Do you struggle with fear as a writer?
Fear that your writing isn’t good enough? That people will criticize what you write? That you’ll write one good story and then never be able to write anything else?
Fears like these can feel overwhelming and make you think that maybe you should just give up on writing. It’s easy to imagine that the greatest writers confidently showed up each day at their typewriters, words flowing effortlessly from their fingers.
But that’s not true. Even the greatest writers are not immune to fear and self-doubt.
Nobel laureate John Steinbeck was one famous writer who wrestled with insecurity and severe anxiety throughout his entire writing career. But he didn’t let those fears defeat him.
Read on to discover his invaluable advice for how to confront your writing fears.
John Steinbeck’s Disillusionment as a Young Writer
On March 8, 1962 John Steinbeck wrote a letter to Edith Mirrielees, his former creative writing professor at Stanford University. Steinbeck had studied English Literature at Stanford but never completed his degree.
In the letter, he reminisces over his college years and his time in Mirrielees’s story writing class. He had shown up to the class with the hope that Mirrielees would reveal a formula for writing good short stories.
However, this hope was soon dashed. He writes,
…Although it must be a thousand years ago that I sat in your class in story writing at Stanford, I remember the experience very clearly. I was bright-eyed and bushy-brained and prepared to absorb from you the secret formula for writing good short stories, even great short stories.
You canceled this illusion very quickly. The only way to write a good short story, you said, was to write a good short story. Only after it is written can it be taken apart to see how it was done. It is a most difficult form, you told us, and the proof lies in how very few great short stories there are in the world.
Mirrielees was giving her students a dose of reality. There was no magic formula to follow that would result in a prize-winning story in one go. Rather, writing was a journey of blood, toil, tears, and sweat.
At the time, Steinbeck was not prepared to hear that. He writes,
The basic rule you gave us was simple and heartbreaking. A story to be effective had to convey something from writer to reader and the power of its offering was the measure of its excellence. Outside of that, you said, there were no rules. A story could be about anything and could use any means and technique at all—so long as it was effective.
Steinbeck soon realized that nearly all of his stories did not measure up to Mirrielees’s rule. This greatly discouraged him. He observes,
So there went the magic formula, the secret ingredient. With no more than that you set us on the desolate lonely path of the writer. And we must have turned in some abysmally bad stories. If I had expected to be discovered in a full bloom of excellence, the grades you gave my efforts quickly disillusioned me. And if I felt unjustly criticized, the judgments of editors for many years afterwards upheld your side, not mine.
Steinbeck began to doubt his skills as a writer. The struggle to transfer one’s emotions onto paper can be exhausting and fraught with fear. He laments,
It seemed unfair. I could read a fine story and could even know how it was done, thanks to your training. Why could I not do it myself? Well, I couldn’t, and maybe it’s because no two stories dare be alike.
And, yet, despite his disillusionment, Steinbeck refused to give up. What was his secret that kept him pushing forward?
How Steinbeck Was Able to Write Through His Fears
Steinbeck must have been tempted over the years to put away his typewriter and not write another line. The daily diary (affiliate link) that he kept while working on The Grapes of Wrath (affiliate link) reveals how agonizing it was for him to continue writing.
In one entry, he writes,
I am assailed with my own ignorance and inability…Sometimes, I seem to do a good little piece of work, but when it is done it slides into mediocrity…
In another,
My work is no good, I think – I’m desperately upset about it…I’m slipping. I’ve been slipping all my life.
But there was something that compelled him to keep coming back to his typewriter. In the letter to Mirrielees, he writes,
Over the years I have written a great many stories and I still don’t know how to go about it except to write it and take my chances.
If there is a magic in story writing, and I am convinced that there is, no one has ever been able to reduce it to a recipe that can be passed from one person to another. The formula seems to lie solely in the aching urge of the writer to convey something he feels important to the reader. If the writer has that urge, he may sometimes but by no means always find the way to do it.
