Friday, July 16, 2010

Overcoming my Fear of Fiction Writing


Tomorrow I'm embarking on a fun adventure--a class in Editing Fiction, offered by The Christian Pen, a group of freelance editors, proofreaders and critiquers which I recently joined.


Although I've said, "Fiction intimidates me;" "I don't write fiction--it contains too many elements;" and other cowardly statements, I decided to put on my big girl britches and L.E.A.R.N. So there.

So... if six months from now you're searching for a reasonably priced editor to help you add some sparkle your fiction ms, don't be surprised if my name pops up!


Have you overcome a fear that once had you trembling?

How did you conquer it?

20 comments:

  1. What? The indomitable, intrepid Jeanette has a fear? *grin*

    Hmmm, I don't have many fears. Lots of things that make me uncomfortable though. lol

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  2. How cool is that? I'll keep my eye out. Wouldn't that be funny if like the pirate in The Pirates of the Carribean I really could pop my eye out? Any..way..

    Once I freaked out big time on a ropes course at a summer camp. Two summers later I worked month long on the ropes course.

    I like to push myself.
    ~ Wendy

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  3. I think for me, God just kept nudging me in certain areas that "yes, I can." Finally it sunk in. :O)

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  4. Jess: I love the word intrepid--thanks for using it on me!

    Wendy: My SIL worked at a day care with a child who had a glass eye. My SIL's first day there, the child pulled the eye out and set it on her pillow during nap time. Whoo, boy!

    Diane: YES, you can! God knows what He's talking about...

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  5. Jeanette: My dear daughter attempted her first mini book this last school year. At the end she hated it and hates even making minor edits on it. The editor/teacher/mom was more kind than a 'real' one would be but even minor edits made her think she was a failure.

    I'd love some of you writers to email me with suggestions how to encourage her gift.

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  6. I am very intimidated by fiction. I just can't see how people make all that stuff up!
    Someday, though, I plan to give it a go and take a class. Just not yet. :)

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  7. You'll be great, Jen! I never thought I could do fiction either, so I was amazed at how easily it spilled out.

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  8. Good for you! We are never too old to learn it!! :) I know you will be awesome at it and sell a book before me!!

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  9. Hmmm. I would say you overcome that fear by hanging with FICTION writers like me!!!

    LOLOLOL
    You already know the real answer.

    Love you,
    P

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  10. That definitely sounds like an adventure!

    Somehow it leaked out at church that I used to play the violin. I played my first solo EVER for Christmas a few years ago. I was shaking so hard, I could barely hold my bow. But by the time I was done, I felt better and since then I've sung and played my violin and my guitar in church several times. I love worshiping God with talents he gave me :)

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  11. I believe you can do just about anything~ you are a woman of high calling!

    I'm so happy to hear that you are moving in new directions:) Love you Jen!

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  12. I have the book you pictured. I love it. I too am learning soooo much. My first love of non fiction is still calling me even though Im steeped in fiction right now.
    Have a blessed weekend my friend.
    Love, Jan

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  13. Hi Jen -

    First I make sure this is a direction the Lord wants me to take. Then I do what you're doing: learning.

    I know you'll do great!

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  14. Oh, fiction is fun! I'm learning. My biggest fear was putting my first writing "out there."

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  15. Jeanette:
    Fiction is fun. It also takes just as much research as non-fiction.
    I'm afraid of not meeting the standards set by others.

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  16. I always said that, too. I still consider myself fat and away a nonfiction writer, but my first published book ended up being a novel--something I said I'd never do. You just never, never know.

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  17. Taking the class will likely dispel all your fiction fears. I've written non-fiction for years and it evolved into creative non-fiction, and from there the creative part simply took over. :) I still think I'm a better writer of non-fiction but I love letting my imagination loose in fiction.

    I hope you'll keep us updated on your learning experience.

    Carol

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  18. I am a little intimidated by fiction, but am also expanding my horizons. Perhaps I need to get that book:)
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  19. I have overcome quite a few things, but it doesn't seem to help when the next new thing comes along. I "just do it."

    You have so much confidence. You will be great.

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  20. I have written short fiction stories but nothing serious as yet. Although, I too have a fear.... sort of. Fiction intimidates me too, more so because I am not a writer by profession.

    I gathered some courage to write a short fiction scene.....type of.....That is my latest post!!!.......Feels like I am waiting for my results after a maths test :D

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Oh, it's YOU! I'm so happy to see you here today, and look forward to reading your comments.