Ep 153: Authors: Overcoming the Fear of Failure
Fear of failure shows up early for most authors. And despite what you may think, it doesn’t magically disappear once you’re published.
In this episode, I get honest about how fear, rejection, and unmet expectations quietly shape the writing process, especially in nonfiction and memoir. Drawing from years of editing experience (and my own hard-earned lessons), I break down why failure so often feels personal—and why that belief keeps writers stuck.
This conversation reframes failure as one thing: information. I'll challenge the myth of overnight success, name the role imposter syndrome plays for authors at every stage, and offer a more realistic definition of success—one that actually supports long-term creative work.
If you’ve ever questioned your talent, taken rejection personally, or wondered whether you’re “doing this wrong,” this episode will feel familiar in the best way.
Check out These Great Author Resources
Grab the free nonfiction or memoir kickstart that's helped hundreds of authors get out of their heads and into the flow: GRAB IT HERE
You've Been Thinking About This Book Forever. So let's start writing (for real this time). Grab it here!
Want to Stay in the Know?
Sign up to receive the latest book industry news and updates!
Ready to Write the Damn Book Already?
Get the first draft of your nonfiction or memoir written in 33 days!
...even if you don't have a cabin in the wilderness, 4 uninterrupted hours a day to write, or confidence that you're a "real" writer.
Amazon Ads for Indie Authors!
Learn how to run Amazon ads that actually work—even if you’ve never touched an ad platform in your life.
Want all my best author email templates?
From communicating with your launch team to building long-term relationships with readers, these templates take all the guesswork out of writing emails that turn email subscribers into loyal readers!
Need Coaching, Accountability & Community?
The Book Writers Collective provides the coaching, support, and writers' community you need to bring your book to life!
SELF-PUBLISHING STARTER KIT
Discover the exact steps to focus on (and mistakes to avoid) so you can self-publish an incredible book that's indistinguishable in quality from a New York Times bestseller.
Recent Posts
