How to Write Awesome Content Even When You're Scared

Name one thing that a writer dreads: Negative feedback.

Even if you're not a writer, I'm sure you will dread negative feedback. Honestly, who loves them? You might think you wrote something well but then it turned out to be horrible to your readers.

Your reaction can make all the difference. You have two choices: Believe it is horribly written and NEVER write anything. OR Still believe it is horribly written and actually use the feedback to improve.

I mean...Come on, you have to choose the latter.

Even if you're scared to see another negative comment, you have to keep going. The content will not write itself unless you pick up your pen.

And here's how to do that:

Take deep breaths before reading the ENTIRE comment.

Don't pretend to be brave in reading the entire thing. Even people gently blow on hot food before eating them, so that you don't burn your tongue.

Step out of your desk. Take deep breaths and tell yourself, "I will read a negative comment and I will do my best to handle it well."

Find an outlet for the negativity feeling the comment caused you.

Okay, let's say you didn't take it well. You feel like crying or you feel like going on an angry defense for what you wrote. While it's natural to feel this way, both choices won't help. I suggest you get your phone and channel that negative energy on a quick game.

Or get a stress ball. Or paint. Or call a friend. You seriously need to find an outlet.

Work on the suggestion. See how it works.

You can't just go on the defense and say, "but this is my style!" Well then, feedback is not always what we WANT to hear. But it can be something that we NEED to hear.

Also...As writers, we are built to be creative in our own way. Even if you don't think you're creative. And because we are creative, we can certainly find a way to work around suggestions in our own style.

Keep this in your mind: It's not the last time you'll get a negative comment.

You'll get one every now and then. No matter how good you get, there's always room for improvement. The writing industry changes, your readers also change. You will get it even when you think you've improved - so always keep that in mind.

Closing Note

My favorite sentiment about courage is it's not the absence of fear. It's doing things anyway even if you're afraid. I've always been afraid of negative comments, and I still do. But, I'm here writing anyway. You should too.

Hi, I am Patricia!

I'm a writer who loves visual communication. A LOT.

Writing is a confidence game. I should be losing all the time because I am an anxious, sensitive person. But here's how I manage to win. AND HERE'S HOW YOU CAN, TOO.

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