Write What Scares You
A fan here on Goodreads recently asked me a great question: “What subject have you always wanted to write about, but were too scared to explore?” I didn’t have to think hard at all about this one. Demons. Demons scare the bejesus out of me. I actually have an idea (and I think it’s a good idea!) for a demonic possession book, but every time I sit down to start work on it, or do any research, I get scared. Like really scared. I think, ‘Not opening that door, no way!’ then put away my notes and start working on something else, something a little less frightening. But here’s the thing, my motto, which I believe so strongly in I had tattooed on my wrist as a constant reminder to stay true to my purpose, is: Write what scares you – so shouldn’t I be exploring my biggest fears rather than running away from them? I think when we write from our biggest fears, we tap into something truly powerful.
Maybe it’s time to sit down and see where that demon story might take me. Wish me luck!
Maybe it’s time to sit down and see where that demon story might take me. Wish me luck!
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Bern
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Oct 28, 2020 04:39PM
Good luck Jennifer! I am terrified of those kinds of stories but I suppose I would pick up your book the same way – – should I read it, should I put it down? I’ll pluck up the courage and I’ll be reading it!
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"Feel the fear and do it anyway!" Happy writing, friend, we are sending you a load of luck!
I hear ya! I love demon possession stories, but I would be terrified to write one because of potential research issues, haha. I think you would write a kick-ass demon possession book, though. You bring so much to life and create such chilling ambiance, which is exactly what that kind of story needs. If you're doing any market research on the subject, I recommend reading COME CLOSER by Sara Gran. It's a short novel, but it utterly terrified me. One of the best possession stories out there. It's told from the POV of the possessed, which is a different way of approaching the trope.
I also had a "write what scares you" moment a few months ago: an idea for a novel popped into my head, and it's based on a story I thought I would never tell because it upsets me way too much. But, then the idea wouldn't leave my head. I ended up writing a synopsis and fleshing out a rough outline a few days later, lol. I don't know if I'm brave enough to write this story that scares me, but I'm hoping that, one day, I will be.
Good luck!!!!
