Overcoming a fear of writing is something that so many people are challenged by, and it is something that I personally understand because I suffered this fear for years. In fact, when I was a teenager, at College, I completely and utterly had an ongoing severe case of writers block.
My English Language teacher understood that he would not receive essay assignments from me! How shameful that was, on my part! Although, thinking back on those years, maybe rather than ignoring my problem perhaps he could have helped me to overcome what could be referred to as a ‘disability’. Yes, that’s right. One may not expect writers block to be called a disability, but if we stop to think about it, not being able to put one’s thoughts on paper is a type of expression disablement.
So, if you are experiencing a fear of writing, I absolutely understand what you are going through.
I believe there are many reasons why some people find it so difficult to write. During those years at College when I was unable to write an essay, the reason was that I feared being laughed at.
These days I do not mind if I am laughed at. It means that someone has read what I have written, and if they find it amusing in whatever way, well I am pleased. Pleased that they took the time to read my written work, and whatever the reason for their laughter they are more than welcome.
However, it wasn’t that I suddenly overcame a fear of writing; it took me many years to stop worrying about what others thought of me. In fact writer’s block remained with me for decades. Don’t let this happen to you. There is no valid reason why it should.
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How can my experience help you to overcome a fear of writing
I would like to think that you can learn something from my experience. For instance, what is it that gives you a fear of writing? If you stop to think about it the answer will surface, and once you know the reason for your fear you will be able to deal with it. Maybe you already know the reason, as I did. Maybe you too a fearful of being laughed at.
Don’t let writers block ruin your chances of success
The times we are living in with social media, websites, blogs and even our mobile phones for texting and more, we need to be able to communicate without fear of doing things wrong.
Maybe perfection is your stumbling block
To get your message across in the form of writing, you do not need to be perfect. Nobody is perfect however much they may think they are. I see errors in content written by experts, and that does not stop them from producing massive amounts of articles, posts, reviews and so on and so forth.
The idea is to write down what comes into your thoughts. Once you have your thoughts on paper, or more likely these days on a screen, then that is the time to go back to the beginning, read your content and make corrections as needed.
What am I going to write about, you may be thinking
This could be the next stumbling block. You’ve got a pen in your hand, or you’re at your keyboard, and you can’t think of anything to write about.
Well, one suggestion to get you started is – write down what you did this morning when you first got out of bed. You don’t need to publish it, but it will give you a starting point.
, For instance, you could say – The first thing that happened to me this morning was something that I didn’t expect. In fact it was a huge surprise, and a pleasant one at that. I heard something unusual. It sounded as though it was just outside the back door. When I opened the door there was this beautiful little kitten. Oh, I just love kittens, but does this belong to somebody else. Now I have the job of finding that out and secretly I hope it is a stray kitten and then I can keep it. – So there you have a story to work with. Of course it is unlikely that you found a kitten this morning, but let your mind take over and your thoughts expand. You will find plenty to write about. You can write about things you like, things you don’t like. Just make a habit of writing something every day, and you will in time become an expert.
Be Yourself – Be Authentic
Don’t try to write the same way or the same things that other people write. Keep your writing authentic. This is your life, your writing, and this is what other people will enjoy.
Be happy to share your experiences. People around the world enjoy learning about life in other countries and reading of places they may never be able to visit. Some people have what they call their ‘bucket list’ which often includes different countries to visit. So writing about your life in the country you live in, is another subject that can bring great joy to others.
Overcoming fear of writing is not all that hard to do
Once you let your thoughts run wild, put them on paper or screen, and know that others enjoy reading your experiences, then writing will come easier to you.
I hope this helps you to at least get started with writing. There is more that can be said, but you don’t need to worry about that now. Just get those words down on paper, or screen, and have fun.
Don’t worry about negative responses because it is unlikely there will be any. Start writing and enjoy the ride.
I do hope this helps you.
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