“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NIV).
Have you faced trouble in your journey as a writer? Have you been tempted to give up on your writing dreams or career because of failure, rejection, humiliation, shame, or judgment?
Fear of judgment, criticism, or shame? When I struggled with some critical comments and judgment years ago, I expressed my frustration to my husband, Dan. I winced at his abrupt and honest response, “Karen, not everyone is going to like you.”
Dan’s statement shocked me, as he reminded me that not everyone likes me or agrees with my opinions. And I’ve revisited that story many times, when I try to encourage other writers.
I still grieve over rejection or criticism, and I prefer to walk away from all confrontations. But I’ve learned a lot from my failures—in relationships and writing.
Fear of writing process? In his book On Writing, author Stephen King says, “The scariest moment is always just before you start.”
Even well-known writers must face rejections and criticism. The writing process demands prewriting, drafting, revising, and proofreading before any publication. You may become offended or embarrassed when someone offers constructive criticism. Some writers even give up rather than face more editing, critical remarks, or rejection letters.
Fear of rejection and failure? Do you see rejection as failure? Failure often points us toward changes in our direction and priorities. C. S. Lewis explained, “Failures are finger posts on the road to achievement.”
Author J. K. Rowling agrees with the advantages of failure.
Why do I talk about the benefits of failure? Simply because failure meant a stripping away of the inessential. I stopped pretending to myself that I was anything other than what I was, and began to direct all my energy into finishing the only work that mattered to me.
Thomas A. Edison advised, “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”
Tempted to give up? I’ve been tempted to give up more times than I’d like to admit. Have you given up on something because of a failure?
Matthew 26 describes a time when the disciples faced failure. They fell asleep while Jesus prayed, after He asked them to stay on the lookout for danger or trouble in the Garden of Gethsemane. They must have grieved over their lost opportunity and broken promise. But Jesus responded, “Get up! Let’s get going!” (Matt. 26:46 MSG)
There will be experiences like this in each of our lives … times of despair caused by real events in our lives, and we will be unable to lift ourselves out of them. The disciples … had done a downright unthinkable thing … gone to sleep instead of watching with Jesus. But our Lord came to them taking the spiritual initiative against their despair and said, in effect, “Get up, and do the next thing.” If we are inspired by God, what is the next thing? It is to trust Him absolutely and to pray on the basis of His redemption.
Never let the sense of past failure defeat your next step. (Oswald Chambers)
Embracing vulnerability. Finding the courage to risk failure requires us to be vulnerable.
C.S. Lewis wrote, “To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken ….”
Dr. Brené Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston, “spent the past decade studying vulnerability, courage, worthiness, and shame.” She suggests, “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.” Brown concludes, “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.”
Choosing to become vulnerable could be one of the most courageous things we can do as a writer. Writing about our opinions, our faith, and our relationships takes courage.
What lessons have you learned about vulnerability?
Video/TED (Brené Brown: “The Power of Vulnerability”)
Photos/TaraRoss
Related articles
- The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination (harvardmagazine.com)
- Taking the Initiative against Despair (utmost.org)
- Already Loved: Encouragement for this Writing Life (wordservewatercooler.com)
- Why Bother? (wordservewatercooler.com)
- Perseverance: Keep Moving and Writing! (wordservewatercoloer.com)
WordServe Water Cooler 
Very powerful encouragement, Karen. What really put things into perspective: if we are “inspired” by God then we need to “trust” him. Thanks!
Thanks for your comment, Elaine. I’ve learned in the past fear years that trust is a choice, not a feeling. And fear often gets in the way of my faith. Do it afraid, right?
Thanks for the encouraging words and the reminder that vulnerability isn’t a bad thing. We must become like children in our trust.
I don’t think vulnerability is ever comfortable, because we know it can cause us pain. But I think it’s pathway to discovering the courage and strength to face our weaknesses. Great to hear from you, Dianne!
I am at a place where I fear failure in my writing attempts. The topic you presented was just for me and made me realize I need to keep on course. I enjoyed the comment by CS Lewis, “To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung or possibly broken.” That is the essence in writing, to be vulnerable and have the courage to express our deepest longings.
I think you’re in good company facing your fears. In fact, I haven’t met a writer yet who didn’t have to push passed their fears. Even famous authors like Stephen King admit their struggle. I love his quote, “The scariest moment is always just before you start.” Keep writing!
As always, a post that hits home on many levels. Your transparency encourages the rest of us to keep on keeping on. Thank you!
Thanks, Coach! Blessings back to you.