HeyJaredScary Truths Of Writing
Don't let fear kill your writing before you even start. Find out how from me, Jason Arnopp, a horror author and journo with four decades of experience.
- Indexed issues, last 90 days
- 4
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- Aug 11, 2026
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- Jul 6, 2026
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What if you already had your best idea? 👀 (opens the original)
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What if the best idea you're ever going to have has already happened, hmm?Maybe this idea became the thing you're proudest of - and wonder if you can ever beat.Perhaps you're still writing this idea into a thing.You might also have abandoned it years ago and occasionally wonder whether you squandered the darn thing.Or perhaps you've got one idea you love so much that you're almost frightened to ever use it.“Better save that one until I'm a better writer,” whispers your brain.I've definitely expe
Who gave you permission to write? (opens the original)
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At what point did you start calling yourself a writer?Was it after your first finished draft?Your first publication?Your first advance cheque?Your first fan email?Or... have you still not quite given yourself permission?Imposter syndrome fascinates me because it doesn't seem to care how much you've achieved.I've spoken to writers with shelves full of books who still wonder whether they're ‘the real thing.’Maybe that's because nobody ever taps us on the shoulder and says, “Congratulations. You ar
👀 What scares you most about editing your writing? (opens the original)
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You'd think finishing the first draft would be the hard part.Sometimes it is.But for a lot of writers, the real fear begins when they open the document again.That's when the doubts start."This isn't as good as I remembered.""How did I ever think this scene with the dancing elephant worked?""Maybe I should just start again..."Revision has an unfortunate way of making us question not just the manuscript, but ourselves.Which is why this week, inside the Writers Vs Fear community, we're talking abou
What if I'm wasting my time as a writer? (opens the original)
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Last year, after cancer treatment, I became much more aware of the finite nature of existence.Which made one old writing fear much louder.What if I’m wasting my time?Every new project seems to ask the same uncomfortable question.Is this really how you want to spend your life?If you’re a writer, you probably know where that question leads.A novel might take years.A screenplay might never get made.A Substack might attract three readers.A prospective agent might never reply.You can spend hundreds o
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