Hey writers, let’s talk about something that most of us don’t want to admit: fear. You know, that little voice that pops up when you’re about to try something new in your story, whispering, “What if it’s too much? What if readers won’t get it? What if I mess it all up?”
Let me tell you a secret—those fears? They’re actually your best guide. If you lean into them, you might just unlock a whole new level of authenticity in your writing. In fact, writing what scares you can make your story richer, deeper, and more impactful.
As a debut author, I’ve had my fair share of moments like this while writing my first novel, Obsessing Over Coffee and Us. There were parts of the story that made me pause, scenes that felt so personal that I wondered if I should even include them. Would people connect with these characters as much as I did? Every time I found myself hesitating, I reminded myself that those moments of doubt often signal that I’m onto something true.
When you write what scares you, you push past the surface and reach the emotional core of your story. It might be a character facing a fear of commitment (because maybe you’re afraid of putting your own heart on the page), or a scene that explores grief in a way that feels way too close to home. It’s those moments that connect with readers because they recognize the truth behind them.
Writing Beyond Your Fears
So, how do you start? Here are a few simple steps that helped me:
- Identify What Scares You: Is there a scene you’ve been avoiding? A character arc that makes you nervous? Write down those ideas, and be honest with yourself about why they make you uncomfortable.
- Write It Anyway: Take a deep breath, and write the scene that scares you. You don’t have to get it right on the first try—just let it spill onto the page. Remember, it’s okay if it feels messy or chaotic at first.
- Give Yourself Permission to Be Vulnerable: When you’re writing those hard scenes, resist the urge to hold back. Let your characters feel deeply, even if it means exposing parts of yourself in the process.
- Trust the Process: You might feel like you’re fumbling through it, but trust that you’re creating something powerful. And don’t forget, you can always edit later. (Believe me, I learned that through many, many rounds of revisions!)
So, next time you feel that little twinge of fear when you sit down to write, take it as a good sign. Lean in. Write what scares you. Because if it scares you, it just might be exactly what your story needs.
When I was working on Obsessing Over Coffee and Us, I had days where I stared at the screen, heart racing, unsure if I should go through with a scene or a conversation that felt almost too raw to put out into the world. It’s funny, isn’t it? How something so personal can feel like you’re opening yourself up to the world. But I found that when I leaned into those moments, I ended up with scenes that felt alive—scenes that made my characters feel like they were speaking for themselves rather than just following a script I’d written for them.
That’s the magic that comes when you stop trying to protect yourself and let your words reveal your truths. And sure, it’s terrifying. But it’s also the stuff that makes a story unforgettable.
Final Advice
Here’s my final advice: Be brave enough to be uncomfortable. Whether it’s that scene you’re too scared to write or the dialogue that hits a little too close to home—try it. Take a deep breath and pour your heart into it. You might surprise yourself. You might create something beautiful. And most importantly, you’ll be telling a story that is authentically you.
To anyone out there who’s dreaming of seeing their words in print, just like I did with Obsessing Over Coffee and Us, know that every bit of doubt and every scary moment is worth it. Don’t shy away from those difficult scenes—they’re the ones that will stay with you (and your readers) long after the final page is turned.
Here’s to embracing those fears, writing our hearts out, and letting our stories come to life, messy, beautiful, and unapologetically real.
Happy writing, friends. And I can’t wait for you to read Obsessing Over Coffee and Us.