear of man
• I need industry gatekeepers (agents, editors, publishers) to put their stamp of approval on my writing for me to feel like a real writer.
• I avoid certain themes I want to write about (for instance, abortion or divorce) because others might disagree or misinterpret or place labels on me.
• I say “yes” to projects God isn’t calling me to because others are telling me I should.
• Negative reviews crush my spirit.
Fear of provision
• I rush my writing because I need to produce more to increase my income.
• I choose avenues of publication solely based on money, ignoring the aspect of calling.
• I limit writing time because I don’t feel justified spending so much time on what isn’t producing much money.
Fear of rejection
• I come up with excuses not to submit to agents and editors, but really, I just don’t want to hear, “not interested.”
• I don’t pitch my dream ideas because they seem too outside the box.
• I don’t join a critique group because I’m afraid my writing isn’t good enough, or that I’m too sensitive to handle negative feedback.
• I don’t ask authors for endorsements or support because I don’t want to be turned down.
• I don’t attend conferences or events because I feel like I’ll be left out or overlooked by others who seem to be friends.
Fear of not being in control
• I don’t need critique partners—or I don’t listen to the ones I have—because I can’t trust other people’s opinions, and I think I know best.
• I publish independently because I don’t want to submit my writing to the structure and processes of traditional publishing.
The inventory could go on and on, right? But this blog post shouldn’t, so let’s close with…
Three Ways to Combat Fear-Decisions
1. Be intentional with social media. Humans are like herd animals. When we sense or see fearful reactions, we get pulled in. On the other hand, community also balances us, so be intentional with your how, when, and why of social media.
2. Listen to trusted industry voices. It’s easy to find a voice out in internet-land to affirm whatever we want to think. But what about finding an industry mentor who knows more than we do and submitting to his/her wisdom? Trust like that is hard but worthwhile, and the humility involved in sitting beneath a mentor does beautiful things to the spirit.
3. Stop thinking and keep writing. Fearful thinking is circular thinking. It rehashes the same lies and becomes like a tire stuck in the mud. This impedes productive thinking. Instead, turn off that inner critic and write.
What are the fears that plague you as a writer? And how are you taking steps to be free of them?
Fearful thinking is circular thinking. It rehashes the same lies like a tire stuck in the mud and impedes productive thinking. Instead, turn off that inner critic and write. @SondraKraak @MaryAFelkins #SeriouslyWrite
Sondra Kraak, a native of Washington State, grew up playing in the rain, hammering out Chopin at the piano, and running up and down the basketball court. Now settled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children, Instagramming about spiritual truths, and writing historical romance set in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She delights in sharing stories that not only entertain but nourish the soul. Her debut novel, One Plus One Equals Trouble, was an ACFW Genesis semi-finalist and the winner of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Unpublished Women's Fiction Award. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook and join her newsletter for a free short story and information about special devotional series.
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One Plus One Equals Trouble
