Unfinished writing, half-filled journals, and abandoned files clutter the lives of all writers. It’s the mulch from which other work springs—writing that we share with the world.
But sometimes, we don’t share. We don’t ship. And that’s a real problem, because until you share something, your process isn’t completed.
“We don’t ship because we’re creative. We’re creative because we ship.”
Seth Godin, The Practice
Why don’t we ship?
If you’re not shipping, perhaps you’re giving in to the demons of doubt. They whisper in your inner ear that you’re not a real writer, or that your work isn’t good enough to share or submit or publish.
Maybe you hear them right now?
If those pesky demons fail to stop you from writing, they grow more insistent when you consider posting online, submitting to a publication or contest, or publishing a book.
Shipping the work always feels risky, awakening the demons of doubt.
Whether you need to hear this right now or you run into it in the future, here are three ways to reinforce yourself against the fear and ship.
1. Bring the doubt into the light
Don’t let fear lurk in the shadows—make it speak up. Say your doubts aloud or write them down. Then respond.
You can do this as a journaling exercise, if it helps. The inner conversations might sound like this:
Inner voice: [Whispering] Don’t share that with anyone—there’s nothing original in it, your ideas aren’t good enough.
You: What’s that you say? Speak up, I’m going to write this down.
Inner voice: [Startled] Um, it’s not good enough. You shouldn’t put it out there.
You: I’ve spent time polishing it. I’ve run it past someone whose judgment I trust. But you’re telling me that no one—not a single person—will find it good enough?
Inner voice: Um… well, the critics might make fun of you.
You: Wait, it’s good enough to catch the attention of the critics? Surely someone must like it if that’s the case. And, am I writing for the critics or for people who will enjoy this? You’re saying no one will find value in it?
Inner voice: Er… Well, maybe some readers will think it’s not that good.
You: True, some will. But if someone finds it and loves it, is that enough to justify sharing it? If I do my due diligence to make it as good as I can make it, isn’t it worth putting out there for that reader?
Inner voice: I guess so. Look, I’m just trying to protect you from the critics.
You: Thanks, I appreciate the concern, but I’ve got this.
2. Do a worst-case analysis
Another way to quiet the demon is to play the “worst-case scenario” game with your fear.
What’s the worst that can happen if you submit your article to a publication?
They reject it and it’s not published.
Guess what? That unpublished state is your current reality.
What’s the worst that can happen if you submit to a contest?
You don’t win.
You also don’t win if you don’t submit.
Those were easy. This one is tougher:
What’s the worst that can happen if you share your unpublished with an editor, a beta reader, or reading group?
Worst case: they give you feedback that seems cruel and you give up.
If that happens, that’s on you (the giving up part.) More likely, they offer feedback that, while difficult to hear, might make the work better. Or, perhaps you’ll realize that they don’t represent your true audience and move on.
The worst case usually is our own discomfort, and that shrinks over time with our actions. Even rejection becomes easier with practice.
3. Check in with others
You can also find both comfort and strength knowing that you are not alone. Nearly every writer has doubts. Here are a couple books you can turn to for courage:
The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield
The Practice: Shipping Creative Work by Seth Godin
Or look closer to home. Talk with writers you know. Go to a writer’s group. Ask whether people feel reticence to publish. You’ll hear it.
(This is one case in which comparing yourself with other writers can be helpful!)
Remember, having courage doesn’t mean being fearless. You inhabit courage by experiencing fear and moving forward anyhow. Please, be courageous—write, and share your work.
