Overcoming Cold Feet on Your Journey to Becoming an Author

There are different definitions of the phrase “cold feet” and although they mean different things at different points, they all amount to one thing which is a delay. You can either delay for a little while, or for a long time. And in some extreme cases, the situation is never revisited.

Anyone can have cold feet, and they can have it in any area of their lives. And a few times it is caused by the fear of the unknown. In the case of an author, this fear exists and this fear can cripple a writer.

One of the reasons why authors develop cold feet is because they are scared of stepping out and putting themselves into the faces of the people. In all honesty, it can be a scary step as the acceptance of your book by your readers would have an emotional impact on you.

Let’s assume your books go into print and then no one buys. You go from store to store and you are told that just two copies have been sold. You would be emotionally down, especially after investing a large amount of money. Also add the fact that your name is written on the cover and it might never be forgotten.

The thought is scary, but it must never pull you down, or drag you away from your dreams. Instead, they should serve as a motivation for you to always give your best and produce the right material that people will need. You must also know that if you have a good publisher, your chances of producing books that will not sell will be reduced.

Nevertheless, I will be sharing a few points with you that will help you to overcome cold feet.

1. People will always have their opinions

One of the major things I will say to you is that people will always have their opinions, and they are entitled to those opinions.

You have a part to play in making them form the right opinion about you, but you cannot control everything. People will always choose which book they want to buy, and who their favourite authors are even after reading the books of several authors.

You have to give them the opportunity to either like or dislike your book. And you can only give them the opportunity to like your book if you actually publish it.

2. You need to overcome your fears

Or maybe better put, face your fears.

Look whatever is making you panic in the face and confront it with all the strength you can muster. Sometimes, it takes a little bit of thinking outside you, thinking about others.

If you are stuck in the writing phase, set out and write. People want to know what you have to say. Never think that you have nothing to say. If you want to pursue writing as a career, you always have something to say.

If you are stuck at the printing phase, go ahead and print. Let people read and form their opinions. You cannot do big things or go out there by remaining in your comfort zone. You have to step out.

3. Remind yourself why you wrote the book

Consider what new knowledge you are adding, and how the book can impact and change a person’s life.

Rather than thinking about your inadequacies or the fact that people are better than you, think about the new information that you are adding to their lives. Delete the thought that you do not measure up and forge ahead. Never see yourself as inferior to other authors.

There are times when you pick up a book and you enjoy it so much that it becomes your companion for weeks because you can always refer to it or because it meets your need. Taking a book like that and comparing it with a book you wrote can stop you – because you would feel like the book has all the answers, especially if it is in the same area as the one you wrote.

Do not be deceived by that thought, you have something that the world needs to hear, and you have to tell it. Tell it in your own way, the way you see it and perceive it.

In conclusion, choosing to step out is your choice. Choosing to overcome your fears is also your choice, and it is left to you. You are the one that can make the choice and you have to make it fast. Life is not worth living without taking risks. Take the risk and learn from it. And no matter what happens, whether good or bad, always learn from it. Learn ways to make it better, ways to do things better, ways to get more results. And then make informed choices that you would be proud of.

Olamide Omolawal is an avid research enthusiast with interest in creative and content writings.