Writers Must Believe in Themselves

 

One of may aims in writing this blog Monday through Friday is to offer encouragement to writers, which is what today's topic is aimed at.

The quote for today is beautiful and also some wise advice. As writers, one of the most important things we can do is to believe in our ability to write so that others will want to read it, so that editors will want to publish our work. 

We do have to continue to improve our writing by reading about the craft, practicing writing on a regular basis, joining writing groups, and attending conferences and workshops. Even doing all that will still not allow some writers to believe in themselves. 

If you're a Negative Nellie, one who puts herself/himself down at every turn, you aren't going to make much progress. If you truly love to write and want to be published, why let yourself have those negative thoughts?

Look at Negative Nellie. She has a wonderful idea for a personal essay based on an experience she had. She learned something and thinks it important enough to share with others. She writes the first draft, tells herself it is a piece of junk. Even so, she revises and edits until she is more satisfied. Then, she looks for a place to submit her essay, all the while thinking to herself that no one is going to like this, no editor is going to publish it. It's not good; it won't sell, it.... On and on she goes with those miserable inner thoughts. She defeats herself before even trying to submit her essay. 

Across the street is another writer--Positive Polly. She works at becoming a better writer; she does writing exercises; she writes on a regular basis; she belongs to a writing group. She also believes she has something to contribute in the writing world. She writes a short story for a contest that fits the theme. The first draft pleases her, but she knows she should do a little revising and editing. After she does that, she submits her story to the contest. She knows she's up against some tough competition, but she likes her story. She believes in her abilities to write a good story. 

Polly may not win the contest, but she is also not going to be dragged down by that. She'll continue to write and submit her work. She'll send a positive cover letter with her submission promoting herself. 

Nellie sends a cover letter with her submission that continues in the negative vein in which she lives day to day. It's not going to impress an editor. Hopefully, her essay itself is good enough to do that. Nellie needs to build her confidence. One simple exercise to help is to stand before a mirror on a daily basis, or even more than once a day. Look at yourself and say "I am a good writer!" Repeat it. Keep doing this until you start believing yourself. Is it going to work a miracle? No, but it is one small way to start building your confidence.

Another way is to make a list of all the writing that you have had published. Whether it is one or twenty-two! Keep that list where you can see it frequently. The fact that you are published should help build confidence. 

What if you're a writer who keeps writing but has never been published? What miracle is there for you? If you love to write, and you're doing all you can to become a stronger writer, think positive thoughts. The more you do, the easier it becomes. Stop the defeatist, fatalistic thinking. All that does is drag you down into a pit of self-pity. 

If you don't believe in yourself, others won't either. Be like the Little Engine That Could and use the "I think I can, I think I can' approach. Building your confidence in your writing doesn't happen quickly. It's a step by step process. We accomplish a lot by doing a little, day by day.