The Fear of it all

The beginning of writing came early on for me. Writing stories in grammar school, some even read aloud in class, outlines for books, flash fiction, and writing courses here and there, but none of it led to anything other than a thick stash of yellowing papers in a chest.

Why not?

The reasons for not pursuing a writing venture are many and common. I started working, focused on a career, went back to school, got married, etc... but even through all those things, if I really wanted to, I could have at least tried to get my work out there...so the why remains.

The Why is fear. Fear of success and fear of failure. And so this nagging self-doubt remains a part of me, and yet later in life, now 47, it seems that my confidence has grown loud enough to overcome those, now softer, voices in my head telling me it cannot be done.

Do I regret not starting earlier? I don't think so. I have my day job, my husband, my hobbies, etc. and my life is good (knock on wood). Now that i'm testing out my writing skills my life seems a bit more complete. To those who haven't started i'd say it's never too late, not even at 47 or later.

I welcome your thoughts.