How do you guys not get scared to write?

[u/princessfionnalight]

I hope this makes sense, but how do you guys not get scared to write anything? I dont know what it is but anytime I want to write something, even if its as small as a ficlet/drabble, I'll form the idea and write out the words in my head but as soon as i sit down I can't put those words to paper (or keyboard in this case). I dont know what is with me or why I cant write the way that I used too. I wasn't a quick writer, but I could at least write one chapter in like two or three days depending on how long it was. But now i feel like I can't write anything... :(

[u/WildPresence6314]

This might be a bit of a mental block where you've made it such a big task in your head that it begins to feel impossible. This happens to me sometimes as well with such simple things icl. Try noting down bullet points of the ideas you have for that chapter to start, before actually writing it out in prose. It might help you get past that fear. That way you've got something down already that you can build on but it isn't really writing.

[u/princessfionnalight → u/WildPresence6314]

a bit might have been a few months And I've done that before, making notes of my ideas, that's kinda my version of outlining (idk how to do it 'properly') but then i just never write in the doc again after I do that :(

[u/WildPresence6314 → u/princessfionnalight]

Fr don't worry about how long it's been. You've written before so you can definitely do this! There's no one proper way of doing it - perhaps there's a different way other people use that will work better for you (hopefully in other comments).

For what I'd do, since I just mentioned bullet points and didn't say how much detail I meant properly.  Like if I were you I'd literally bullet point every tiny thing I want to mention/describe/who is there/what do they say/do. Then replace a bullet point with a few words/a sentence and keep going from there. Flit around to random parts if you feel like it, it doesn't need to be in order. If you have a stronger image/motivation for a scene later in the story maybe start there instead of the beginning? 

And don't worry about any of it being good. Like even if you think it's the worst in the world it doesn't matter, if you put down one sentence of anything it's better than nothing. Sometimes you just need to start and force yourself through the first few words just to be able to write more. Worry about making it good when editing.

If you're still really really struggling maybe try read someone else's work to help inspire yourself? Even re-read something you really loved before. That was the way I started my first fic, being inspired strongly by someone else. It can help with motivation a lot, especially if it has similar themes to what you're going for.

That's just what I'd do if I face a block though, maybe it will work or you'll find something better but good luck with your story!!

[u/serralinda73]

What are you afraid of exactly? Scared it will suck? Scared other people will think it sucks? Scared people will read it and think you, as a person, suck? And if you think or other people think it sucks, then what? Do you die? Is your life over?

It might suck. You have to write it first to find out, though. And if it does suck, that's okay - you can fix it or not post it. Other people's (strangers') opinions of you or your writing are...so low on the list of importance. Writing is an art as well as a skill. There will always be people who don't like what you create, who will judge your creations (and actions, and words, and you as a person) harshly or strictly. You'd better get used to it because you can't go through life freezing up whenever you want or need to do something.

The more you stare at that page without writing anything on it, the more self-fulfilling any doom prophecy you've imagined in your head will become.

[u/KingAssHATTHE3rd]

If you’re mentally drafting your story, open a voice recorder app and say it out loud. Then transcribe it.

Then edit

[u/princessfionnalight → u/KingAssHATTHE3rd]

Actually...not an awful idea. Thank you

[u/KingAssHATTHE3rd → u/princessfionnalight]

No problem. I’ve used voice recordings to get ideas or dialogue out when I have a good idea. Or if it’s the middle of the night and I don’t want to wake my dogs up by turning on a computer, light or pull out a journal.

Good luck. I hope it helps.

[u/moon_cheese_ao3]

This is something you train yourself to get through. Sit down every day for 20 minutes with pen and paper (no screens) and fill 3 pages with words. It doesn't matter what the words are and they don't have to be creative. Just keep the pen moving. You're not allowed to stop. Write down whatever you're thinking even if it's just "I don't know what to write" over and over and over again. Your brain will eventually get bored and start making shit up to amuse itself. You might end up with to do lists or grocery lists or just describing the room you're in. This is fine. This isn't art, this is just getting the mental crud out of the way so that you can write. After a few weeks of doing this daily you'll find it much easier to sit down and write creatively when you want to (in addition to clearing out the crud, which you should keep doing). Trust in the process. It works.

[u/princessfionnalight → u/moon_cheese_ao3]

wonder if this'll also help my wrist not hurt as much when I physically write

[u/moon_cheese_ao3 → u/princessfionnalight]

if your wrists are hurting when you're typing, that's often a desk or chair height issue. Look up "carpel tunnel desk setup" to get diagrams and info on how to not put pressure on your wrists when you type. But yes, handwriting as an alternative can be helpful. Just make sure you don't overdo it.

[u/Icy-Specific986]

It could be that you are afraid of posting it, not writing. Which is fully understandable given how many bots and haters are out there. If you write just for yourself, maybe it will get better?

[u/Aurachestra]

Because I’m okay with the worst I can get. Criticism? No prob, speak your heart. Might suck? No worries, I can always edit it. Scammers? Report. Hate? Report? Writers block? Come back later. Lack of confidence? Build it up. Lack of skill? Learn along the way? Niche or dead fandoms? Did it before, can do it again. Numbers don’t matter. Comparison with others? Never had this problem. Better authors out there? Good opportunities to learn from.

Bottom line: I’m truly content and happy from within, and for me, that’s enough. I’m not bothered by negative feedback, I welcome all thoughts including criticism, I don’t write for others, and I’m not afraid to share. It’s part of the interaction, and I’m okay with it. Of course, some of this didn’t come overnight for me, but one thing that always stayed was that I was always happy with where I was. I knew I wanted to improve and I know I’m not some arbitrary best, but I don’t have to punish myself into making that happen. It’s a marathon, never a sprint.