Aspiring Author Fears

This article is primarily aimed at aspiring authors, with the intention and hope of helping them get off the starting block. That does not mean authors further along the path may not find some of the content useful.







Contents

Overview
Fears
Overcoming
Roundup
Related Articles

Overview

Many people, when pressed, or perhaps not, admit, at some stage in their life, they have considered writing a book. However, a variety of issues, practical, psychological, and emotional, have prevented them pursuing their desire.

Then there are those who have embraced the desire and got on with writing and publishing a book or books. Inevitably they will have found themselves limited to a specific genre but some subsequently wish to branch out into other areas (genre) but are hesitant about doing so, especially if they have already found success.

In both scenarios there are issues which act as barricades to advancement. This article will consider some and whether the author or prospective aspiring author is able, or has the ability, to overcome those obstacles.

Fears 

Regrettably, fear in its many guises, is inherent to humanity. Of course, it should not be but the fact and truth of it may not be denied. There are few, if any, who may say they, at some stage of their life, have not encountered it. What to do with it is a constant question for many, though one prevailing, and often effective concept is, to defeat fear it must be directly faced. Often when taken to its logical conclusion the outcome is less traumatic than feared or may even have no real impact.

The prevailing fears that assail aspiring and established authors and writers are:

Fear of rejection.Fear of failure.Fear of ridicule.Fear of criticism.

These are all fears that occur in everyday life and in a vast range of scenarios. Nevertheless, they remain relevant, and very real, for many authors and writers.

These fears for an aspiring author are not only fuelled by the normal desire to be liked and accepted but also by such further considerations as:

I do not know how to create proper phrases.Grammar was never my strong subject.I have never been good with spelling.I do not understand punctuation.English is not my first language. (The majority of books, to find a wide readership, require English editions.)If I tell everything as it really was, I may upset people. (Primarily applies to memoir, autobiography, and biography.)I do not know where to start.I am not sure what to include and what to omit.And so on.Overcoming

A simple fact often overlooked or subjugated to fear, is everyone is capable of telling a story. People often share a tale or experience over a cup of coffee, tea, or something stronger. That ability proves they have the capability to relate a story and, by extension, to write one. Stories (books), whether factual or fictional are just a different format.

All authors have had to face the dilemmas outlined above. They have had to sit down and carefully consider whether they are capable of achieving their goal. Whether they could in reality publish a book. For some the concept feels highfaluting, even arrogant, but is it? In the past authors where considered to be among the higher echelons of society but, the truth is they are just people who happen to have a penchant for writing.

When it comes to such matters as, grammar, spelling, phraseology, punctuation, English language, all may be learnt, either from specific study guides or courses or simply from reading. Admittedly, having made the decision to write there is the inner driving force to get on with it. However, spending time in learning first will pay dividends. In fact, the writing process will be quicker for it.

Where to start is often another stumbling block. It is rather simple really. Imagine telling the story to someone. A natural starting point will identify itself. The other issue is the writing format. Will it be pen and paper, typewriter (some people do still use these two), or computer? Some suggest recording the story but it is not a highly recommended means because until the manuscript is seen in physical form it is hard to pick up anomalies or mistakes.

A point all authors need to note, is the general requirement for some self-discipline. Life is full of demands and distractions which can easily rob an author of writing time. Best advice is to set aside a regular time slot, somewhere quiet if possible. Even when not feeling like writing this slot should be adhered to. Such a feeling is often identified as writer’s block. There are differing opinions upon the topic. A previous article Writer’s Block may prove helpful.

Roundup

It is a fact, though many individuals know, or at least feel, they have a tale to tell, the idea of actually writing one scares them to death. Often due to the fears and issues mentioned previously. They do themselves a disservice: many have more ability and talent than they credit themselves with. Of course there may, probably will be, a learning curve but that is easily dealt with.

Sadly, many put the idea aside. Society is the poorer for it. Interesting stories are lost. Advice and examples of how to overcome something is denied. People are robed of the hope and inspiration that may be gained. Readers are simply missing out on a good, entertaining, tell.

It is true the advent of easy to use self-publishing platforms has resulted in some poor quality books but the suspicion is, as a consequence of potential authors putting the idea aside, readers are missing out many good ones.

Of course there are many other aspects in producing and publishing a book than just writing it. But, if it is not written in the first place?

This website and integrated blog provide numerous thoughts, advice, and suggestions upon the author career and path. To find specific articles simply enter a keyword or words in the search panel and hopefully relevant information will be made available.

Related Articles:

Here are a couple of articles aspiring authors may find of immediate help:

Writer’s Block

Managing Author Fears