Friday, February 21, 2014

Jim Denney: Replacing Fear With Courage In Writing

Everyone's Story welcome author Jim Denney. What grabs my attention and heart about Jim is his enthusiasm for helping other writers, coupled with  the power and glory there is in allowing God to bless our writing: for Jim, there seems to be no separation. Read Jim's message for inspiration on writing and living, fearlessly. Jim also has written two writing how-to books that he is generously offering as Giveaways to two viewers who leave comments. Jim is looking forward to hearing from you!


Book Giveaway:
Jim is offering a great opportunity for two lucky winners. Each randomly chosen winner will have a choice of either WRITE FEARLESSLY or WRITING IN OVERDRIVE. The winners also have their choice between paperback or e-version. Great deal! The winners will be announced here on Friday, February 28th, between 5-6 PM EST. Please leave your contact information within your comment. Thanks!



Live Fearlessly! by Jim Denney

In 1982, a man contacted me and said, "Jim, you do magazine writing. How would you like to write a book? I'll give you my notes and we'll split the publisher's advance."

"I've never written a book before," I said. "I don't know if I can."

"You won't know until you try. Seems to me that writing a ten-chapter book is no harder than writing ten magazine articles, right?"

When he put it that way, I had to give it a try. By the time I turned in the completed manuscript, my confidence as a writer had increased a thousand percent.

I've written more than a hundred books since then. To be successful, we must accept new challenges—even if we doubt ourselves. That’s how we build our confidence.

Many writers have told me they struggle with fear and insecurity. "I'm afraid I don't have the talent to be a writer," they tell me. Or, "I'm afraid of starting." Or, "I'm afraid I can't finish." Or, "I'm afraid of rejection."

We experience fear in many forms, and most of our fears are baseless. Many are self-inflicted. Unresolved guilt can make us fearful of punishment. Physical exhaustion and stress can heighten our fears. Sometimes we frighten ourselves by watching scary movies or too much TV news.

But we don't have to be paralyzed by fear. We can train ourselves to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate fear. We can learn to respond to risk with confidence and optimism. Here are some ways to replace fear with courage:

1. Trade fearful messages for confident messages. As Robert Kiyosaki has said, "It’s what you whisper to yourself that has the most power."
Many athletes, before a performance, are afraid of failure. Negative messages like "What if I get hurt?" can become self-fulfilling prophecies. Successful athletes block fear by telling themselves, "I can do this!" Through confident messages, the athlete commands his body to perform.
Novelist John Steinbeck once wrote in his journal, "I’m not a writer. I’ve been fooling myself." Then he added, "I’ll try to go on with work now. Just a stint every day does it." He recorded his self-doubts—then told himself, in effect, "If I just keep working, I'll succeed in spite of my doubts." The book he was writing was The Grapes of Wrath—the novel that earned him a Pulitzer. Replace fear with confident messages, and there's no limit to how far you can go.
2. Act courageously in spite of your fear. "Do the thing you fear," said Ralph Waldo Emerson, "and the death of fear is certain." Feelings follow actions. Act bravely, and you soon feel brave. As Piglet once told Winnie-the-Pooh, "I didn't mean to be brave—it just happened when I panicked!"

3. Read courageous books, including fiction. Heroic stories about characters that overcome fear actually inspire us with courage. We identify with our heroes and internalize the lessons in their stories. If your children struggle with fears, real or imagined, great children's literature can strengthen their courage.
I wrote my Timebenders series (beginning with Battle Before Time) immediately after the 9/11 terror attacks. Though the books aren't about 9/11, I wrote them to help young readers imaginatively experience what it feels like to demonstrate courage in perilous times. When a hero conquers fear, the reader shares the victory.

4. Focus on faith and Scripture. Be emboldened by the 23rd Psalm: "I will fear no evil; for You are with me." Remember God's command to Joshua: "Be strong and courageous . . . for the Lord your God will be with you" (Joshua 1:9).
Remember Paul's advice: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). And: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).
Meditate in Scripture, pray for courage, then keep moving forward in faith and obedience. Fear no evil, for God is with you.

Jim's Ah-hahs To Tweet:
Jim Denney on Everyone’s Story: To be successful, we must accept new challenges. (Tweet This)

Author Jim Denney shares ways to replace fear with courage in writing. (Tweet This)

Win Jim Denney’s WRITING IN OVERDRIVE or WRITE FEARLESSLY on Everyone’s Story. (Tweet This)

Author's Bio:
Jim Denney has more than 100 published books to his credit, including the Timebenders series. He has just released two inspiring ebooks for writers, Writing in Overdrive and Write Fearlessly. He has written books with supermodel Kim Alexis, Super bowl champion Reggie White, and Orlando Magic founder Pat Williams.

