Today I’d like to welcome talented author and friend Patti Jo Moore. Patti Jo, take it away!
I am thrilled to be guest-blogging on Cynthia’s blog today!
I have a confession: I had another blog post written on a completely different topic. Then—as I was thinking about my second book that released earlier this summer—a new topic lingered in my mind and wouldn’t leave. Fear. Okay, not exactly the happiest of topics, is it? Yet it’s something we all experience.
Each of us handles fear in different ways.
I wish I could say I just take a deep breath and move forward, knowing things will be fine in the end. But sadly, I haven’t reached that level. I am, however, getting better about remembering Who is in control and leaning on Him. Still, I’m a work in progress.
Although fear can strike in any number of situations, today I’m focusing on the fear that writers often face. Folks who are not writers may chuckle and wonder why on earth a writer would be fearful. After all, we sit at a computer and type away, so what would cause fear? A killer keyboard? Not likely. (Although I know a few writers who’ve been ready to toss their keyboards out the window in frustration!)
Writers often experience fear while waiting to hear from an agent, editor, or to learn the results of a writing contest. (Click-to-Tweet)
We’ve all heard the advice to get busy on another project while waiting for word from an industry professional, but if we’re not careful, our minds take off and we grow fearful the longer we wait.
We convince ourselves the editor or agent didn’t like our proposal. Or our contest score is so low that the contest coordinator doesn’t even want to reveal our score. Yes, fear can take hold and cause all sorts of extreme (and sometimes ridiculous) scenarios to form in our mind.
Still, we need to *try* (easier said than done at times, I know) and resolve our fear before it takes root and grows. For me personally, I take a realistic look at the situation—including the worst-case scenario—and remind myself that I did my best, and I pray. If the fear continues to gnaw away, I turn to my favorite comforting scriptures, and they really do help!
While I have many favorite scriptures, these continue to resonate: 1 Peter 5:7; Isaiah 41:10; and II Timothy 1:7.
If you are a writer and experience fear related to your writing, I hope you’ll tackle that fear with the Lord’s help. Having an accountability partner praying for you is also a wonderful blessing and can help reduce your fear.
Even sharing your fears with a trusted friend is cathartic. Sometimes hearing yourself verbalize what is making you fearful is a step toward calming peace. (Click-to-Tweet)
In my book, An Unexpected Romance, the heroine Gracie must face her greatest fear to help her neighbor and his young children. She realizes she cannot do this on her own, so she prays and asks the Lord to help her.
As writers, may we never let fear cripple our creativity, but may we face our fear and grow stronger.
We never know how our stories might help someone else face their own anxiety and dread.
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Author Bio
Patti Jo Moore is a former kindergarten teacher who now writes full-time. Her “Sweet, Southern Stories” feature characters who face realistic struggles and challenging situations but always have a happily-ever-after ending.
Patti Jo loves Jesus, her family, cats, and coffee. When not writing, she loves spending time with her family—especially her precious grandbaby. She enjoys connecting with readers and can be found on Facebook at Author Patti Jo Moore. Please visit her blog at http://catmomscorner.blogspot.com
She’s the author of two books with Forget-Me-Not Romances and a third book launching October 2018. 
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SHARING IS CARING
Facing our fear is daunting. Sharing our fear with others can liberate and encourage those who are walking a similar path.
The writing journey is unique to each writer. At times, the path can be stressful. When facing fear and upheaval, here are some things to keep in mind.
TO ENCOURAGE YOU
Waiting, Writing, and Why You Must Not Quit
A shot in the arm for the weary writer.
Move over, doubt! Age is relative.
Original Image Credit: Photo by Aaron Burden/Unsplash
What’s a fear you’ve faced?
What did you learn during the process?
How can we help others who are facing a similar situation?
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Thanks, Patti Jo, for sharing your thoughts with us today!
I have a few additional blog guests scheduled in the coming weeks and I hope you’ll continue to join us. During my blogging respite, we’ve enjoyed various guests’ unique perspectives on the writing journey and life. It’s been a great season of encouragement!