Despite his fears, Steinbeck knew that he was called to be a writer. There was a passion deep within him that could only be satisfied by getting his thoughts down on paper. He knew that he had something valuable to say to his readers, and he wasn’t about to let his fears destroy him.
Did he have a special formula for overcoming those fears? Unfortunately not. He admits to Mirrielees,
It is not so very hard to judge a story after it is written, but after many years, to start a story still scares me to death.
So how did Steinbeck find a way to write through his fear? Steinbeck shares an invaluable piece of wisdom in his letter. He observes,
I will go so far as to say that the writer who is not scared is happily unaware of the remote and tantalizing majesty of the medium.
Essentially, his secret was this: he accepted his fears as an unavoidable part of his writing journey and eventually came to see them as validation that he was a serious writer.
What to Do When Fear Threatens to Sabotage Your Writing
The novelist Steven Pressfield in his nonfiction book The War of Art (affiliate link) writes,
Are you paralyzed with fear? That’s a good sign. Fear is good. Like self-doubt, fear is an indicator. Fear tells us what we have to do. Remember one rule of thumb: the more scared we are of a work or calling, the more sure we can be that we have to do it.
But don’t let those fears continue to paralyze you. Those fears are telling you that you need to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Like Steinbeck, we must continue writing if only to silence the critic who is ourselves.
Everyone’s fears are unique to their own situation and will require different methods to keep them in check.
Maybe you will find it encouraging to read about the lives of famous writers who have struggled with the same difficulties as you. Or perhaps like Steinbeck you will find a writing notebook helpful. Or maybe you will need to set a daily word count goal and find friends to keep you accountable.
In 1962, Steinbeck shared this advice for writing through fear in a letter (affiliate link) to his friend Robert Wallsten,
Forget your generalized audience. In the first place, the nameless, faceless audience will scare you to death and in the second place, unlike the theater, it doesn’t exist. In writing, your audience is one single reader. I have found that sometimes it helps to pick out one person—a real person you know, or an imagined person and write to that one.
Whatever method you use, the most important step is to not let the fear stop you from getting started. Just begin and then refuse to quit.
As Steinbeck writes in the same letter to Wallsten,
Lose track of the 400 pages and write just one page for each day, it helps. Then when it gets finished, you are always surprised…Write freely and as rapidly as possible and throw the whole thing on paper. Never correct or rewrite until the whole thing is down. Rewrite in process is usually found to be an excuse for not going on.
The Takeaway
At the end of his letter to Mirrielees, Steinbeck reminds her of a final piece of writing advice she gave him when he decided he was going out into the world to try to be a writer. Steinbeck writes,
But surely you were right about one thing, Edith. It took a long time—a very long time. And it is still going on and it has never got easier. You told me it wouldn’t.
The writing journey requires much courage and fortitude. It is not for the faint of heart. But don’t become discouraged if you are overcome by fear and uncertainty.
It’s okay to be scared. It’s a normal part of the writing process, a rite of passage that every writer experiences.
As Steven Pressfield observes,
If you find yourself asking yourself (and your friends), ‘Am I really a writer? Am I really an artist?’ chances are you are. The counterfeit innovator is wildly self-confident. The real one is scared to death.
Fear is proof you are on the right path, proof that you care about your readers, proof that you will keep pushing yourself to improve your craft, proof that you are doing something truly brave. You are willing to spill your heart out on paper and let others judge your work.
If Steinbeck had run from his fear, the world would have lost out on his towering literary contributions. The same is true for you. You have a story that only you can tell. Don’t let fear hold you back from sharing your voice with the world.
Ultimately, it is how you respond to fear that determines whether or not you will become a truly great writer.
What fear is holding you back from putting your words on paper and what steps will you take to overcome it? If you enjoyed this post, leave a comment below and share the post with someone you would like to inspire.
