We're kicking off a new feature here - a theme every week. I figured how better to start the spooky month of October than to discuss fear. For me, this one is easy. I'm an avid worrier. About almost everything. Even things I know are ridiculous - like worrying that there will be a terrorist gas attack the one time I'm in the DC subway in two weeks. Or that my husband's plane will crash due to the light drizzle we're currently experiencing. I wish my mind didn't go there, but it does - and often.
Writers, in particular, have soooo many fears to face (and hopefully overcome). It would be easy to write pages on the topic, but I'll confine myself to just one for today. My latest book releases on Thursday. When I think about it, I kind of want to make a face like this lovely guy pictured on the left. I'm scared to death.
What if nobody comes to my publisher's live chat on launch day? What if I choose the wrong excerpts, and don't excite the people who do show up? What if nobody buys it? What if nobody likes it? Yup, that about sums up my fear of release day.
Now, how do I deal with my fears? The well-rounded side of my brain says that I'll go to the gym, do yoga, maybe meditate. The realistic side of my brain says that sure, I'll do all those things - but it won't make a bit of difference. The constant ticker tape in my head will be repeating all those what ifs like a very unhealthy mantra. But the point is that I'm moving forward. I'm facing those fears, and continuing to write. Maybe that is the biggest, healthiest way to deal with them. How do you all do it?
I'm afraid of snakes. Anything more than that, I'm saving to talk about tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteD'Ann
I find that one heaping tablespoonful of denial mixed with a dash of hope in a bottle of Jack Daniels is the best recipe for surviving Fear. ;)
ReplyDeleteMy mind always goes to the worst case scenario first. Then I'm not sabatoged by the minor things. LOL. Okay, that's what I tell myself.
ReplyDeleteI hate it when DH says, we gotta talk. If I say it, he knows I need money, when he says it, I think we're losing the house or he wrecked the car---and for no reason whatsoever---just where my head takes me.
Oh i never let anyone say, we need to talk later. if you tell me that, plop your butt right down and tell me now. if you think i'm going to stew for hours wondering what you're going to say? nope. spill you guts.
ReplyDelete