Some of you already know that I took on something new this month–developing an online how-to-critique course for Writer’s Digest. Exciting. Fun. Different. Scary.
What’s the word? “Fear.”
Luckily for me, I have wonderful critique partners and writing friends who pat me on the back and keep me going. And a seriously great, patient editor to work with who lets me shoot her off a sample every few days, as a reality check, so I can get the relief and confidence back when she tells me “Yes!”
Anyway, I watched with amazement as last weeks nervousness FEAR turned into that other old enemy–procrastination. I’m sure I’m not the only one out here to whom this happens. So thought I’d throw up a few links that talk about the whys and hows and the fixes.
And then I’ll GET BACK TO WORK. 
- From Copyblogger: http://www.copyblogger.com/writers-block/
- At Robust Writing: http://robustwriting.com/writer%E2%80%99s-block-or-procrastination-be-honest
- Marcia Yudkin says: http://www.yudkin.com/firstaid.htm
- At The Real Writing Life: http://mikebanks.blogspot.com/2007/07/procrastinating-writers.html
- According to Cheryl Antier: http://www.writersbestarticles.com/article.php/15-06-2009Writers-How-to-Stop-Procrastinating—Now-and-Forever.htm
- At Kristi Holl’s Writer’s First Aid: http://institutechildrenslit.net/Writers-First-Aid-blog/2009/05/29/the-vicious-procrastination-cycle/
Here’s to the new projects you’re all taking on these days. And here’s to reminding yourself that you can do them.
October 20, 2009 at 5:46 pm
You can do it!!
October 20, 2009 at 7:08 pm
It’s working. Thanks!
October 20, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Is clicking through on ALL the useful links you supplied PLUS the ones they pointed to procrastination or just smart?
Guess only I know for sure. The best fix for me is a friend’s gentle kick in the butt. I said gentle, take off those steel-toed shoes!
October 20, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Heck, you know even POSTING this was procrastination.
Will the bunny slippers do?
October 21, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Go, Becky!
October 21, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Thanks, Amy. You, too!
October 22, 2009 at 8:25 am
Go Becky!
I always look at fear this way. If I’m scared or nervous to do something, that almost always means I need to force myself to do it. Feel the fear and do it anyway!
October 22, 2009 at 6:43 pm
That’s what I’m shooting for. It’s sometimes hard to see what’s really fear and what might be common sense, but I’m with you. Take it as far as you can and see.
October 25, 2009 at 9:17 am
I missed this earlier this week but you obviously kicked your procrastination to the curb. Well done!
October 25, 2009 at 9:25 am
Thanks, Susan!