Updated January  19, 2022

Since launching my writing business in 2018, I have learned a lot. I have attended writing conferences, dialed into countless webinars, taken courses, and listened to many speakers and authors. But the most important thing I’ve learned over the last four years is how to be a fearless writer. 

Starting, I didn’t immediately see myself as a writer. Yes, I was writing my first book. But I didn’t stop to tell anyone I was a writer. I didn’t immediately change my LinkedIn profile. I just focused on writing my book.

But once I published my book, reality set in, and I had to admit:  I am an author. I am a writer.

From there, I started showing up where writers and authors hang out – conferences, Facebook groups, webinars, NaNoWriMo, book fairs, and writing groups. Listening to other writers talk about their experiences and ask questions was exciting. But no matter where I went, there was a constant vibe in all these places – self-doubt and fear.

Lots of writers were talking about whether their writing was:

• good enough,
• clear enough,
• making a difference,
• worthy of recognition or
• connecting with readers.

While I had no reason to question the other writers’ feelings, I had to come clean about how I felt moving forward with my newfound identity. On my journey to becoming a fearless writer, I had to identify the things I would give up to succeed as a writer.   Below is a list of things I decided to give up. If you’re a writer or creative entrepreneur, let me know what you choose to give up to be fearless.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost, if you purchase using the links.

1. I gave up self-doubt

We all have an inner voice that tells us what we want to do with our lives. Unfortunately, this little voice is often pushed aside by self-doubt. Like many writers, my initial thoughts were, “How am I going to make money as a writer?” “What will people think of my writing?” and “What if I fail?” To deal with these thoughts, I had to trust in God. I had to trust that I would end up where I needed to be, even if I didn’t know how I would get there.

2. I gave up fear

I am a firm believer in making lemonade when life gives you lemons. So when my unexpected layoff stormed into my life and shook up my carefully constructed plans, I wasn’t about to cower in fear. Instead, I decided to rise and face life’s challenges head-on, including starting my new writing career.

3. I gave up the urge to compare myself to other writers

I know how easy it is to look at the success of other writers and wonder if you’re on the right track. So, I decided early on to celebrate other writers’ accomplishments but never waste time comparing myself to other writers. While I think it’s OK to listen to other writers and share stories, I try to stay focused on the race I’m running.

4. I gave up being a perfectionist

I love to proofread my material to ensure everything is perfect and in place. However, I had to resist the urge to apply endless edits so that I could hold on to my work longer. Eventually, I learned to determine how many revisions my writing would go through. Once I reach my magic number, I hit publish. To become a fearless writer, I learned when to let go.

5.   I gave up my comfort zone

We all have a comfort zone. My comfort zone was back in corporate America. However I realized that my comfort zone might not be where I will have the most significant impact. So I decided to do something I hadn’t done before in my writing life like publish a book. Once I reached my goal, I knew I would have to go outside my comfort zone again. So, every opportunity I get, I look for ways to take my writing to the next level.

What are you willing to give up?

Now, it’s your turn. The next time you think:

• What if my writing isn’t good enough? Say to yourself, what if it is?
• What if no one wants to read anything I write? Say to yourself, what if they do?
• What if my book proposal gets rejected? Say to yourself, what if it doesn’t?

Writing is a journey filled with trials. Be kind to yourself. Say goodbye to doubt and fear. Don’t be afraid to embrace your role as a writer in this world. Instead, let this be the year you start looking at your writing life differently.

Be fearless.