Write Fearlessly!: Conquer Fear, Eliminate Self-Doubt, Write With Confidence

by Jim Denney

WRITE FEARLESSLY! Don't be ruled by fear. As Anne Rice has said, "If you're writing, you need courage, you need faith in yourself that's as strong as any talent you may possess." In WRITE FEARLESSLY!, Jim Denney shows you how to find the courage to match your talent. Learn how to overcome the fear that you lack talent, the fear of the blank page, the fear that you can't finish, the fear of taking risks as a writer, the fear of self-revelation, the fear of rejection, the fear of failure, and the fear of success. After reading this book, you'll find your confidence and motivation soaring. You'll feel inspired and empowered to write. If fear has been holding you back, it's time you learn to WRITE FEARLESSLY!

Genres: Writing

154 pages, Paperback

First published November 23, 2013

Reviews

[Macy White · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book acts as a cheerleader for writers paralyzed by the common fears that plague the profession. Throughout Denney identifies these common fears (8 of them), lists methods to overcome them, and repeats the mantra "write fearlessly" and with “courage."

Most of the sources for his conclusions and points are other authors. So there is an incredible amount of quotations and stories about how writers have overcome their fears and or been paralyzed by them. Unfortunately, it's only at rare times that Denney delves into his own experience to make a point. Instead he relies heavily on these quotations to make his points for him, often only repeating in different words what was quoted, and then connecting it to the point of that chapter. In this way the book is a collection of great points made by well-known authors, and the author is a good curator of the advice and anecdotes that he collects. But I was often left wondering, "Yes, great quote, but what does Jim Denney think?"

The structure of identify fear, quote some authors, go over one by one the ways to overcome it while quoting more authors, and then summarizing--is repetitive and tiresome with little surprise to look forward to. However, the book is still a good showcase of great advice drawn from the experience of writers who have been there and faced their fears. And I see no harm in following it. But it is a shame that we could not have heard more about Denney's ups and downs as a long-time career writer. A memoir-like aspect would have been welcomed over the tired and predictable self-help style of the book.

The 8 Fears Identified by Denney (paraphrased):

1. Fear of no Talent
2. Fear of Beginning
3. Fear of not Finishing
4. Fear of the Risks of the Writer's Life
5. Fear of Revealing Who You Are
6. Fear of Rejection
7. Fear of Failure
8. Fear of Success

[Roxy Rosen · Rating 4 out of 5]

“How does your courage stack up against that of Malala Yousafzai? Do your fears prevent you from writing? If a terrorist’s bullet can’t silence this school girl, how can you let the fear of the blank page or the fear of rejection silence you?”

Wow, that sure puts things into perspective, doesn't it? It makes me feel a bit silly that I've wasted all this time being paralyzed by fear, scared to even begin because I'm worried I don’t currently have the skills I need to write the stories I want to tell, but I never will if I don’t write now, right? I'm not going to lie to you, this book didn't instantly wipe away all my fears and enable me to write completely uninhibited, but it’s a process, and this book spoke to me and the fears I face better than any other, and was one of the few that has given me tools I can actually use to fight through the resistance and get writing.

So, if you are ready to find your voice and fight the fear, this book could be just the one you are looking for.

[Jim Serger · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have doubt about being a writer--read this book. The author whom I felt was writing the book to me personally; really hit fear head on and shared with me how to knock it out of the park and get the novel started, written and finish strong with submitting work to publisher. 5 stars-- great read, that will use over and over. Author, writer, blogger - all will benefit from this book.

[Logospilgrim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most helpful books I've read so far this year. Jim truly understands the fears that plague the majority of writers, and his advice was so helpful. He is in your corner all the way. I'm tremendously grateful for the way he encourages us to keep going! I also love his "write quickly" approach; it really worked for me. He is right about what can arise from "the zone": magic!

[Ayla Pendragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me forever, but it was my fault. The book was interesting and I pinpoint many of my fears. Mostly self-deprecating thoughts that stop my hands. I have speed on my side, so I'm going to reread Writing in Overdrive, it really helped me during NaNoCamp.