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This week: Edited by: darkin
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"The secret of good writing is to say an old thing in a new way or to say a new thing in an old way." -Richard Harding Davis
My name is Darkin and I'll be your guest host for this issue of For Authors.
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A Writer's Book of Fears
Writing is a lot like learning to swim. You are either comfortable in the water or afraid of it. And if you are afraid, you'll have to learn to overcome your fear before you start. The same goes for writing. Writers as a group have many fears they have to deal with before, during and long after we've finished our writing.
Fear can be debilitating to a writer. It can keep you from all aspect of your craft - from finishing a story to submitting one. Learning to deal with your fears is the first step to writing without them.
Writing
"I'm a terrible writer." This is the number one thing I hear from writers. It can be caused by many things, but the most common is a negative review. One negative review is enough to put the most seasoned writer into a funk. So how do you bash this writing fear?
Learn your craft. I don't just mean grammar and spelling. I mean the art of writing. Are you a short story writer? Then learn the different types of story stories and what is necessary for each. A poet? Start trying out different poetic forms. The more you know, the better prepared you are when the time comes to write.
Finishing
"I never finish anything." What writer can say they've finished every single piece they started writing? Not many. I have a folder with stories I've started, and then put aside when time or interest disappeared. Sometimes it can feel like you never finish a piece. This fear can really halt a writing session, but it is easily dealt with.
Keep all of your works in progress in a folder where you can see it. On days when you don't have an idea, go through the folder and pick one. Read through your choice and let the words flow through your mind. Let the plot spark your muse and start writing. You never know, you might bring an old tale back from the dead.
Showing
"I can't let anyone read my work." Letting someone else read your work is probably the hardest and most fearful thing a writer can do. Your work is your baby, taken from the first germ of an idea through to the final polished piece. How can you possibly let someone tear your baby apart?
Feedback is the single most helpful tool a writer has, whether good or bad. Before you allow someone to read your latest piece, be sure you have taken the time to correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Read your piece out loud for continuity and flow. Give your reader your best work, free of errors. Don't be discouraged by a negative review. This isn't about you personally; it's about how your writing affected them.
Submitting
"I'm afraid I'll be rejected." Every writer, from the highest paid to the first time submitter, is going to be rejected. And not just once. Every rejection increases a writer's fears because in the writer's mind it's a confirmation of their inability to write.
If you are only writing for yourself, you will never have to worry about submitting your work. But most writers aren't writing just for themselves. When you lick that envelope or click that send button on your submission, you are setting yourself up for rejection. But getting a rejection isn't the end of the world. Read the letter you get back from the editor. Look for any suggestions they have about your work. Remember, the reason could have nothing to do with your writing ability, but with the magazine or editor's needs at the time you submitted.
All writers have fears about their craft. It is as inevitable as taxes. Overcoming your fears takes determination and desire, not only to write, but to be read. Only you have the power to make it take a backseat to what you want to do more than anything in the world - write.
Thank you for taking the time to read. Happy Writing!
darkin
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Here are some items I've found while traveling the highways and byways of Writing.Com!
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True caring lasts a lifetime. Written for senior mods' contest.
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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Thank you for allowing me into your e-mail boxes for this week's issue. I had a wonderful time writing this issue and would love to hear what you think about it. Here is some feedback I received from my last newsletter.
darkin
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Submitted By: Tornado Day 
Submitted Comment:
Your comments on creativity are well founded. So much of good writing comes from merely changing our view on what we're seeing. Thank you for a great article. ~ Tornado Day
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Submitted By: wolffe
Submitted Comment:
Great newsletter, this not only applies to writers in general but also poets and artists. They only thing I can suggest to break through writer's block is to read and review other author's on Writing.Com. I know it has helped me on difficult days. Wolffe
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Submitted By: billwilcox
Submitted Comment:
Well, Squirrel, all I can say is...here is yet another wonderful newsletter by a woodland creature. Write On!
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Submitted By: JDowls
Submitted Comment:
Thanks for writing about creativity, or loss there of! I've been blah lately, and will definitely use one or two of these to get going again!
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Submitted By: feegreen
Submitted Comment:
Hey, Darkin! Excellent suggestions for getting those creative juices flowing again! I particularly liked the 'letter writing' idea. Thanks for this newsletter - well done! :)
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Submitted By: gar57
Submitted Comment:
I love the ideas for keeping the creative juices flowing as I have become stuck with a novel I have been working of for a little while. Thanks so much as I am going to try these out. I had hit a brick wall and now I will have a go at tearing it down. Great newsletter.
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Submitted By: SendintheClown
Submitted Comment:
Darkin,
Oh how I wished I had read this before submitting my little red wagon tale.
I'm one of those see the ending first penners and sometimes run out of time before I get there..lolol
I'm going to try the mapping technique then delete superfluous (sp) asides when I'm dealing with a dead line.
You certainly were a busy little squirrel last night. I saw your name on two of the newsletters--whew, when do ya have the time to squirrel away 'em acorns? smile
Anyway, just wanted to let you know how much this article is appreciated.
Victoria
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Submitted By: Zeke 
Submitted Comment:
Your advice about creativity was very welcome. I am in the middle of a story that I think is a good concept, but I'm having trouble making it flow to an acceptable ending. I will be trying one or more of your suggestions.
Zeke
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Submitted By: monty31802
Submitted Comment:
Excellent Newsletter, I like the Authors Newsletter when it pertains to all styles of writing..
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Submitted By: exasperanza
Submitted Comment:
Thank you so much for your issue on creativity! I was having trouble writing a story at the time, and your letter really helped. I am saving it for future use! Thanks again.
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Submitted By: DB Cooper
Submitted Comment:
I am wild about flash fiction. I wish more magazines accepted one minute mysteries.
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For Authors: July 04, 2007 Issue [#1813]
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