Gareth L. Powell is a clever chap. Not only does he write novels about a spitfire-flying ape, his blog is well worth a visit, full of writery advice.
This week, Gareth touched on THE FEAR, that creeping dread that all writers experience – the feeling that you’re not good enough, that you’ll be found out soon and will have to go and get a proper job instead. In his post, What if I never write anything again?, he takes THE FEAR by the scruff of its neck and gives it a good wringing.
Self-doubt and insecurity are the bane of a creative life. You are only as good as your last book. Every time a new one comes out with your name on the cover, people will use it to judge you and your worth as a writer. And frankly, that can be terrifying – especially if a fundamental part of your self-identity is tied around writing books.
There’s only way way to get past it. Only one cure for THE FEAR.
You have to write.
True words, Mr Powell. True words indeed. I urge you to read the rest of the post here.
Writers out there? How do you cope with the fear? Leave a comment below and let us know…
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