Let’s face it: writing a book is hard! And, it may feel overwhelming.
Yet, those who do, rank it as one of their greatest achievements. So, it may come as no surprise that aspiring writers may struggle to take that first step. In fact, many do. Or, having taken that first step, many find themselves stuck along the way.
Here’s the great news: it doesn’t have to be that way.
Successful motivational speakers, life coaches, business leaders, and even prolific novelists, who may have struggled early in their book-publishing journey, had to face their fear of writing. If you dream of writing a book, or are writing one now, and are stalled by fear, don’t let it stop you. A rewarding journey awaits. Here are five ways to conquer your fears of writing a book:
1. Set Realistic Goals
Instead of what could be, aim for what can be. Writers who break down their goals into smaller, more achievable parts are better positioned to reach them. If those bite-sized portions are realistic, that daunting destination—writing a book—feels less and less overwhelming. This strategy is based on SMART goals, which are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.
By creating goals that follow a SMART framework, writers hack their brains and form productive habits of writing that last a lifetime. An example of a SMART writing goal might be to set a daily or weekly word count, which can be measured using one of the many available word tracking and word counting apps.
2. Confront Your Negative Thoughts
Writers can be their own worst critics. Constructive criticism, of course, is helpful, but it can go too far and turn destructive. If negative thoughts are holding you back, you may want to consider approaching your mindset from a different angle.
In Rejecting Fear: Learning to Be Led by Love, Executive Coach Diane Hallenbeck highlights the importance of recognizing and acknowledging our counterproductive thoughts before they take root. By doing so, writers harness their potential and embark on their ambitions with the confidence and clarity they need to succeed. “With incredible self-awareness and self-discipline,” Hallenbeck explains, “we can resist what does not build us up.”
When writers build a strong mental foundation, they prepare the ground and encourage momentum for their future success. While not written specifically with writers in mind, Hallenbeck’s book is a wonderful resource for wordsmiths at any stage of their craft who find themselves stuck. As she reminds us about silencing negative thoughts, “It begins with accepting that not everything we think is right or true.” Don’t give in to the inner critic’s voice. It’s your true, authentic voice that counts.
3. Disregard What Readers Will Think (For Now)
One of the biggest stumbling blocks for those putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, is worrying about what their readers will think. The fear of judgment can be paralyzing: Would anyone want to read what I have to say? Are my ideas worth the paper they’re printed on?
Writers with words on the page face other tough questions: Did I explain myself well? Could my idea be clearer? Soon, fear of judgment turns into fear of rejection, all stemming from a fear of failure. And writers refrain from writing altogether.
But before a book can have an audience, it needs to have an author. Aspiring authors may benefit from remembering that readers won’t see the first draft—nor the second, nor the third. Every writer has a grace period to get it right, and the curious eyes come later.
For now, begin with “one true sentence. Write the truest sentence you know,” as Hemingway advised.
4. Learn to Let Go
While a handful of authors can dive into writing a book without a plan, the large majority start with one and stick to it as they go.
If, or perhaps when, their book diverts from that path, or when they progress slower than expected, doubts may arise. Writers may panic and feel as if they’re doing something wrong. For these authors, starting their book wasn’t the hard part: it was resuming or finishing.
One of the hardest lessons to learn as a writer is that the process is a winding road, speckled with potholes and splitting with detours. For those who feel the need to control the narrative, the best course of action may be to, as best they can, ignore the outcome, trust the process, and write for the moment. In other words: to enjoy the ride.
5. Ask for Help
Maybe you have an idea for a book, one you’ve had for months, perhaps even years. Perhaps you’ve kept this seed of an idea tucked away, waiting for the right moment to plant it, telling yourself you need the right soil or brighter weather or more seeds than just one. But the aspiring author in you waits. Many need the guiding hand of an experienced editor or book coach to ensure their brilliant idea sees the light. Asking for help when you need it, regardless of where you are in your growth, is often a crucial yet overlooked step in the creative process.
A professional editor or book coach may be the missing link to a truly extraordinary book. Editors and book coaches help you envision your book, then guide you as you breathe life into it. The pieces fall into place if you’re fortunate enough to find someone who regards your work as important, and who cares for it as if it were their own.
In a Nut Shell
If you’re writing a book, or have the seed of a book idea, prepare yourself for the challenges ahead, and know how to defeat your fears before those fears waylay you. You deserve to realize your book-publishing dreams.
Personalized services such as those offered at The Editor Garden may be what you need to take your idea or manuscript to the next level. Our professional editors and book coaches guide you through a Four-Stage Flourish Process, helping you grow your book plan, graft your ideas into a draft, and prune your words until they bloom.
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