Overcoming Fear

What’s Your Writer Story? #whatsyourwriterstory

Overcoming Fears

I’ve been a writer since I first learned to spell. Once I could form words on a page I took off and never looked back. That’s not to say there were no bumps in the road, but I was always writing something. Poems, short stories, personal fairytales for friends. I would even write sequels to some of my favorite movies because I loved the characters so much, I wanted to know what happened to them when their original stories ended.

My writing journey continued throughout high school with various class assignments. And in the back of my mind, I knew that sharing stories would always be a part of who I was and what I do. Then came college.

I signed on to attend a private college that specialized in creative and media arts. My intention was to major in Marketing and Advertising with a minor in Music Promotion. Using my writing skills would be perfect for both endeavors. Unfortunately, my time there didn’t last long. Due to some personal challenges I dropped out.

But before I left, I made a valiant attempt to be part of the culture. I submitted a few poems and short stories to the school’s student run literary magazine. Every single one of my submissions were rejected as “silly”, “overly whimsical”, “too childlike” and “not edgy enough.” You get the picture. My magical, mystical view of the world was dismissed. It truly crushed my spirit, and for a long time I simply quit.

Several years later, I cautiously returned to writing. It’s part of my soul, I couldn’t push it down anymore. But I kept it to myself. I was afraid of sharing, afraid of more rejection, of not being good enough. Even though I had always dreamed of writing a Children’s book, I already had it in my head that no one would like it. Instead of using the same imagination I used to create fun stories, I used it to create fear and to bully myself. Somehow, I knew I had to break this cycle.

After a couple of heart-to-heart talks with my best friend, who has always been supportive of my dream to write, I decided to jump back in and pursue the goal of getting my book out into the world. I attended many writing workshops, participated in critique groups, and I talked to professionals. I discovered there were so many rules; I started to feel that intense fear again. But this time I caught myself. I soothed that scared child inside of me and did it anyway! These were my stories, my characters. They could be whatever I wanted them to be, regardless of anyone else’s opinions.

I wrote my first book, “The Kindness Can” and I sent it out into the world. And you know what? It wasn’t scary. It was a learning experience. It was an adventure. And it was more fun than I ever imagined.

It’s been 7 years since that first release. I can now confidently say I AM a writer. I’m 5 books in with more to come. And just like the main character, Billy in my most recent release, “Carried Away”, I learned that we get to choose how we feel. I could either be carried away by fear or carried away by fun. I chose fun; and whatever you may be working on, I hope you will too!

Enjoy ❤️.   Like 👍.  Share 😊. 

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