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The 7 Fear-Nots of Every Writing Project
The 7 Fear-Nots of Every Writing Project
Woe is me! Why did I think I could write this essay? What did I take this class? When you’re visited by these thoughts of woe (and you will be!), “Fear Not!”
1. Fear Not!—-That you’re not qualified to write this essay.
1. Fear Not!—-That you’re not qualified to write this essay.
You’ve chosen this class or topic, or it has chosen you, for reasons deeper than anyone knows, including you. Your desire, your interest, your life experience, your questions, maybe even your spiritual life may have something to do with this insistent need to address this subject. Trust your choosing and chosenness.
2. Fear Not! —–That you have nothing new to contribute to the world.
2. Fear Not! —–That you have nothing new to contribute to the world.
Some say "It’s been said better before." Of course it has. It’s all been said better before. If we thought we had to say it better than anybody else before us, we'd never even start. Better or worse is immaterial. The thing is that it has to be said; by us...by YOU. We each have to say it, to say it our own way. Not of our own will, but as it comes out through us. Good or bad, great or little: that isn’t what human creation is about. It is that we have to try -- to put it down in pigment, or words, or musical notes.
3. Fear Not!—That the essay feels too difficult.
3. Fear Not!—That the essay feels too difficult.
Fear is the perfect response before something grand and complex. This is partly why you’ve chosen it. If it were easy, you wouldn’t grow.
4. Fear Not!—–That you don’t have enough time.
4. Fear Not!—–That you don’t have enough time.
Of course you don’t. No one does. But if you are serious about this essay, your grades, your education, improving your writing, or achieving goals, you will find a way to re-order your life: stop watching Netflix, stop texting, remove yourself from snapchat, write in the final moments of class, write during passing period, get up half an hour earlier, take your essay with you when you're on-the-go. Yes, it costs you (and it costs others too, you must realize). Did you think otherwise? Count the cost to everyone and your momentary removal from social life. Then, if still so moved, carry on.
5. Fear Not!—-That you don’t know where your essay is headed.
5. Fear Not!—-That you don’t know where your essay is headed.
No one you know informs you of the outcome of their lives, do they? How many of your friends know where their lives are headed and how they will get there and who they will be once they’re there? You will not know this. Keep writing day by day, and you’ll find out what you need at the right time. The writing itself will get you there.
6. Fear Not!—–That you’re not a good enough writer to accomplish your goal.
6. Fear Not!—–That you’re not a good enough writer to accomplish your goal.
None of us is good enough to finish a project when we start. Some of us aren’t even good enough to start! By the time we finish, though, we have become more than good enough. The struggle, the long hours and the word-wrangling will get you there.
7. Fear Not! —-That no one will read your essay.
7. Fear Not! —-That no one will read your essay.
Someone WILL read your work. Maybe a few friends, the ones you really care about, maybe a few strangers, maybe the world of twitter, maybe one teacher. No one knows this when they are writing, and it has nothing to do with the writing.
BONUS: Because fears often multiply, one more to put to rest:
BONUS: Because fears often multiply, one more to put to rest:
Fear Not!—-That when this essay is done, you will exhaust all your words and ideas.
Fear Not!—-That when this essay is done, you will exhaust all your words and ideas.
Not so. You may be temporarily exhausted, but never fear! Your best writing keeps the muse coming back. And when she does, return to this list, pick yourself up—-and turn a new page.
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