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James D Stone says
Thank you for posting this, Nicole. I’ve struggled with fears for years but knowing that someone as great as Steinbeck could be that transparent about his fears and how he dealt with them, gives me hope that I can deal with mine as well. I really need to because I am now attempting to navigate my way into the writing for pay world as a man in his late 50’s. It is really scary because I’m choosing this over a more lucrative path so I can do something I love for the rest of my life.
amarmark says
I think the problem with The Universe bit is that you flip it around and think well I believed in the Universe last time why did it decide I needed to be assaulted and then everything feels out of your control and as though you somehow deserved it which is bullshit.
Nadia King says
To say that the writer who is not scared is happily unaware of the remote and tantalizing majesty of the medium – this line is wonderful Nicole.
I think fear plagues all creatives. I don’t know if this was a Nike ad but the words – feel the fear and do it anyway – have always been a bit of a mantra for me.
Thanks for the post. It’s comforting to think even the greats had the same fears we struggle with daily.
Nicole Bianchi says
Hi, Nadia! 🙂 Thank you so much for your comment! I love your mantra — so much truth in that. Yes, I find it comforting too that even the best writers struggled with fear. Just goes to show that they’re human. It is sad that Steinbeck faced such self-doubt over his writing. I hope he eventually realized how fantastic of a writer he was.
Jeana (@hotcocoareads) says
I really needed to read this today. I’ve felt really afraid of my current WIP and have considered even going back and re-routing! I just don’t know if I can do what I originally set out to do. Maybe I’ll try to keep working through the fear…Steinbeck’s thoughts are invaluable!
Nicole Bianchi says
Thank you so much for reading, Jeana! So happy to hear this post spoke to you. I too have found Steinbeck’s thoughts so encouraging as I work on my own creative writing projects. I struggle with fear as well — one of the reasons I wanted to write this post. All the best with your WIP! Cheering you on! 😀
Cynthia P. says
Thank you for this great post, Nicole. It’s incredible to think how full of self doubt Steinbeck was. Thank goodness he had the courage to keep going, or we would have missed out on his wonderful writing. I think probably all writers live with this fear, it’s what they do with it that makes them great writers. I’ve always been that way with my writing, not that I’ve done creative writing much (fear!) but with my university essays and papers I was always terrified I wouldn’t get a good mark, or as good as last time. I was my own worst enemy! I did very well, but the fear was always there, that the next paper would be a disaster. At the moment Bookstagram is my only outlet, but I would like to do more, it’s having the courage to begin and then continue. You are a great writer, Nicole. Keep it up! I’m sure you will.
Nicole Bianchi says
Hi, Cynthia! Thank you so much for your kind words. 🙂
Yes, I too am glad Steinbeck didn’t give up. I hope he eventually came to realize what an amazing writer he truly was.
I can sympathize with you about the college essays. I stressed out so much in college trying to write a “perfect” paper every time. Thankfully, I feel like now I am slowly but surely overcoming my perfectionism, mostly by setting myself deadlines. 😉
Please write more! 🙂 I love your Instagram. You have so many wonderful thoughts to share, and you are such a great writer too.
Cynthia P. says
Thanks for your kind comments, Nicole. I enjoy writing my little pieces for Instagram, but sometimes it doesn’t seem enough. Might be a sign I need to do more. Also IG is primarily about images, and not too many people are interested in a lengthy caption. I am thinking I should start a blog or something along those lines. My problem is I’m really hopeless with technology, but I’m looking into starting with WordPress. Thanks again for your blog. I’ve learned a lot from it.
Nicole Bianchi says
If you need help setting up a blog on WordPress, let me know. 🙂 I’ve actually been thinking about writing a post that would walk through how to set one up. I’d love to read your blog if you started one! 😀
Peggy Adams says
Hi Nicole, it would be great if you did a piece on how to start a blog—especially on WordPress. I have been thinking of doing something like that but have no knowledge in how to do so. just a thought—I learn so much and am encouraged from your blog.
Karli says
Fantastic, Nicole, as usual! Fear is such a big deterrent but can be a powerful motivator at the same time! I loved how you said “You are willing to spill your heart out on paper and let others judge your work.” Perfect!
