Writers are by nature intense creatures. I really believe people who are creatively inclined tend to experience life, well, more intensely than other humans.
Combine that with trying to break into or stay afloat in a tough publishing business, and the writerly pursuit is not without its fears and anxieties.
So what is your greatest fear as a writer? A horrible review? People not liking your book? Obscurity? Paper cuts?
My greatest fear is that people won't enjoy reading my stories. I get a lot from writing, and I guess that could be enough. But it'd be incredible if other people could find something to connect with in my work.
Never finishing a novel.
Oh, btw, several people have written that their greatest fear is to write something and find that it's already been done. Well, as I've been through that, I can attest it's a shock to go through. Equally the worst part is when you want to relate the incredibleness of it to others, hoping for sympathy and some kind of feed back, but you get the feeling that they doubt what you're saying. Actually, that might be the worst, as I try to be as honest as possible. That's one thing I can do. And to be doubted – well…
But, at the end of the day, what does it matter. Really.
Using abnormally large words to say absolultey nothing.
Not finishing!
Writing isn't just an outlet or a hobby, it's a gateway of communication, the cornerstone of humanity.
I think my biggest fear is no one hearing my voice. Maybe they read the book and hopefully they enjoyed it, but did they understand what I was trying to communicate? Did they hear what I was screaming between the lines?
That I will stop caring about writing.
Editing. I know this is odd, but the only answers I ever got wrong on tests were the ones I went back and changed. What if I ruin the brilliant parts trying to fix the weak parts.
This is too depressing. "The fear of being rubbish," "delusional," and the very first post "poor writing" sum it up for me.
Honest to God, there is nothing about this process that scares me. I have my faith in God, the love of my family, and a belief in Providence. What is meant to be will be, and I am okay with that.
Great Question!
My greatest fear is that I won't get to live my dream. I've invested so much of myself into my writing, getting my name out there, building a website following, etc. so if I look back ten years from now and nothing happened it would be tough. Writing is my passion.
Missing the inspiration because for some stupid reason – work,laundry, Internet surfing – I didn't have my AIC (ass in chair).
So many honest and terrific comments. Mine would be not being able to be a writer for the rest of my life. I love the good and bad of it all regardless if I make the beaucoup bucks or not. Of course, a little cash would be nice.
When I finally lose it and zombify, that the one hard headed publisher wont taste good
Okay, I'm sorry, but all I can say, after all the posts I've read on your blog, is that you are one funny guy!!