Places to connect with Jim:
Twitter
Blog
Amazon

34 comments:

  1. Jim and Elaine,
    Thanks for this. I need it desperately tonight as I'm looking at projects that seem huge. I am a tight writer, used to blogs and short articles. I'm taking a step to learn to expand into book length writing. I am a writer/speaker and need to get some materials out for my book table. I could use tools and accountability to be able to write without being afraid. I could sure use your book. You can contact me at Jeanne.doyon@gmail.com and my blog is at www.streams-edge.blogspot.com

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    1. Jeanne, thanks for visiting this evening. I know exactly where you're coming from. I've been writing for years, but with all the push to market yourself--even on the pre-pub level--and the fierce competition out there to be noticed by editors and readers, I've had to amp up my own battle against fear. Jim certainly has excellent reminders, especially is beautiful and powerful last words that close out his piece.

      You're in the "hat" for the drawing!

      Blessings on your writing.

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    2. Thank you, Jeanne! I find that fear shuts down inspiration and imagination. That's why courage and confidence are so closely allied to creativity. I affirm your willingness to conquer your fears and to dare to attempt book-length projects. This comes with a prayer that you would be inspired with confidence.

      I love the words "inspire" and "enthusiasm," because "inspire" comes from a Latin word meaning to be animated by and filled with the Spirit of God, and "enthusiasm" comes from the Greek "en-theos" meaning to be filled and possessed by God. Jeanne, may you write every day, inspired by God and possessed by His Spirit and energized with godly enthusiasm. God bless you as you write for Him!

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    3. Wow--what a God-blessed way to start my (writing) day today, Jim. Sure, I've been focusing on placing my heart with Him as I write, but beginning today I'm going to embrace this sense of what enthusiasm truly means.

      I love learning from my guests and viewers. This gives 'Seize the day' new meaning!

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    4. Thank you both--and I appreciate your prayer over my ministry, Jim. Blessings on your work for Him.

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  2. Jim and Elaine thank you for this post. Two comments struck me, one, "To be successful, we must accept new challenges—even if we doubt ourselves. That’s how we build our confidence." And, two, "Act courageously in spite of your fear...As Piglet once told Winnie-the-Pooh, 'I didn't mean to be brave—it just happened when I panicked!'"

    I've actually implemented all of these tips in my life, but since the beginning of the year, am being challenged more so than ever before. I knew I need to read this post. It's encouragement I needed to hear.

    Thank you again!

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    1. Cathy--thanks for making my evening with your words. I'm glad Jim spoke to you with his encouraging message. I love the Winnie-the-Pooh quote!!

      Hope to see you again, my friend.

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    2. Thanks for those words, Cathy. Your comments inspire and encourage me. Some of the bravest deeds we do happen when we panic. It's okay to be afraid, as long as we keep marching obediently toward the thing we fear. I'm praying for peace and confidence for you as you face these new challenges. I'm going through some uncharted territory myself these days, so we're all in this together. God bless and embolden you, Cathy. All the best!

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  3. I needed this post. Wow! 100 books. I am working on my first book so this has given me great courage to plow ahead with God has my Author and me as His Scribe. I want to learn to write efficiently and effectively. I write articles and starting to speak and always, always want to learn more. Thank you for wanting to empower other writers whether writing one book or hundreds. Bless you!

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    1. Linda, thanks for your visit to Everyone's Story. Your words regarding plowing ahead mirrors the quote I've used as part of the header of my blog: "Pay as little attention to discouragements as possible. Plough ahead as a steamer does, rough or smooth—rain or shine. To carry your cargo and make your port is the point." These words were spoken by Maltbie D. Babcock, a mid 1800s pastor, born in Syracuse, NY.

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    2. Thanks, Linda! Writing a book, or a dozen books, or a hundred books is largely a matter of moving forward—doggedly, persistently—regardless of self-doubt and anxiety. I started writing a lot of those books with a little voice in my head that said, "What if you can't do this, Jim? What if you can't finish? What if you turn in the book and the publisher hates it?" And there were times, early in my career, when I turned in the book and my editor told me I had to completely rewrite several chapters. I did as the editor directed, and I learned a lot in the process. I've found that one way to silence that Inner Critic, that self-doubting voice of doom, is to tell myself, "If I don't get this right the first time, it's not failure—it's feedback. It's not a disaster—it's a learning experience. Every time I make a mistake, I'll learn from it and become a better writer—and I'll get it right in the second draft."

      I really appreciate your affirmation, Linda. I'm asking God to encourage you as you write and speak His words.

      And Elaine, thanks for lending me a platform for this message. Thanks too for that quote by Maltbie Babcock—so true and inspiring. Plough ahead regardless of outward circumstances and inward doubts and fears, and you WILL reach your destination.

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  4. Great advice, Jim. I agree with the self-fulfilling thoughts--and I think they can also work to make us successful. Before I was published, I would visualize my book in my hands. And that spurred me to keep writing when everything else around me said otherwise. pat at ptbradley dot com

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    1. Pat, you are such a wonderful inspiration to me.

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    2. Yes! Having a vision of the finished product is a powerful motivator. And if the vision isn't there, if we have trouble visualizing that book, it's time to ask God to give us that vision. Thank you for that insight, Pat!

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  5. Really struggling with courage right now, absence of it that is. I refuse to quit, but I just don't see it really happening for me. Just lacking the faith & confidence these days. This post was very helpful.

