Emma Palova
asked
Amanda Brookfield:
Sometimes I am just plain scared to write in fear of what will come out of it? How do I overcome this strange fear? It's not the universal fear of approval or disapproval, success or failure. Or will get published or not. It's just a strange block in my way that keeps reappearing. Thank you.
Amanda Brookfield
Dear Emma,
If you are new to writing then the fear of what might come out if you start is completely understandable. Writing, by its nature, can be self-exposing, because at heart we have only our own experiences as our starting points, though in the best novels those experiences are transformed into new and separate truths by the creative power of the imagination.
My suggestion to you would be to plan in as much detail as you can your character(s) and your story-line before you start, so as to create a sense of control and distance. Then when you begin to write always remember that you are the Story-Teller with a job to do, and that job is to keep the narrative moving along and to entertain and enthrall your reader as you go. In other words you are in control of your material rather than the other way round. Moments of revelation and inspiration may strike along the way, but they will be good and exciting, helping you to see that you have nothing to fear.
Good luck,
Amanda
If you are new to writing then the fear of what might come out if you start is completely understandable. Writing, by its nature, can be self-exposing, because at heart we have only our own experiences as our starting points, though in the best novels those experiences are transformed into new and separate truths by the creative power of the imagination.
My suggestion to you would be to plan in as much detail as you can your character(s) and your story-line before you start, so as to create a sense of control and distance. Then when you begin to write always remember that you are the Story-Teller with a job to do, and that job is to keep the narrative moving along and to entertain and enthrall your reader as you go. In other words you are in control of your material rather than the other way round. Moments of revelation and inspiration may strike along the way, but they will be good and exciting, helping you to see that you have nothing to fear.
Good luck,
Amanda
More Answered Questions
Harry Tomos
asked
Amanda Brookfield:
Was talking about you on twitter this week about how I love reading your books because of the language and the way you tap into my emotions, had a very difficult year not read anything like I normally do but ending the year back to my old self and back into reading...your books & the odd line stay with me through light & dark..?..so Thank you.
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