In 2016, I had three books released. Then my father died, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I went through radiation therapy, my mother-in-law got pneumonia, and had to be moved into an assisted living facility. In addition, my oldest daughter got married and my husband had cataract surgery. I had diverticulitis. I had a posterior vitreous detachment in my eye. In short, I was wrung out.
With all that, my writing routine took a downturn. I've been working on another book, but the writing has crept along at a snail's pace. I began to question myself. "Who is going to read this book anyway? Is it worth it? Am I wasting my time?"
Like most creative people, I've doubted my own ability many times over in whatever project I've undertaken at the time. But I pressed onward and always settled into a happy groove, remembering how much fun it is to write. It made me feel good and as my father used to say, "It's cheaper than therapy."
This time the nagging suspicions persisted. I won't call it writer's block, because it isn't that. It is fear.
I stumbled upon this blog post by Jen Morris. I think you should read it. For me, it was totally relevant. Fear takes on other disguises--like procrastination or perfectionism.
http://www.jenmorriscreative.com/overcoming-fear-in-the-creative-process/
With some of Jen Morris's suggestions, I've made considerable progress on my manuscript this week. Writing is my happy place. I can't let fear take that away.
