How it goes

My writing routine can be described as follows:

After coming up with an idea, I begin the research. Sometimes I look at symbolism, location, or technical issues, like the names and uses for dental tools if there is a dentist in my story.

Next, I prepare a somewhat detailed “story frame” where I outline plotline, characters and their traits/motivations/ setting – a whole list of things to give the story direction.

My only problem? Sometimes I plan things out so much that by the time I go towrite the actual story, it feels as if I’ve already written it, and I simply can not find the words.

I understand that I make up my own rules, and it’s not set in stone that I MUST do this for every story I write. But if I neglect this planning process, I feel like a slacker who hasn’t done it “right”.

Fear and lack of confidence. That’s what it comes down to. How did I get into this mindset? I don’t remember ever being this tentative when writing.

Part of my struggle deals with the desire to write something meaningful. I think I abandoned it all because I was starting to question whether horror fiction was enough; something worthy, not frivolous.

How do you break free from THAT fear?