by Kariss Lynch, @Kariss_Lynch
I’ll admit it…I often write scared. I care what people think. I care what they’ll say. I care that the story is just right, and if it isn’t, then sometimes I shut down. I approach my computer nervous to write, and then I’ll craft each word with the opinions of others ringing in my head.
No need to tell you this is a highly unproductive and unhealthy way to write. Fortunately and unfortunately, I’m in good company. Fear is a stranger to no man, and certainly not to any writer. We all come hardwired with our own fears, and some we cultivate over time. But entertaining this beast is wasted talent. Just because fear exists doesn’t mean we let it win.
Thankfully people far smarter and more successful than I are battling/have battled, too. Their words remind me to face each day and each writing session with courage…even if I occasionally still shake in these Texas boots of mine.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
– 2 Timothy 1:7
“Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.”
– John 14:27
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
– Joshua 1:9
Some of the greatest theologians and philosophers had much to say on fear.
“David says, ‘I am afraid.’ Admire his honesty in making this confession. Some men would never have admitted that they were afraid. They would have blustered and said they cared for nothing! Generally there is no greater coward in this world than the man who never will acknowledge that he is afraid.”
– Charles Spurgeon
“Courage, dear heart.”
– C.S. Lewis
“Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at something that doesn’t really matter.”
– L. Moody
Even some of today’s celebrity’s acknowledge fear is part of their lives.
“I am not fearless. I get scared plenty. But I have also learned how to channel that emotion to sharpen me.”
– Bear Grylls
“I think I’m like most people—we fear the unknown and the things that have yet to come to pass, which are the very things that don’t deserve to be feared. When you give God complete control, it’s very hard not to be fearless.”
– Rihanna
“I think fearless is having fears but jumping anyway.”
– Taylor Swift
The presence of fear is clearly not indicative of a lack of success. It’s how we choose to confront our fear that matters. We are not alone in our fears—of people’s opinions, of reviews, of failure, of not being good enough. But courage acknowledges those fears and hones them into motivation to conquer. Grab your computer. Pray over your story. Sit down in your writing place. And write fearlessly, friend. You aren’t in it alone, and you’ve got this.
Recent college graduate Kaylan Richards has spent her entire life following a plan. Go to school. Get good grades. Do what you love. Love what you do. Only what Kaylan loves requires a sought after internship. She doesn’t want to wait. She wants to help people now. And on the eve of her decision to leave her life-long plans behind, the man she wants to forget walks back into her life. Navy SEAL Nick Carmichael never dreamed he would love a woman more than he loves serving his country. Now he’s finally ready to win her heart, but this time she’s the one who wants to leave for the most poverty-stricken country in the western hemisphere. And it’s his turn to watch her go. It’s the worst earthquake Haiti has ever seen. Kaylan is trapped in the aftermath, and Nick is a world away on a mission to catch a terrorist. As they find their way back to one another, Kaylan and Nick must learn that love grown in the midst of tragedy can truly conquer all. But only if they have the courage to fight for it.
Kariss Lynch writes contemporary romance about characters with big dreams, adventurous hearts, and enduring hope. She is the author of the Heart of a Warrior series and loves to encourage her readers to have courage. In her free time, she hangs out with her family and friends, explores the great outdoors, and tries not to plot five stories at once. Connect with her at karisslynch.com, or on Facebook, Instagram, or Goodreads.