Self-Doubt and Writing

Read the poster quote three times. Now, sit back and ponder on that for however long it takes you to agree with what author, Sylvia Plath said. 

As writers, we are creative people. Go ahead and pat yourself on the back for that achievement. Not everyone can do what we do. Creative people tend to be self-doubters, and that includes artists, writers, and performers. The big question is Why?

If I had the answer to that question, I would write a book that you all would buy. I would be rolling in money, and you would be rid of all self-doubt. In a perfect world, that is.

Those of you who read this blog regularly know that I am a person who tries to look at the positive side of almost everything. So, my first suggestion is to make a list of all the positive things about your writing and the writing path you walk day after day. Don't be humble. List everything that is positive about you, the writer.

Then, make a list of the things you would like to change in your writing world. Looking at it with objective eyes, which ones are possible to change? Which ones are never going to change? Which will change if you make the changes?

Try another list. Put down all your publishing successes, whether it be a national magazine or a church newsletter. If you have two or more, give yourself another pat on the back. We know that our writing journey is taken in small steps. We don't reach the gold ring with one hop, skip, and jump. It takes time and hard work. Be a bit of an egotist if it helps. Just don't be an irritant to other people.

The last point I want to make for today is one you've heard from me more than once. You are the one who can make the changes. You are the person in charge. You can give yourself a boost, or you can tear yourself down and increase the self-doubt.

Looking For Inspiration To Write?

Do you ever feel like you don't know what to write about? That writing is getting to be a drag? That you have no new project in mind and you really don't care? Every writer experiences these feelings occasionally. We hope it's only once in awhile, not on a regular basis. We all need some inspiration at that point. 

This past week, Ken and I attended a farewell concert on our university campus. A renowned music professor, leader of the Gold Orchestra conducted his final concert at Kansas State University. Being there, seeing a man honored for his long career and hearing the young people in the orchestra sounding like professional musicians inspired me. When each senior was introduced, their major cited and what future plans they had, I felt even more enthused. Very few were music majors. Their study field ranged from Engineering to Education and more. They were in the orchestra because they also loved music and the instrument each played. I left with my heart uplifted.

We spent the week-end in Kansas City, 2 hours east of us. We did a bit of shopping and attended a 50th anniversary dinner for a charity group we support. Seeing all the good this group has done in the world was emotional and inspiring. On Sunday, we attended a church service and then had a sumptuous lunch at The Cheesecake Factory, using two gift cards received at Christmas. On the drive home, I felt inspired by so many parts of the week-end. As we drove through the Flint Hills of Kansas, I started planning a piece I'd like to write for a new Chicken Soup for the Soul book. The rolling prairie served as inspiration, too.

Taking a break from the writing process and attending concerts, plays, or a quick week-end trip can do wonders to give you the urge to write something new or get on with one of those big projects you sometimes wonder why you ever started. Take a drive through the prettiest place you know in the area where you live. The scene in the photo above would make me want to paint a picture--or write a story, even a description of this place. 

Even a long walk can give you a needed break from writing and, if you use your writer's eye, you can see much along the way to inspire you. Don't walk with head down, hands in your pockets and a gloomy look on your face. Look around you. There is so much to be seen, so many things that can lift your heart. Inspiration is there. All you have to do is let it settle over you like a warm comforter.