I saw this quote today, and it really hit home. I've been working a bit on something new that has been nudging the edges of my psyche for a while. But, it scares the pants off me. One, it is not like anything I've ever written. Two, it is pretty personal. Three, it might totally suck! I've been trying to fight through that fear and press on so when I saw this quote, it was like an aha moment telling me to just keep writing. I'm sure it will be a "shitty rough draft" in Anne Lamott's words, but such is life. Perseverance pays, so they say, and I agree. If at first you don't succeed, try and try again...
I'm curious...do you find fear is a driving force in your writing? If so, is it the fear of starting something new? The unknown? The outcome of what happens when the writing and editing is complete?
It is all of the above for me I think. At least, it is when I over think. I find I do much better when an idea germinates briefly and springs into my mind, flowing out on paper. This is probably easiest with the children's picture books I've written, at least for that first rough draft. But that does give me something with which to work. It seems to be the longer books that paralyze me once I reach a certain point and am not sure how best to proceed. Last night, I dreamt of a wall type picture board with various colored sticky notes all over it (those that know me well know I LOVE sticky notes), so I think this is my subconscious helping me figure out how to start getting to the other side of fear on this particular WIP. Once created, I will post a picture of my sticky note poster board of ideas:)
I'd love to hear how you fight through and past the fear that can grip you or ignore it and press on if able.