Next week as my family holds down our fort, I’ll wind my way toward the great city of Nashville and the national ACFW conference. Wahooo! During that time, I’ll disconnect from Facebook and blogging, but when I return, I’ll dish all about it, so stay tuned!
Now, lest you think I’m stepping completely off the radar—while I’m at conference I’ll share Twitter and Instagram updates with all the juicy details! Watch your feed and join me for the fun!
A few other things to note—this week I saw my full book cover “flat” (front and back) for HER HOPE DISCOVERED and I love, love, love it! Truly, it’s stunning! In my September newsletter I spoke more in-depth about the process and I look forward to the BIG cover reveal toward the end of October/early November. Please join my newsletter family and private Facebook group so you won’t miss exciting news and updates. We’re thrilled to welcome you there!
Much Love and Many Blessings,
Comments 13
Love your post today, Patti Jo! Fears can come out of left field from unexpected sources in our writing journey and when we least expect it. Last week our Pastor preached on a Psalm of Ascents which was all about “taking it to the Lord first” – well, that’s exactly what we have to do in these situations but it’s also the first thing we forget to do. His love casts out fear but so often we let ourselves be overcome by it. And you’re quite right, having an accountability partner who’ll pray you through the dark time is so important. Only other writers can understand what it’s like to be on the ups and downs of this journey. I’m looking forward to your new book next month! And praying God’s blessings on it and you as well.
Hi Laurie! Thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind words. Your Pastor’s sermon sounds like an excellent message. So often I’m guilty of trying to handle fears on my own rather than giving them to the Lord. I guess it’s our “human side” in thinking we can take care of things! 🙁
Thanks again for commenting, and I’m excited to read YOUR book! 🙂
Hugs, Patti Jo
Love this, Patti Jo. So easy to let fear get hold. Thank you for the insight and encouragement, and for the Bible verses. Congratulations on your second book!! It sounds like a wonderful read!
Cynthia, have fun at conference! I’m not on Instagram anymore, but I will be watching for your updates on Twitter.
Hi Laura! Thank you so much for stopping by and for your sweet comments.
Sure wish you were going to the conference too, but among those of us attending we should have “a few” photos, LOL. 😉
Blessings on your weekend!
Hugs, Patti Jo
Hi, Patti Jo, I didn’t know you were a former kindergarten teacher. I can absolutely see you doing a marvelous job. Thank you for writing about fear and facing your fears. Have a wonderful time at the ACFW Conference.
Hi Tanya! Thanks for stopping by today.
Yes, I absolutely LOVED teaching kindergarten, and still miss working with the students. But I’m thankful to be doing something else I LOVE (writing!) and I especially enjoy when I have children appearing in a story. 🙂
I’ll miss you at the conference—my last ACFW was when I met you. Have a blessed weekend!
Hugs, Patti Jo
Thank you, Patti Jo! I need reminders to take my many fears to our Lord. I’ll remember the verses you suggest. Blessings to you!
Hi sweet Sherida, Thank you for commenting, and I hope those verses I listed will be helpful. 🙂 The verse from Isaiah was what I clung to as I entered the hospital to have my spine rebuilt—it was amazing how those words gave me peace.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Hugs, Patti Jo
Cynthia, thank you so much for having me on your blog today! 🙂
I hope you’ll have a nice, relaxing weekend.
Hugs, Patti Jo
Patti Jo,
Thank YOU for joining us!
I will be hugging your neck in just a jew daaaaays!
Cannot wait, Cynthia!! 🙂
Patti Jo, sorry I’m late to the party. Excellent post! Fear can be so paralyzing. And you listed some great tips for overcoming fear. Number one being take them to the Lord. Why do I always make that so hard?
Enjoy yourself at ACFW!
Thanks for stopping by, sweet Terri! No worries about being late—that’s often my other name, LOL. 😉
I also have to remind myself about taking my fears to the Lord—you’d think by now I would remember that He is in control and can give me peace!
We’ll sure miss you at ACFW this year.
Hugs, Patti Jo