If you’ve been following me for any length of time, you’re aware that I write a lot. A lot of people are surprised that I post an article every day.
But I write a lot more than that. This is all you can see right now. On my website, you’ll find a variety of books and products for download, all of which I wrote with my own hands.
In addition, I have other writing pursuits.
This is all something I do in my leisure time. It’s a side gig, not a full-time employment.
So, there’s that. I’m a prolific writer.
I write because I feel compelled to.
I used to struggle to create an essay like this once or twice a week when I first started blogging. I’d struggle to do it right now because the loudness is so low. Writing has become an obsession, a passion for me. I become twitchy if I go too long without it.
It’s not just writing, though. I could keep a diary and write for a single reader. That wouldn’t be right. For me, writing without publication isn’t enough.
What gives?
Because I am terrified.
I’m afraid of being overlooked.
I’m terrified of coming to the conclusion of my life with little to show for it.
Being unremarkable makes me feel sick to my stomach.
When Hermione was confronted by a boggart, she noticed McGonagall telling her that she had failed all of her subjects. Mine will almost certainly show me someone important, someone I admire, telling me I’ll never amount to anything.
That is why I compose. I put tens of thousands of dollars in my education for the same reason.
I’m terrified of what will happen if I don’t.
You could think I’m being unusually forthcoming here. That archiving and making my worries and weaknesses available to the world isn’t a good idea.
To which I respond, “nonsense.” Fears, perhaps, but flaws? Hardly.
I turned one of my worst fears into a powerful advantage.
Many people share these concerns. Many people would like to produce more as well.
I used what I already had to get what I wanted. It makes no difference that it was my concerns. It was powerful, and I already had it; not using it would be a waste.
What’s the alternative?
Allow your fears to paralyse you, as most people do.
That doesn’t sound like much fun, but it is a viable choice – and a popular one.
Or…
You may go deep, confront your anxieties, and enslave them. Alternatively, your muse.
You don’t have to start from scratch if you want to write like this. Allow me to lead you. It’s what my Write Like a Demon course is all about: releasing a part of you that craves to write rather than think.
This — and everything else on Skillshare’s extensive training collection – is free for two months if you use this affiliate link.
There’s plenty of time to learn how to write properly.