When we speak of art, most people immediately think of paintings or sculpture, then move on to music and finally literature. All are great art forms, but I’m not claiming to be an artist based on any of those mediums.

The definition of ‘art’, according to my Oxford American Desk Dictionary and Thesaurus is: human creative skill or its application; work exhibiting this; various branches of creative activity concerned with the production of imaginative designs, sounds or ideas. Synonyms include painting, drawing, sculpture, fine art, skill, talent, knack, and ability.

My claim to artist status is based on skill. I have perfected the ART OF PROCASTINATION! Truly, this is an art form and I promise, I am a master!

How can I overcome my very real and very ingrained fear of writing?

Procrastinate, according to Oxford, means to defer action; defer or delay, esp. intentionally or habitually. Synonyms include dally, delay and stall.

I habitually procrastinate when it comes to writing. I can find hundreds, no thousands, of reasons to keep my butt-out-of-chair. I could share of few, but I suspect we all have our own lists, so you don’t need to see mine.

What I need are ways to help me conquer procrastination. I know (picture a light bulb flashing over my shoulder) I’ll write an article about procrastination. It’s a creative endeavor, so it counts as writing, and maybe I’ll help myself. (Okay, I hear you snickering out there. Yes, I’ll admit this is another form of procrastination.)

Now, back to the point of this endeavor. How can I overcome my very real and very ingrained fear of writing? That’s right – I said FEAR. I think fear is the biggest motivator for my procrastination. What if my story isn’t good? What if no one likes it? What if… well, you get the point.

I once had a paralyzing fear of snakes. I wouldn’t even go near the reptile building at the zoo. Then I gave birth to my sons, and I realized that if I didn’t overcome my paranoia I would either pass it on to my boys, OR they’d turn it against me. I had nightmares about my boys pulling snakes out of their pockets and chasing me. So, I set out to conquer my fear. I went into the reptile house the next time we were at the zoo. I stayed in the center of the aisle and couldn’t get out of there fast enough - longest ten minutes of my life. But, the next time it was easier. Eventually I could walk to the glass enclosure and not visibly cringe. I forced myself to confront the fear, and while I still have a healthy respect for snakes, I’m no longer paralyzed when I see one.

Now, I just need to apply that same tactic to my writing. Well, another time. Right now, the dryer is buzzing; it’ll be lunchtime in a few hours; I need to check the mailbox; …

I warned you – I am an artist!

Terri Richison is pursuing her love of writing and dream of publishing. She writes romantic suspense and is happily married to her high school sweetheart, who happens to be her own special hero.

Copyright © 2006 Terri Richison. All rights reserved. Used with permission.