Hey Stage 32'ers!
When I started out writing, I had so many fears and things I was afraid of. Fear of rejection. Afraid of being judged. Fear of the blank page. Fear of not being a 'proper writer'... and that's just a few. Trust me. There's more.
Imposter syndrome is incredibly common amongst authors. Whenever I see the photo of the author on the dust-jacket, I know that author felt like me when they were starting out. I know this, because every published author tells me this. Fear of the blank page? The only way to stop that was put some words on the paper. They didn't have to be the best words but that page was no longer a blank page.
I was hoping to remind all authors out there that this journey includes the dark side - fears and being afraid. However, I found this platform very welcoming and nurturing at all stages of my career. If you are new to Stage 32 I suggest attending the Open Houses: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32-july-community-open-... - these can be watched on demand. It's a great way to know how to navigate the platform and get the most out of it.
What fears did you have and how did you deal with them?
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Hey, Lauren Hackney! I've had those fears, like fear of the blank page. I've learned to just start outlining/writing. If I don't like what I come up with, I can always rewrite it.
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My only real fear is going my whole life without any of my works getting published (and God knows I've sent my biggest amount of pitches yet specifically to try to avoid that). I'm not terribly concerned about the blank page since I accepted a while back that writer's block is my cue to get back to living life and recharge my creative energy rather than pushing through and writing words that'll get cut later on. Art, writing in particular, is also where I feel most like myself so I don't get too hung up about not everyone understanding what I've written so getting judged doesn't bother me (that's just a fact of life, as long as your name is on people's lips, you're gonna get judged lol).
You're 100% right though, the more seriously you take art, I've found, the louder that dark side seems to get, but it's also why the bright side is so impactful and elevating :D
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I agree with Maurice Vaughan, the fear fo the blank page is reduced by a refined writing process like starting with an outline or even random blurbs but in some shape or form you have to just start writing. And in no way should you be worried if this isn't an actual script.
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I like how you feel about the blank page Maurice Vaughan - just rewrite it! Absolutely perfect!
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@banafsheh - This really resonated with me. I think so many of us share that same fear of pouring our hearts into stories and never seeing them out in the world. I love how you frame writer’s block as a sign to live and recharge - that’s such a healthy way to see it.
You’re right, the more we take our art seriously, the more those doubts can creep in, but that also means we’re creating something that matters. Even when it feels like no one notices, every word we write is shaping us into better storytellers. Thanks for sharing this reminder, it’s both grounding and uplifting... and nice to know I'm not alone here!
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@michael - I like your confidence - in no way should you be worried if this isn't an actual script. I never thought about it like that before!
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I’m always amazed at how many scriptwriters just leap into a screenplay without a novel or even a humble little storyboard to guide them. As a novelist, I can’t relate—once I get a few pages in, the story practically grabs me by the collar and writes itself. At that point, I’m just hanging on for dear life, hoping the characters don’t stage a coup. Honestly, how do people write scripts without first getting lost in the world they’re creating? Witchcraft?
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Some sort of sorcery that's for sure @trevor but wholly smokes your writing journey sounds thrilling!
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Lauren Hackney Hi! My fear wasn’t the blank page, but being laughed at. My environment is not artistic at all — neither my family nor my friends really understand this. There were times when they laughed behind my back, thinking I wasn’t down to earth. It was awful that I couldn’t talk about this to anyone except my husband, because he was the only one who believed in me. Yet I so badly wanted to share what I experienced, what I felt, what my plans and dreams were. Now this is no longer just my secret: here on Stage32 nobody judges me. :) I’m not afraid anymore — and for that, I’m truly grateful to you. Have you ever had fears like this?
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More a 25-year journey, than thrilling. Writing technical documents that one is not emotionally attached to is a different discipline in getting the job done.
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"Have you ever had fears like this?" Tell them, "show me your book" if they laugh. Note their laughter is a charade for their inadequacies.
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Trevor Learey It’s not really the book they have a problem with, but rather my dream of making a film. Maybe it seems like too big of a dream, but at least I’m working toward it. And if it ever comes true, that will be the best answer to everyone who ever doubted me.
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Sanna Peth This breaks my heart to hear - people were so cruel to you. You certainly have found the right community here but it is hard when those in your physical world aren't so supportive. Just remember - if people are trying to bring you down - it means you're already above them. Keep creating and filling your soul.
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Oh @trevor - that's a wonderful response! 'Show me your book'.... that's gold!
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Sanna Peth "It’s not really the book they have a problem with" Agreed, they are just expressing their difference. I have friends who only knew me as an author of technical document. (Studies, Manuals, Policies) Puzzled as to why I would want to write a fictional/Historical novel for young adults. I explained that I just followed the same process as a Feasibility Study, a collection of 'fact' with some fiction around it to make it entertaining. They laughed of course.
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If this isn't your professional responsibility, then there's no reason or cause for fear. I won't offer any advice—it's not my style—but I'm simply sharing my experience: I never approach the computer unless I have something to say. Otherwise, a blank page in front of my eyes is a powerful demotivator.
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Sanna Peth who wants to be down to earth anyway! Our lofty dreams become a reality when we let go of unsolicited criticism. I put off writing my first book because I didn't want my dad to read it (he's 89). I finally decided to grow up & just DOiT. My friends and family aren't very interested in what I'm doing because they haven't seen my film - YET. I think, like your family & friends, they don't understand. I love getting lost in my stories - especially when I stifle the thought of what anyone will THINK. Keep going and do what you love.
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Debbie Seagle es, that’s what I do, it’s just sometimes a bit harder because people can bring you down. But fate always gives me something that recharges me. :) Thank you for the encouragement, it really means a lot. Actually, I feel that even these things — even the ‘laughing at me’ — give me strength at the end of the day, so that the next morning I can start again with renewed energy.
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The blank page has always felt like an opportunity for me. It's the promise of creation. Nothing until I make it something.
But imposter syndrome? Oh yeah. No matter how often I hear my works are good, I always say it's crap. I read back in disgust and tell myself I'm a phoney, phoney, phoney. My betas can be raving and I'll keep asking what's wrong with it.
I can't get past that. I got used to rejection letters in the literary world so I'm not afraid of the no.
I'm afraid I suck.
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Sanna Peth When people laugh at you, try laughing with them and see what happens! :)
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Alex Tur The problem is that most of these people don’t laugh in my face, but behind my back. In a way, I can understand them — from here, in this country, it probably does look like a surreal dream. Kind of like the story in the film Cool Runnings. But still, it’s not impossible. But really, it’s okay. Sometimes it brings me down, but other times it lifts me up — and that’s fine the way it is.
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When facing fear, I say, "Get thee behind me Satan. I'm moving forward and on! " My religious upbringing taught me that trick.
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Alex Tur Thank you for sharing your experience, I really appreciate hearing different approaches. I like how the blank page for you is a powerful demotivator. I've never thought about it that way - thank you!
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@debbie I agree - keep doing what you love. It certainly puts a smile on my face when nothing else does.
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@ella I see you on this one. I am my own biggest critic. What would it take for you to feel otherwise? A book deal? An option contract? A collaboration? I'm just curious because for me sometimes I just need that offer to feel like I'm 'up to scratch' with my writing. Thank you for your post, I appreciate it!
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@susan I need to put that on my coffee mug for a regular reminder!!!
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Sanna Peth The answer is hidden in your message—they are “behind your back.” Therefore, don't look back, move forward! The people who truly care about you will stay with you. The rest? It's up to you to decide.