“The scariest moment is always just before you start.”
– Stephen King
Let me tell you about a mistake I made.
Back in 2008, I had an idea for the most epic story I’d ever considered.
It covers 15,000 years. It introduces characters who are beloved by every beta reader I’ve shown them to. It’s massive and amazing and heartbreaking and powerful.
I knew then this novel would be one of the best, biggest things I would ever write. I also knew it was huge and scary and I wasn’t ready.
I was terrified I’d screw it up. End result: I froze.
Spoiler alert: I should have at least tried.
The truth
I put off writing Notte because I was afraid. Here we are five years later, and I’m writing the book, but I’m still struggling through that fear. Of course I am. I gave it power because I waited to start.
In light of this, I have a challenge for you.
You probably have a story inside you. There’s some tale you NEED to tell – whether it’s real life, fantasy, a freaking awesome cookbook, the greatest spy novel ever made, or even just a beautiful children’s story.
Here’s the question of the hour: what fear is stopping you?
Don’t think too hard about the answer.
Chances are, something came to your mind the moment I asked that question.
Is it fear you won’t have time?
Is it fear of failure?
Is it fear no one will like it?
Is it fear you lack ability?
Is it the fear that you simply don’t know how started?
Your challenge:
Reply. Just hit reply and type the thing that scares you.
If you’re afraid of commenting publicly, just send me an email instead.
I want to help you conquer that thing that’s stopping you – but I can’t unless you give it a name.
The brilliant Mr. King’s quote may have tipped you off: everybody faces fear, and that fear is usually at its worst right at the beginning.
Some Supplies
In the meantime, here are a couple of resources to help beat the bogeyman.
- Neil Gaiman: Make Good Art.
Ever heard the phrase, “Make good art?” This is the source. - Imagining your future projects is holding you back. This article on idea debt is transformative for the writer.
Let’s do this together. Hit reply and give your fear a name.