Nicole Bianchi says
Thanks so much, Karli! 🙂 Love how you put it, that it can also be a powerful motivator. It’s so true that overcoming our fears sometimes just requires a mindset shift. How is your novel coming along? 😀
Nerdy Creator says
Everyday, I woke up to write. And everyday, I have to find the courage to write despite my fears. To have the opportunities to face my fears and get better at overcoming them, there’s nothing more I could ask for.
Thanks for the post! 🙂
Nicole Bianchi says
Thank you for your comment! So true that writing is about facing our fears. I too am thankful for having opportunities each day to write courageously. All the best with your writing projects!
Lori Lipsky says
Hi Nicole, Wonderful, encouraging piece. As one who fights fear as a writer, I appreciate the wisdom you’ve shared here, and the quotes of others who have blazed the trail. Thank you.
Nicole Bianchi says
Hi, Lori! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I am so happy you found the piece encouraging, and I hope the advice Steinbeck shared will help you in your writing journey. All the best!
Roy says
Hi, Nicole. New subscriber. Great piece. You also write very well. Clear. Succinct. No B/S — as in fluff. I particularly enjoy the advice of accepting fear as part of the process. I’ve taken that a step further. I consider fear a considerate friend that points out areas I should take a better look at. It is usually correct. As for self doubt, that is not the voice of my friend. That is me, being afraid to heed my friend’s advice. Loved your piece. More!
Nicole Bianchi says
Hi, Roy! Thank you so much for subscribing and for your kind words! I love the way you put it — how you see fear as a considerate friend. That is a fantastic way to look at it. I definitely agree that self-doubt is in an entirely different camp and is not a productive response at all. It’s important to know what is a healthy fear and which ones are holding us back and need to be silenced. So glad you enjoyed the piece! 😀
William says
Great post! I often ask myself some of the same / similar questions as I often find myself scared with what to do / how to proceed and try to actually follow through with making my writing/posts or even videos worthwhile reads. Again, great post!
Nicole Bianchi says
Thank you so much for your comment, William! I hope that the methods Steinbeck outlined will help you. 🙂 Thanks for reading!
Martha says
Great post and so informative! I think my main “fear” is thinking my writings don’t have meaning to others or they are not good enough. I have so many thoughts in my head but sometimes they don’t come out the way I think they should when I start typing. But I keep plugging away and hoping some get enjoyment from my writings.
Nicole Bianchi says
Hi Martha! Thank you! Those are fears I struggle with too. I love what Steinbeck wrote about forgetting about a generalized audience and just focusing on a single reader. Even if our writing touches only one person, it has tremendous value.
Barry Joyce says
A powerful read – thanks for sharing Nicole
Nicole Bianchi says
Thank you so much, Barry!
Jeanine says
What a great post! I love the message to accept the fear and keep writing anyway. And how fascinating to peek into his thoughts like this. I’m glad he kept writing. I guess I will, too!
Nicole Bianchi says
Thank you, Jeanine! I love having this opportunity to see what writers like Steinbeck were thinking during their writing process. It feels like they’re cheering you along: “If I did it, you can too.” 🙂
All the best with your writing projects!
Marisa says
Thank you for this post, Nicole. I’ve found it really does help to learn about the writing journeys of famous writers and to realise that so many of the fears and failings which we think render us unlikely to succeed, are actually common experiences for many writers – even very successful ones. I love that you shared Steinbeck’s story and brought it to life here for us. It’s something I’d probably never have come across otherwise. I read your post with a sense of comfort and relief – and encouragement – to hear that someone as celebrated as Steinbeck experienced these same pangs of self-doubt, yet didn’t let them stop him. At the same time as I read I felt an element of frustration as I can’t help but think that it is possible, at least some of the time, to write with joy and confidence. And I’m sure some famous writers have described their writing as a place where more often than not they experience a sense of freedom and ease. Trying to remember a particular name – Ray Bradbury comes to mind, I saw some video interviews of him on youtube.
