Writers--Dealilng With Self-Doubt

 

Only a very few writers have self-doubt. True or false? I believe that a great many writers doubt themselves. They question themselves on a regular basis, and as our poster says, that is an enemy to creativity. 

Questions like:  Will I be able to get published? Am I good enough to submit my work for publication? Do I measure up to popular, highly-published writers? Do I have writing talent, or am I fooling myself? Is my work too amateur appearing? Am I able to grow as a writer? 

All those questions are good ones and typical of newbie writers. They are also questions more experienced writers sometimes ask themselves. College athletes ask many of the same kinds of questions when the prospect of going pro comes up. It seems to be natural to have some self-doubt, no matter what field you are in. 

Like most things, there are degrees of self-doubt. Some writers question their ability on an occasional basis. Others do so a little more often, and some make it a daily occurrence. Those in the last group end up deciding that writing is no fun, and they often give up. 

Writers should strive for no self-doubt or just an occasional time. More than that, and you can easily come to dislike writing and make yourself miserable. Some writers keep these feelings to themselves, while others whine to friends and family. Don't ever use self-doubt as an excuse for not getting published.

What can you do to overcome the self-doubt trait in your writing world? 

A. Continue learning your craft by reading books about writing, attending workshops and conventions, and joining a writing group. 

B. Write on a daily basis. The more you write, the better writer you can become.

C. Don't be afraid to submit your work to a publication. Do it over and over and over. All writers get rejections. If you get one, know that you have plenty of company. The more you submit, the greater the possibility of receiving an acceptance. 

E. Remind yourself often of any successes you've had in the writing world. If you haven't been published yet, it might be a bit of praise from someone in a writing group. If you've finished a number of stories, essays, or poems, consider that as a success. Not every writer can claim to have a file of finished work. Some start a story but never finish. Some write an essay but never edit. 

F. Think about the reason you decided to try writing. What drove you? Renew that passion.

G. Realize that self-doubt is destructive. Aim for a more constructive outlook. It won't happen overnight, but work at it a little at a time. 

H. Don't use self-doubt as an excuse. 

Make getting rid of self-doubt a writing goal for this year. Chip away towards that goal a little at a time.