How Do Writers Get Over the Fear of Starting?
For writers, starting is definitely the hardest part. It’s common for writers to dream about writing their book — and holding their finished book in their hands — for months, or even years. However, when it comes time to sit down at the desk and write those first few sentences, more often than not, that’s when we experience total fear and paralysis.
Why does this happen to writers?
Perfectionism.
Perfectionism is the fear of messing up, of being a failure, of trying to create something perfect and beautiful that ends up being the total opposite. It’s the fear of disappointing ourselves and others. What if we start writing our book and it quickly becomes apparent that it’s not anything like what we pictured in our head?
I talk more about the fear of starting and how to get over it in the video below:
The best way to get over the fear of starting is to join others who are all starting something too. That way, you’re not at the starting line alone. You’re with other people who are just as nervous and just as unsure about what to expect. And, you can all cheer each other on.
The power of positive group energy cannot be overestimated for writers who are trying to start (or finish) creative projects. That’s why I do a silent writing program every year in November. I know a whole bunch of writers are doing NaNoWriMo 2022, and even more would like to be part of it, but the pressure of producing 50k words just isn’t going to work for them.
My annual silent writing program works for writers no matter which way they go with NaNo. It can function as a great accompaniment to those who are pursuing NaNoWriMo goals, or it can be an alternative for those who don’t want to officially participate in NaNo, but do want to be part of something that moves their writing forward in November.
If this sounds like something that might work for you, be sure to sign up for my newsletter HERE to get the notification for when registration opens on Saturday, Oct 29. Registration will close on Oct 31, and we start with our first silent writing session at 1:00 pm EST on Tues Nov 1.
So don’t miss out! Keep an eye on your inbox for that notification, and if you have questions, send them my way here.
Hopefully I’ll see you for writing in November!
Lauren Sapala is the author of The INFJ Writer, The INFJ Revolution, and the creator of Intuitive Writing, an online video course for INFJ and INFP writers who struggle with traditional writing methods. You can get a free copy of her book on creative marketing for writers by signing up for her newsletter HERE.