I do my best to work with my fears and push through them (and I’ll certainly be taking note of some of the good advice and techniques you’ve just shared here) in my writing journey, but I think I’m also working towards releasing/outgrowing my general tendencies to anxiety and self-doubt so that writing and all other areas of my life can be more free and joyful in the first instance. Learning to combat the fears when they arise, and learning that ultimately we can succeed despite them – that our creativity and our wholeness far outweighs the sum of our faults and fears – is a powerful encouragement and boost on that journey. I think you’re right though, that some level of fear must always be necessary when we are riding the edge of the wave and challenging the boundaries of our own and others’ comfort zones. It’s the only way to grow. I guess I just would like to think that, unlike Steinbeck’s comment that it ‘has never got easier’, it is possible for writing to get easier and to flow more readily as we learn to trust ourselves and have more of a sense of courage and freedom in front of the blank page.
Nicole Bianchi says
Hi, Marisa! Thank you so much for your adding your thoughts. 🙂
I’m so glad that you found the post encouraging. I too find it reassuring to know that this is something other writers struggle with, but I understand how Steinbeck’s outlook can seem a bit bleak at times.
I recently read Ray Bradbury’s book Zen in the Art of Writing, and he certainly has a more upbeat view towards writing. Perhaps it has to do with how much of a perfectionist one is. You might enjoy this article I wrote about Arthur Conan Doyle and how the harshest critics of our own work are usually ourselves. This is a dangerous cycle that we can only break if we are aware the problem exists. And I do think it is a problem we can overcome, though if you are a perfectionist like Steinbeck, it might be more difficult than if you were a writer like Bradbury.
I love what you said about striving to make writing something more free and joyful. I think when Steinbeck said “it has never got easier”, he was partly commenting on how writing itself is a difficult craft and how every story will have its own particular problems. I think he would have agreed that the fear itself can be lessened. As we write more and more, I do believe that the writing will flow more freely, and that we can find methods that will help us work around our fears, just as Steinbeck did.
I’m going to do a little more research into Ray Bradbury’s writing process. I think that would make for an interesting blog post as well. 🙂
Thanks again for your comment!
Peggy Adams says
Well said and I too agree writing can, with practice, becomes easier and a joy. More writing does build confidence in self. My career in the art of writing was when I enrolled in a Creative Writing Class at a Junior college, at age 70. I had done work related writing, most charts and such as I worked Personnel and Budget authorizations. I was praised for getting result thru my writing. I was scared to death—older then even the instructor and my first effort to be judged by the young people. The Final Exam was to complete a 8 to 10 page short story, applying all I learned, with proper grammar and punctuation. The instruction was ‘write what you know’. So, I started at the beginning of the semester and I got through my fear by writing a story to my satisfaction—writing as best I could as if telling a friend. let it rest a few days and thought myself through. I then took, the final piece of instructor advice; read it out loud to self and/or to a friend. When I read it out loud to myself, I was amazed at some of the ‘confusion’, and retelling I found in an eight to ten typed page story. You guessed it, I had to do some rewrite—read it out loud later and I was through. Received much encouragement when the paper was returned with a red A+. I enrolled in the advance creative class and here I had to write a short , prompted story and read to the class. The critiques received form these young students was invaluable. The first time, the class laughed, I was so emotional with fear, the instructor had to finish the read — the students were told to do critiques on a piece of paper and give to each reader so that more people would be able to read. Surprised, the students were overwhelming accepting of my story and I had actually been funny in places –thankfully they pointed them out in their critique. I tend to use dialogue to move my stories and I had spelled it as a southerner would say it, such as “haid” for head, ‘awright’ for alright, and leaving the ”ing’ and the ‘r’ out of lots of the pronouncements. This convinced me in order to get over my fear, just write ‘what I know’, for myself first. The fact that I practice reading and writing, and rewrite has helped me to gain confidence… the writer groups were a big help also. For me reading out loud and getting feed back is a great motivator for riding one of fear and gaining confidence in your talent/ability. Thank you and all the commenters [is that a word?—smile] for very good information and encouragement for all writers!!!