Write Things: On the scary part of writing

Hello Writers,

Here’s my attempt at a Halloween-themed newsletter. 

Idea: On Fear

Fear can haunt every storyteller: fear of sharing our stories, of criticism, of being told we're not writers, that our stories don't matter. Fear that our time and effort will be wasted, that we'll try and fail.

Here’s the truth: fear is just a story. It’s only real if we act like it is.

As a storyteller, you have a rare gift—the power to change reality. Your stories have the potential to reshape your present, your past, and your future.

Every time we let fear stop us, we’re telling ourselves, and every part of our being, that fear is the truth. And from there, our minds start filtering everything we experience to support that belief.

But here’s the twist: you can choose another story.

Fear and doubt aren’t part of who you are; they’re obstacles to overcome. They lurk around what matters most to us—the dreams and goals we care about deeply. Like Steven Pressfield’s Resistance, fear rises where we have the most to gain, urging us to turn away.

But it’s your story, not fear’s. You decide whether to step forward or let fear close the door.

Your stories are lights in the dark. Whether one resonates with a single person or ripples across the world, they have impact.

And there’s one certainty: if your stories stay unwritten, they’ll never have the chance to change anyone’s life—including your own.

Which, after all, is precisely what fear would want.

Inspiration: “My Bravest Moment”

Set a timer for four minutes and begin writing on the prompt above. It may be personal, fictional, or something inbetween. 

You may choose to focus on a piece you're currently working on or something new. 

As always, I'd love to hear what you wrote! Reply to this email or send it to [email protected]. I personally reply to each one received before next Thursday. 

Invitation: To write your story

Think of a fear you hold around your writing—maybe it’s fear of judgment, failure, or that your story doesn’t matter. Now, consider the story behind this fear. What is it telling you?

Rewrite that story. Instead of focusing on what could go wrong, imagine the impact if you acted on your desire to write. What doors might open, what might you discover about yourself, and who could be touched by your words?

This isn’t about ignoring fear—it’s about seeing it as a signal of what truly matters to you. Reclaim the narrative so it encourages you to act, rather than hold back. Write it down as a reminder that your stories are worth the risk.

Happy writing, everyone.

Trevor