Choosing the Right Topic: Writing Through Fear of Backlash

One of the hardest parts about writing publicly isn’t always the writing itself - it’s deciding what to write about. In a world where every opinion can be met with instant reactions, the fear of being misunderstood, misquoted, or trolled can feel overwhelming. For many writers, this fear becomes a barrier, keeping them from tackling the subjects they care about most.

So, how do you choose a topic when you know it could spark backlash? And how do you navigate the risks without silencing yourself?

Understand Where the Fear Comes From

Fear of being trolled often comes from two places:

Loss of control: Once your words are out there, they take on a life of their own. You can’t manage how people interpret or share them. Desire to be liked: We want validation, not attacks. The thought of strangers mocking or criticising us can feel deeply personal. Recognising these fears is the first step to moving past them. It’s not about eliminating them, it’s about learning how to write despite them.

Choose With Intention

If you’re considering a topic that feels risky, ask yourself:

• Why does this matter to me?

• What value could it bring to others?

• Is this the hill I want to stand on?

If your answers connect strongly to your purpose as a writer, then it’s often worth pursuing—even if it means some pushback. If you’re writing just to provoke, you might want to rethink your approach.

Anticipate the Counterarguments

Before you publish, put yourself in the shoes of someone who might disagree with you. What would they say? What tone might they take? By anticipating backlash, you can strengthen your piece: Provide context and evidence.

Acknowledge the nuance (“I understand some may see this differently…”). Avoid unnecessary inflammatory language.

This isn’t about watering down your message. It’s about showing that you’ve thought carefully, which makes you harder to dismiss.

Set Boundaries for Yourself

If you’re writing on a hot-button topic, decide beforehand how you’ll engage with feedback. Will you:

• Respond only to thoughtful questions?

• Ignore obvious trolling?

• Set time limits for checking comments?

Protecting your mental space is just as important as publishing the piece itself. Remember, trolls thrive on attention—don’t give them what they want.

Find Your Community

Writing on sensitive topics is easier when you’re not doing it alone. Share drafts with trusted peers, mentors, or writing groups before you publish. Their feedback can give you confidence that you’ve struck the right balance.

And when the backlash comes (because sometimes it will), having people who “get it” makes all the difference.