I’m declaring 2012 “The Year of No Fear”. What I mean is that I won’t let fear stop me from doing something. I’m embarking on self-publishing in February, releasing my first novel into the wild, and hoping to put two more books out for a total of three in 2012. This is the year I take control of my career and push myself to take chances.

Fear almost stopped me from having one of the best writing experiences of my life. Last fall, I was toying with the idea of doing my own version of The Phantom of the Opera. I was afraid it was too ambitions, too arrogant, and would require too much research. My writing buddy helped convince me I should go for it, and I’m so glad I did. Erik’s Tale changed my life. I know it sounds dramatic but it’s true. That book showed me writing from my heart could do amazing things and while at times it was difficult and scary, I kept going, driven by love. Whenever I think about Erik’s Tale, I smile. And it almost didn’t happen because I was too afraid.

So in 2012 I’m going to remember that and make sure fear doesn’t hold me back. I’m still going to be afraid, and that’s ok. But I’m going to take a step back and examine my fear and consider the worst thing that could happen if I go ahead with it. Then I’m going to consider the worst thing that could happen if I don’t do it. I’m betting that in almost every case, not taking the chance is going to be worse. I can only succeed if I take chances, and taking chances means that I risk failure. I probably will fail. So what. Failure is the price of success. I’m going to look at my failures and say “ok, that didn’t work. Maybe this new thing will.”

I’d like you to join me in The Year of No Fear. Be bold. Take risks. Write what scares you, and share it with the world.