*Note: The following post has been written in response to a request by a reader & ally. Topic requests are always being taken and your name will remain anonymous. Submit topic requests/suggestions by hitting the CONTACT button toward the top of the page.*
Perhaps it's the permanence of your words. Or maybe it's the fact that once you’ve started putting your thoughts out publicly, it’ll invite particularly those who disagree into your virtual space. With those chances come great responsibility and sometimes, even greater anxiety. But that doesn’t mean nobody should write ever. Here’s how I got over my writer’s anxiety and advice to those who wish to do the same.
When I first decided to publish on my blog, I had to decide what the purpose would be. Who was my audience, what was I trying to impart, what were my intentions? What are my passions and how can I use the blog as a platform to impart said passions? Was I willing to accept the burden that comes with being a purposeful writer like sticking to your guns, checking your intentions, putting in the time. I didn’t want my blog to be a pop-up shop, so once I decided I was in it for the long haul, I proceeded.
So to my anxious closet writers, decide your purpose and passions. Your confidence in your purpose is the first step in stepping into the world of writing (especially reflectively). And the cool thing about passion is nobody can tell you what you’re passionate about.
Second, to get over my writer’s anxiety I had to get comfortable with this principle: Your word is art and art takes time. So I have a brainstorming document and I just sit and write. I turn off my laptop (her name is Patricia), and come back the next day and write. And there are pieces in the document I think are garbage, and there are pieces I come back to months later and there are pieces I publish the next day. That’s okay. Your word is art and art takes time.
Anxious closet writers, take your time with your words. Don’t feel the pressure to hash out posts like a donut factory (I’m hungry, I’m sorry). Of course, set deadlines for yourself when needed but take the time needed to be confident in your words and meaning.
Third, to my anxious closet writers, invite disagreement. But don’t entertain hate. If you’re writing about something controversial, give the disclaimer that these are YOUR opinions and quite literally, invite disagreement. No need to have a debate but be comfortable with knowing there are other viewpoints in the world. But know there’s a difference between disagreement and hatefulness. Delete and block the haters. Remember the character of Muhammad SAW when dealing with well-meaning critics and evil-intentioned trolls.
Fourth, anxious closet writers: STAY IN YOUR LANE. I cannot stress this enough. I know some of the previous advice may suggest you can write about any and everything, but I’m sorry… at least in the world of purposeful and reflective writing, don’t speak (or write) on topics you are not familiar/with. Know your expertise and stick with it. If you’re not an Islamic scholar, don’t be writing fiqh (jurisprudence) diaries. If you do not share a particular experience, don’t act like you do. The most you can do in these cases is share and guide others to actual expert opinions. Failure to follow this rule will result in a lot more anxiety than just yours.
Fifth, and I end with this for emphasis: Numbers do not define your writing capabilities. Whether 10 people or 1,000 people see your writing. Don’t ride the high tide of positive comments and likes and subscribes because that will only get you writing for the people and not for you. And once you’ve stipulated that your passion is for people, you’ve sold it. It’s okay to be happy about interaction, but don’t let the lack thereof be a reason to stop!
In conclusion, if you want to take steps to rid yourself of writer’s anxiety, be purposeful and confident in your words and be in it until the end. Your certainty in yourself is what matters most in the process. These are steps from my own personal experience and experiences of other writers I work with. Writer’s anxiety comes and goes for some. It is a natural part of the process so don’t be too afraid of it.
H. Al
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