“PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT”

 

 

                The Fear of Failure: An Author’s Perspective

 

Growing up, my mother would often remind me of those three words, especially when she thought I wasn’t trying my best. My mother believed that I was capable of doing better. To her, the formula was simple: if you dedicated your mind and time to something, you could achieve it. That philosophy seeped into the way I viewed challenges, opportunities, and eventually, my writing.

 

But as I grew older, as I stepped into the uncertain world of storytelling and publishing, I realized there was another truth that walked beside me—and most authors I know: the fear of failure.

 

Failure is a word that carries weight, especially for creatives. It isn’t just about not reaching a goal; it feels personal. When we write, we don’t just arrange words—we pour pieces of ourselves onto the page. To have that rejected, ignored, or misunderstood can feel like the deepest kind of failure.

 

Yet, in many ways, it is this very fear that keeps us returning to the page, trying again, practicing, and—if we’re brave enough—growing into stronger versions of ourselves.

 

What Does Failure Look Like for an Author?

 

Failure doesn’t wear just one face; it shifts and changes depending on where you are in your writing journey.

The Blank Page. Sometimes failure looks like not starting at all. The fear of not being good enough can keep us paralyzed, staring at an empty document.

   The Rough Draft. Other times, it’s writing something that feels clumsy or uninspired, then convincing yourself it’s proof you aren’t cut out for this.

   Rejection Letters. For those who pursue traditional publishing, there’s the sting of “We regret to inform you…” stacked in your inbox like evidence against your dream.

   Silence. For self-published authors, failure might look like releasing your book into the world only to hear silence in return—no sales, no reviews, no validation.

 

Each version of failure feels uniquely painful, but at their core, they all stem from the same haunting question: What if I’m not enough?

 

The Myth of Perfection

 

Here’s the problem with “practice makes perfect.” As children, we often take it literally. We imagine that perfection means flawlessness—getting it right every time, reaching a point where mistakes no longer exist. But as an adult, and especially as a writer, I’ve come to realize perfection doesn’t mean flawless.

 

Instead, perfection is about persistence.

 

It’s about showing up when the blank page feels intimidating.

It’s about writing the messy drafts and then rewriting them until they shine.

It’s about sending out queries even when rejections are more common than responses.

It’s about pressing “publish” despite the knot of fear in your stomach.

 

Perfection isn’t the absence of failure—it’s the willingness to keep practicing through failure.

 

How Fear Can Become a Teacher

 

The fear of failure doesn’t have to be an enemy. In fact, it can be one of our greatest teachers if we learn to listen to it. Fear often points to what matters most to us. If I’m afraid of failing at writing, it’s because writing holds deep value in my life. That fear signals love, passion, and purpose.

 

When I shift my perspective, failure becomes less of a threat and more of a stepping stone. Each failed draft teaches me something new about my style. Each rejection builds resilience. Each moment of silence after a book release reminds me that success is built slowly, one reader at a time.

 

Fear sharpens us—if we allow it.

 

Practical Ways to Face the Fear of Failure as a Writer

 

Over time, I’ve learned some strategies that help me embrace the fear instead of letting it paralyze me. If you’re an author—or simply someone who struggles with this same battle—perhaps these can help:

      1.   Redefine Success. Success doesn’t always mean bestseller lists or thousands of sales. Sometimes success is finishing a story, sharing it with one person, or improving from your last draft.

      2.   Treat Writing as Practice. Remind yourself that every piece of writing is part of your practice. Even if no one else reads it, it’s sharpening your skill. That alone makes it worthwhile.

      3.   Separate Self-Worth from Output. Rejections, low sales, or negative feedback do not define your worth as a writer or human being. They are reflections of circumstances—not of your value.

      4.   Seek Community. Sharing your fears with other writers can be freeing. You’ll discover you’re not alone—fear of failure is universal. Encouragement from peers can lighten the load.

      5.   Celebrate Small Wins. Did you write a page today? That’s a win. Did you finish a draft? Another win. Progress is made in inches, not leaps.

 

Why We Keep Writing Anyway

 

If failure is so terrifying, why do we keep going back to the page? The answer is simple: because the love of the craft is stronger than the fear of failure.

 

Writing allows us to give shape to our thoughts, to tell stories that might resonate with others, and to leave a piece of ourselves behind. Every time we choose to write despite fear, we’re saying that our voice matters. And it does.

 

Perhaps, then, my mother’s words take on a new meaning: “Practice makes perfect” isn’t about being flawless. It’s about showing up with courage, again and again, even when fear is loud.

 

Closing Thoughts

 

As authors, we all carry the fear of failure. It’s universal, it’s human, and it’s part of the process. But failure is not the opposite of success—it’s a stepping stone toward it.

 

The truth is, the only way to truly fail as a writer is to stop writing altogether. Every page written, every draft finished, every story shared is proof that fear hasn’t won.

 

So, to my fellow writers: keep practicing. Keep showing up. Keep letting your words take shape. Fear will always be there, but so will your passion. And in the end, passion will carry you further than fear ever could.