Once upon a time, in the mystical realm of the written word, there were writers who quivered at the sight of a blank page. The mere thought of hitting 'send' on a blog post or submitting an article to a magazine was enough to make their knees knock together like a pair of maracas in a salsa band.
Now, you might be thinking, "Fear? Of writing? Surely, you jest!" But, dear reader, I assure you, the struggle is real. And it's not just fear—it's two distinct types of fear.
The "Oh No, A Spider!" Fear
The first type of fear is what I like to call the "Oh No, A Spider!" fear. This is the kind of fear that makes you want to run for the hills when you see a spider, or when you're about to give a speech in front of a crowd. It's the gut-wrenching, heart-pounding, sweat-inducing fear that our caveman ancestors felt when they were being chased by a saber-toothed tiger.
But here's the kicker: when it comes to writing, this fear is about as useful as a chocolate teapot. After all, the last time I checked, no one has ever been mauled by a rogue paragraph or attacked by a vicious verb. So, if you're feeling this kind of fear, take a deep breath, remind yourself that you're not a caveman running from a lion, and just write.
The "Wow, That's a Big Canyon" Fear
The second type of fear is a little more complex. It's what I call the "Wow, That's a Big Canyon" fear. It's the kind of fear you feel when you're standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon, or when you realize just how vast the universe is. It's a mix of awe, wonder, and a tiny bit of fear.
When it comes to writing, this fear is what stops you from hitting that 'send' button. It's the realization of the immense power your words hold—the power to change your life, and the lives of others. It's the fear of success, the fear of change, and the fear of stepping into the unknown.
But here's the thing: this fear, this awe, is what makes writing so magical. It's what drives us to tell our stories, to share our thoughts, and to make our mark on the world. So, if you're feeling this kind of fear, embrace it. Let it fuel your writing, and let it remind you of the incredible potential you hold.
Becoming a Fearless Writer
So, there you have it. The two types of fear that every writer faces. But remember, fear is just a feeling. It can't stop you from writing unless you let it. So, the next time you're staring at a blank page, remember: you're not a caveman, and you're not standing on the edge of a cliff. You're a writer, and you have a story to tell.
So, go ahead. Write. Rewrite. Hit 'send'. And see what happens. After all, as the great Mark Twain once said, "The secret of getting ahead is getting started."
And who knows? Maybe one day, you'll look back and realize that the fear you felt was not a barrier, but a stepping stone to becoming the writer you were always meant to be.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go wrestle with my own fear of writing... 🤓