CalmMoment.com 45wellness
CalmMoment.com 45Q
I really want to write a book but I’m too scared
to start. I have been to workshops and courses
and I’ve read every book going about how to
write. I’ve got the plot for my book and I know all the
characters but for some reason I have this massive
block. What if I’m not a good writer? What if the idea is
a load of rubbish? Then I look at all the brilliant writers
out there who are really successful and think, who am I
to write a book? How would I ever get it published? I have
thought about my book for so long but when it comes to
the cold, hard reality of sitting down and doing it, I find
a million and one excuses (haven’t got time, not feeling it,
work takes over). So, it just stays there, stuck in my head.
I’m even procrastinating writing to you. Should I just stick
to the day job and forget all about it?
Can’t write, won’t write, OxfordA
I’ll tell you something – I really enjoyed
reading your letter. You know when to
apply the drama and tension. You describe
beautifully the existential angst we can all feel at
times and the battle to realise our dreams. What
happens at the end? I want to know more! I am
(half) joking. You don’t think of yourself as a writer
but you’re talking about the fear 99.9 percent of
writers – even the big, famous, brilliant ones – face
at some point. Maybe it’s with one book. Maybe it’s
with every book. It’s almost definitely with the first
book. The only difference between you and all
those successful authors is that they sat down and
got on with it. Because their belief in the book was
bigger than their fear of failure or criticism. They
were more scared of not writing it than writing it.
It is as simple as that.
Having published nine novels myself, I really do
understand how you feel. The one thing I tell
aspiring writers is: don’t compare your first effort
with others’ finished results. Believe me, it takes
a hell of a lot of work and extra expertise to turn
books into the polished volumes you see on the
shelves. You just need to sit down and crack on“I want to write a book
but I’m too scared”
Everyone faces fear at some point, but your dreams can only
be realised if you’re brave enough to work towards themwith your first draft. By that, I mean just get the
words down on a page. Writing is like anything:
you need to practise. The more you do it, the easier
it gets and the more accomplished you will become
(though there will always be hard days!).
I like the fact you’re calling it ‘your’ book but you
have to show it that you’re ready and invested.
Make time in your daily schedule to write, even if
it’s only 1 5 minutes. It should become as much of
your routine as brushing your teeth and eating a
meal. And remember – this should feel like a good
thing. Don’t worry about the other stuff yet. Writing
a book is an amazing achievement. Full stop. It can
be a wonderful journey of self-discovery, or a really
fun hobby. Just enjoy the process and the
experience. You might find that fulfilling enough.
You could also think of joining a writing community- is there anyone you met from your courses who
could become a writing buddy or mentor?
Whenever I am struggling to start something
new, I always dip into Elizabeth Gilbert’s book
Big Magic. It reminds me why I write – and one
reason is Gilbert’s view that we don’t need a
permission slip to start leading a creative life. Only
you can write your book. The other thing that
always galvanises me into action is her theory that
if you have a really great idea and do nothing with
it, your idea gets fed up waiting and moves onto
someone else. Do you want someone else to write
your story? Thought not. So, sit down, don’t think
about it too much and just start!
DEAR AUNT JOSEPHINE
Josephine Carnegie holds a
certificate in holistic counselling
and is best known for giving good
advice (@dearauntjosephine).
Ask Aunt Josephine a question by
emailing [email protected]
Unfortunately, Aunt Josephine can’t
enter into personal correspondence.