Self-doubt is a problem that takes over a writers’ mind to the point that writing is delayed days, weeks, months, or even years. That rush of creativity you once felt has withered away to absolutely nothing. You can’t write. You can’t enjoy the creative process. It’s no joke when writing doubts settles in.
What’s worse is how do you break the self-doubt spell that is cast over you? It feels like there is no way to climb your way out of the hole. Yet, this doubt is something only you feel. Though you can probably express why you’re feeling that way, you still wish that you could get back to work on your WIP.
So instead of letting self-doubt take over your life, I’m going to discuss some of my own personal doubts and the ways I’ve found to overcome them or to stop myself from going down that path of self-doubt.
This page may contain affiliate links. Click to read full disclaimer. I only promote products I support.
My Writing Isn’t Good Enough
Doubt #1:
You read all of the amazing books you can get your hands on, and they read perfect. Then you look back at your draft and want to set it on fire. The words don’t flow nicely and there is a major plothole that takes up a majority of your story.
Solution #1:
It’s alright!
Though you may hate your draft now, it’s just that – a draft. It CAN and it WILL get better. Your writing style won’t materialize after writing a few hundred words. Maybe after a few thousand, you’ll start learning your craft, but you can’t expect to be perfect overnight. Writing takes time. Once you realize that, you’ll be one step closer to relinquishing your doubts.
No One Will Want to Read My Work
Doubt #2:
Thinking about the future, after your story is written, edited, and ready for the public, who will read your book? If your answer is no one than your falling into your self-doubt hole. But maybe you’re right because if you don’t even like your work, do you think other people are going to want to read it? Probably not.
Solution #2:
Believe in your work and don’t think too much ahead. If you’ve only just finished your first draft, you still have time to go to create a marketing plan and creating hype for your book with your target audience. It’s okay to worry about who will read your book, but if done correctly, your audience will be there for your book when it releases.
My Support System Thinks I’m Wasting My Time
Doubt #3:
The people around you think that being an author is a waste of time. There is no money in the profession and you should get a “real job”. As if spending well-over 40 hours a week isn’t enough to compensate for a “real job”. But maybe I am wasting my time, when I can’t even get 1,000 words on the page on a given day and it’s taken me an entire year to write the first draft.
Solution #3:
Find yourself friends within the writing community that will support your dreams. Your family most likely doesn’t understand the trials that you, as a writer, must go through to make your dream a reality. And look, Rome wasn’t created overnight. So surround yourself with people that understand your struggles and can help keep you motivated through the tough times.
How Can My Story Compare to the Best Sellers?
Doubt #4:
Those books at the bookstore are 100 times better than yours will ever be. They are more creative and people will want to read those books. No one could ever want to read your book because best selling books are SO much better.
Solution #4:
Stop and think for a second. Where did those best selling books start from? A crappy first draft just like the one your working on right now. Those books were not written as best sellers in the beginning and neither is yours. So keep on writing and your book could possibly sitting on the best seller shelf one day!
Other Writing Doubts Articles:
Ruthanne Reid at The Writing Practice – The Ugly Truth About Self Doubt as a Writer
Joanna Penn at The Creative Penn – Writing Tips: How to Deal with Self-Doubt as a Writer
Now let’s stop doubting ourselves and let’s get to writing. Our next best seller isn’t going to write itself. We are going to make it through the drafts and edits because we are writers and we won’t let self-doubt get in the way of our success!
What are some of your writing doubts? Did you resonate with my advice? Talk writing self-doubts with me in the comments below!
Best Writing Classes to Develop Your Writing Skills
This page may contain affiliate links. Click to read full disclaimer. I only promote products I support.
Doubt #2 is so true. I feel like I’m writing for one audience – myself! I don’t know if anyone else will care. But, because I’m writing for myself, I tell myself that at the end of the day, I am enjoying it, and I’ll be okay if I’m the only one who ever reads it.
What a great way to not let the doubt overcome you! We are our first audience in the end so we should always write for ourselves. 😊
The hardest one is probably when people look at you crazy for wanting to be a writer. You certainly need that core group of people around you who support your dreams even if its not going to make you a millionaire. ❤️ I love these Jenn and I love that you can speak so personally about each doubt.
It is very hard without a support system. I’m grateful for the opportunity to talk openly about these doubts because I know someone can relate to these struggles. And if I can help someone reach their dreams, it will mean the world to me! ❤
A very interesting post, Jenn! I have had a few of these doubts somewhere along the line. The one that really persists with me is writing something that agents/publishers are willing to accept.
Doubts are the worst but knowing how to overcome them helps. You’re going to write a story that the right agent/publisher is going to love!