How to Overcome the Fears of Writing a Book

Lots of people have a secret (or not-so-secret) dream of writing a book. But fear and self-doubt often derail those dreams: fear that they don’t have enough time, fear that they aren’t good enough, fear of ridicule or failure, or fear that they don’t have anything interesting to say. So many fears can keep us from pursuing our writing dreams, but it is possible to overcome them and take the steps to turn the dream into reality.

I’m afraid I don’t have enough time to write a book.

Writing a book takes time, no doubt. But you don’t need hours and hours each day. Even 30 minutes a day is enough to make significant progress over several months or years. Set realistic goals and don’t expect to finish in a month.

I’m afraid I’m not a good writer.

This is perhaps the most common fear. But you don’t have to be a talented writer to write a book, because the skills to start, write, and finish are learnable. Let go of perfectionism. Your first draft is your chance to get ideas down without worrying about spelling or grammar. By giving yourself permission to make mistakes, you give yourself room to explore.

I’m afraid I have nothing interesting to say.

Here’s the truth: nearly every story has been told before. But it hasn’t been told by someone with your perspective. Your book idea matters, and if you write it down, your voice will be heard. Even if someone has written on the same topic, there is something only you can bring to it through your own life experiences and creative mind.

I’m afraid of failure.

Everyone experiences failure. What matters is how you handle it and learn from it. Writing a book is no guarantee of a bestseller, and that may not even be your goal. Some people write to establish themselves as thought leaders; others write novels to share their stories, and finishing the book is the success.

I’m afraid of success.

Believe it or not, some people are afraid of success. They worry they won’t live up to the expectations that come with being a published author. But if you’re truly passionate about writing, don’t let that stop you. You’ll learn to deal with success.

I’m afraid of what people will think; I’m afraid I’ll be judged.

Some people will always find something to criticize. Don’t let that stop you. There are many more who will appreciate and respect your courage in putting yourself out there. Not everyone will like your book, and that’s okay. The most important thing is to write a book you’re proud of and enjoy writing.

I’m afraid my book idea is silly.

Sharing our creativity makes us feel vulnerable, and many adults are uncomfortable with vulnerability. But vulnerability connects us to other people. There are no perfect books out there, only stories that resonate with certain readers. As long as you believe in your story, there’s bound to be someone who will love it as much as you do.

I’m afraid of rejection.

Rejection is part of the publishing process; don’t let it deter you. And the ease of self-publishing, along with the many small and hybrid publishers, means that if you want to be published, you can be.

I don’t know where to start.

If you’re overwhelmed by the thought of writing a book, that’s understandable. There’s a lot that goes into it, from planning and outlining to research, editing, and revising. Lots of aspiring authors never start because they don’t know how.

That’s where I come in. As a book coach, I help you get clarity on your idea, build a solid foundation, and show you step by step how to start, write, and finish your manuscript. The best part of working with a coach is that I guide your work in real time as it’s being written, supporting you editorially, in project management, and emotionally. And I help you slay the fears that derail your dreams when the going gets tough.

With the right mindset and support, you can become a published author. Email me and let’s talk. This could be your year.