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    1. Kari, I'm glad for your visit to Everyone's Story. I'm happy for you that Jim's segment is encouraging you… please don't quit writing or any other project that God has planted in your heart.

      Hope to see you again.

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    2. Thanks for sharing that, Kari. I've always found it helpful to know that some of the greatest, most accomplished writers of all time dealt with these same doubts and fears. Steinbeck journaled his intense self-doubts while writing THE GRAPES OF WRATH—incredible! And Ray Bradbury was so riddled with doubt about tackling a 50,000-word novel that he let two deadlines go by before he even wrote the FIRST WORD of Fahrenheit 451, his masterpiece. So you're on the right track, Kari. The doubts are there, you acknowledge them, but the important thing is that YOU REFUSE TO QUIT. I admire your tenacity, and I think if you've got tenacity, if you refuse to quit, you've got faith. God bless and empower you, Kari! And thanks for your kind words.

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  6. Jim & Elaine, this is a great topic and thank you, Elaine for introducing Jim to your readers. I bought "Writing Fearlessly" as a result. Looking forward to diving into it & developing better habits for tackling fear.

    Jim, wishing you well with all your writing projects.

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    1. Ian, I'm glad you enjoyed and were encouraged by Jim's words. I can just imagine the smile on Jim's face when he sees that you've purchased his book!

      And since you're a frequent viewer, Ian, I'm glad to see that my switching Comment Moderation isn't scaring you--or any of my awesome viewers--away from commenting. It's a shame it has to be used at all, but until spammers cultivate other hobbies...

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    2. Thank you so much, Ian, both for your kind words and for buying the book. I'm eager to hear your thoughts about the book, and I hope you find it inspiring and helpful. Wishing you a grand writing adventure! All the best.

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  7. Dear Jim, I have appreciated your encouragement, and advice on Twitter. I have recommended you to other writers, and parents with children who would enjoy your Timebender series. I have been in denial about fear in my life, and now you have made me aware that is what is crippling me. It is so frustrating, but somehow your words hit home, and I know a new area I need to tackle in my life. I look forward to reading your two new books, and I am motivated to let the walls of Jericho fall where fear is concerned in my writing, and habits. Thank you Jim, and for being such a wonderful advocate to writers. I am personally grateful for your influence, and experience to look to when I hit a rough patch, or need inspiration.

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    1. Rjoette, I'm grateful for your visit today. And for your sincerity. Fear is such a natural state for us humans. Praise God for helping us through our days. As Jim has shared, with God, all things are possible.

      Blessings on your writing.

      Hope to see you again!

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    2. Thank you, Rjoette, for that affirmation, and for recommending my Timebenders books. I'm very pleased to hear that you are encouraged by these thoughts. In the early days of my writing career, there were a few seasoned professional writers who really helped and inspired me, and I remember how much their encouragement meant to me. It's a debt I can't pay back, but I am glad whenever I get a chance to "pay it forward" even a little bit. God bless, embolden, and inspire you as you write, Rjoette! I know you are going to encourage others through the words God gives you. All the best!

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  8. Jim always has great advice. I'm about to start writing my first novella and also I am researching/planning my second. a.f.washburn@aol.com

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    1. Welcome to Everyone's Story, Alyssa. Great testimony on a great person!

      Hope you'll visit again.

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    2. Hi, Alyssa! I really appreciate your generous words—you really made my day. So glad to hear about your writing. Wishing you a fantastic and rewarding writing adventure, with great success and many rewards!

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  9. I have been following Jim on Twitter for sometime now. I find his thoughts on writing refreshing and I would love to read more about his ideas. Thanks for this opportunity. @tomwing0728

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    1. Tom, I'm glad you followed Jim from Twitter to Everyone's Story--I hope to see you again.

      If you'd like to be in the drawing for one of Jim's books, please leave your email address within another comment.

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    2. Hi, Tom! Great to connect with you here—many thanks for the words of affirmation. God bless and inspire you, my friend!

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  10. It's finally the last day of February and although it doesn't feel or look like spring is around the corner--at least here--what an awesome way to wrap up a cold month--blazing out with Jim Denney. Jim, thanks so much for appearing on Everyone's Story. I've tweeted that you are a writer's friend and mentor and your sincere replies to comments left to you here have made that obvious. Thank you for your dedication and encouragement! You've received huge amounts of viewer hits and I'm sure many others feel the same way as I do.

    Thanks too for your giveaway offer. With no further delays, the winners are…

    Jeanne and Alyssa. Congratulations, you two. Jim & I will be in contact with you shortly.

    Hope to see everyone back.

    God bless.

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  11. So excited!! Both books look awesome. Thanks to both of you for this gift. And, congrats to you too, Alyssa!!

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    1. You're so welcome, Jeanne.

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    2. Thank you, Elaine, for your kindness and for making this place of insight and encouragement available. God bless and embolden you and all your readers as you write for Him. It's been a great experience to make new friends. Let's keep in touch.

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    3. Heartfelt thanks, Jim!

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