The Scribe Method The Best Way to Write and Publish Your Non-Fiction Book

How To Beat Your Fears and (Finish Your Book)

Every Author Faces Fear

At some point, every aspiring author wrestles with fear. Whether you’re embarking on your first book or your tenth, fear is an inevitable part of the journey. I’ve written seven books so far, but I’ve lost at least three more to fear—books I knew I had in me but never finished.

If this resonates with you, know you’re not alone. Fear is a universal experience among authors, even seasoned ones. The good news? You can overcome it.

The Purpose of Fear

Fear isn’t inherently bad. It serves a purpose: to protect us from danger. On a primal level, fear is an adaptive response that helps us survive. But when fear shifts from protective to destructive—stopping us from doing something meaningful like writing a book—it becomes a problem.

Some fears make sense, while others are irrational. Regardless, the feeling of fear is real and must be addressed if you want to move forward with your book. Don’t feel bad about it. Instead, learn how to confront it.

Transforming Fear Into Action

The key to overcoming fear is training your emotional brain to reframe fear as excitement and using it as fuel for action. Here’s how:

  1. List All Your Fears

Start by asking yourself, “What am I afraid of?” Write down every fear, no matter how irrational it may seem. Acknowledging your fears is the first step toward addressing them. Don’t hold back—the more honest you are, the better.

  1. Ask, “Is This Possible?”

For each fear, evaluate its likelihood. Some fears may be entirely unrealistic and can be dismissed. Others might have a small possibility of coming true, and those deserve your attention. For example:

  • Unrealistic fear: “What if I write my book, but it never gets published?” (If you’re working with a publishing partner, this isn’t a valid concern.)
  • Valid fear: “What if I write a bad book that hurts my professional reputation?” (This is possible, though unlikely if you commit to quality.)
  1. Consider the Consequences

What’s the worst-case scenario if your fear comes true? Write it down. For example, “If I write a bad book, people might think I’m not credible.” Identifying the consequences helps you confront your fears rationally.

  1. Identify the Benefits

Now, shift your focus to the positive. Ask yourself, “What benefits will I gain from writing this book?” Perhaps it will boost your authority, open doors to speaking opportunities, or help others overcome a problem. Write these benefits down and say them out loud. Repeating this exercise makes the benefits feel real and tangible.

  1. Focus on Your Audience

Fear often stems from focusing inward. Instead, think about your audience. Who will benefit from your book? Imagine their struggles and how your book could transform their lives. Shifting your focus to serving others can be a powerful motivator.

  1. Ask, “What If I Quit?”

What will happen if you don’t write your book? Who will miss out on the knowledge you have to share? Imagining the loss can trigger a psychological reaction called “loss aversion,” motivating you to keep going. By picturing the benefits slipping away, you can push past your fears.

You Can Overcome Fear

Fear is natural, but it doesn’t have to define your journey as an author. By reframing fear, focusing on your audience, and embracing the benefits of writing, you can push through and finish your book.

Your book matters. Someone out there is waiting for the wisdom and insights only you can provide. Don’t let fear hold you back from making that impact.

Ready to take the next step? Dive deeper into The Scribe Method and discover actionable strategies to help you write, publish, and market your book. Read the full book online here or purchase a hard copy to have all the tools at your fingertips.