Ghenet Myrthil: On Writing and Fear

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

On Writing and Fear

"First you jump off the cliff and you build wings on the way down."

Author Libba Bray spoke at the SCBWI winter conference in 2010 and in her keynote, she mentioned the above quote by Ray Bradbury.

Libba went on to tell us about the importance of taking a leap of faith when writing. She talked about being nervous while writing Going Bovine because it was so different than her other books. This book--her leap of faith--ended up winning the 2010 Michael L. Printz Award. Libba's jump was worth it.

What I took away from Libba's speech is that as writers, we have to experience the fear that we might fail. If there are no stakes, the story isn't worth writing. Our fear acts as our compass.

I take comfort in these words because lately I've been feeling nervous about my WIP. I'm in the middle of writing my first draft and for some reason the sentences aren't coming as freely as they once did. Since this is my first time writing a novel and it's taking me so long to write it, I'm a little afraid of how it will all turn out. I'm still convincing myself that I can actually finish it.

I'm going to try to let this fear propel me forward rather than hold me back. I wanted to share this quote and Libba's message with those of you who also struggle with moments of fear while writing. Published or not, agented or not, we all take chances by putting ourselves into novels that may never see the light of day once they're finished. I do it because I love to write, believe in my story, and have faith in what might be.

How about you? What helps you write through the fear?

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Labels: Inspiration, SCBWI, Writing

12 Comments:

Erinn said...: My first round of fear comes from not knowing if my writing is good. But I figure if it makes me laugh then it might make someone else laugh.

My second round of fear comes from sharing it with someone. It normally goes fine.

my third round of fear comes from "what is this has all be a huge waste of time."

Yeah I'm still struggling with that one.; February 23, 2011 8:10 AM
Sheri Doyle said...: Love the quote!

Fear seems to fade away when I focus on how much I love my characters and their motivations.; February 23, 2011 9:59 AM
Anna said...: I'm working on conquering fear through submissions. I don't know if my work is good enough unless I submit. Oh yeah, and I guess finding a writing buddy would help with that too.; February 23, 2011 10:53 AM
Heidi said...: Great post, and I love that quote!

I get over the fear by remembering why I love writing and why I feel like I need to be putting words to paper. And when I'm feeling especially down about my writing, then I pick up a book on the craft. It's inspiring to read about writing for me, and also inspiring to remember that I can always improve.; February 23, 2011 10:55 AM
Karen Strong said...: My biggest fear is that by the time I'm finished with my novel it will be "too late" and no one will be interested.

What gets me through is knowing that a compelling story can always find a home and everything that I'm doing is just making me a stronger writer.; February 23, 2011 3:34 PM
Ghenet said...: Thanks for sharing, guys! It's nice to know I'm not the only one struggling with this.

@Erinn: It's definitely not a waste of time. If you love what you're doing, I think it's 100% worth it. Life is short!

@Sheri: That works for me too. When I remember why I'm writing my story, I realize I have to push through and keep writing. :)

@Anna: I know what you mean about needing outside feedback to know if your work is good. I feel the same way sometimes, which is why I'm grateful for my critique partner.

@Heidi: Thanks! Books on craft have really helped me lately. And it always helps to remember why I love writing in the first place.

@Karen: I've felt that way too. But you're right. If it's a great story, it'll find a home.; February 23, 2011 10:57 PM
Lydia K said...: Writing totally makes us put ourselves out there. I am very risk averse, and yet here I am, writing.

Wonderful, thought-provoking post. Thanks!; February 23, 2011 11:27 PM
Lauren said...: I had the worst time writing my last MS. I had days where I was so sure it was terrible I would go to bed shaking and on the verge of tears over it. I actually deleted it once. (Thank you God and thank you unemptied recycle bin.) Now that I'm done and it's in my agent's hands I'm certain it's the best thing I've ever written. From my experience -- and from Libba's! -- the bigger the fear, the bigger the payoff.; February 24, 2011 6:59 PM
Ghenet said...: @Lydia: Thanks! I'm usually risk-adverse too. And here I am writing a book. Go figure!

@Lauren: What an awesome story. You're giving me hope. :) "the bigger the fear, the bigger the payoff" - I love that!; February 24, 2011 11:08 PM
RobynBradley said...: I think fear is a normal part of the process. I'd be more concerned if you weren't scared. Tape this above your monitor: "I do it because I love to write, believe in my story, and have faith in what might be."; February 25, 2011 5:49 PM
Aleeza said...: that is SUCH great advice. most of the time when im writing theres this nagging thought at the back of my mind telling me that this is all a waste of time and id be better off doing something id actually be good at. i think im going to have to learn how to take that leap of fear, just like libba said. and, yeah, libba's awesomesauce <3.
:); February 28, 2011 9:20 AM
Ghenet said...: @Robyn: Great idea! It's something I have to keep remembering.

@Aleeza: I hope this helps you feel better about your writing. I agree with you about Libba! :); February 28, 2011 7:01 PM