How to Overcome Doubt in your Writing

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mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} /* List Definitions */ @list l0 {mso-list-id:1979532226; mso-list-type:hybrid; mso-list-template-ids:1242698510 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715 67698703 67698713 67698715;} @list l0:level1 {mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in;} @list l0:level2 {mso-level-number-format:alpha-lower; mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in;} @list l0:level3 {mso-level-number-format:roman-lower; mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt;} @list l0:level4 {mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in;} @list l0:level5 {mso-level-number-format:alpha-lower; mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in;} @list l0:level6 {mso-level-number-format:roman-lower; mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt;} @list l0:level7 {mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in;} @list l0:level8 {mso-level-number-format:alpha-lower; mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:left; text-indent:-.25in;} @list l0:level9 {mso-level-number-format:roman-lower; mso-level-tab-stop:none; mso-level-number-position:right; text-indent:-9.0pt;} ol {margin-bottom:0in;} ul {margin-bottom:0in;} </style>First of all, I want to say thank you to those of you who left video ideas and topics in the comments section of my last video. I have tons of fresh ideas, thanks to you, and I’m really excited to start getting the content together and filming those. One of the topics that really stuck out to me, and one that subsequently got the most likes, was how to overcome doubt in your writing. So that’s what I want to talk about today. If you'd rather watch the video on this topic, feel free to click play below. Otherwise, read on!<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EMLLKmC..." width="560"></iframe><br /></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">First, I want to preface this by saying that doubt, especially as a writer, is completely normal. Feelings of doubt and uncertainty are just a part of being human. And instead of shying away from doubt, I would actually suggest the opposite: to embrace it. Without doubt, we can’t grow. Doubt forces us to reveal flaws and learning opportunities that we otherwise wouldn’t. If you’re doubting something about your writing, it’s probably because you feel like something isn’t quite right, like maybe one of your characters seems too “cookie-cutter”, your plot feels overdone, your dialogue isn’t sparking interest, and so on. This is okay. Like I said, it’s completely normal. It’s part of being a writer (and a human being). If you can look at doubt as providing growth and learning in your writing process, it won’t feel so ominous. And while I don’t think you can get rid of doubt completely, nor would you really want to, there are ways in which you can temporarily shake it off and get back to writing. Because really, that’s the end goal, right?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">From personal experience, there are 7 steps I take when doubt comes creeping in. Feelings of doubt and writer’s block have very similar facets, so I think these steps can pertain to both overcoming doubt <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">and </b>writer’s block. BAM! Double whammy.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The steps you’re about to hear certainly pertain to writing, but can be applied to almost every other situation in life where you’re experiencing doubt. These may not work for everyone, but even if this video helps only one person, it’ll have been worth the time. And even if you don’t think they’ll work for you, I recommend giving them a shot. You may be pleasantly surprised.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">     </span></span></span>Step away from your manuscript</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">     </span></span></span>Usually when you’re doubting your writing and/or writing project, it’s because you’re really close to it and have been for a long time without taking a break. So step away from it for a little while. I’ve found that when doubt creeps in, it’s usually because there’s some task that I haven’t completed that’s lingering in my subconscious, and I can’t seem to focus. Whether it’s guilt from not exercising in the morning when I had a spare 40 minutes, feeling like I should take the dogs for a walk, needing to run to the grocery store to get ingredients for dinner, or putting away the laundry, I’ve found that my not being able to focus on my writing equals a visit from the Doubt Fairy. </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">     </span></span></span>The first step to understanding your doubt is to try to determine the root cause of the doubt, and it’s best to do this <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">away </i>from your manuscript if possible. Do something for an hour: go for a run, clean a part of the house, take the dogs for a walk, unload the dishwasher. Then come back to your writing space. If you’re still doubting your writing, then move on to #2.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">     </span></span></span>Look for inspiration</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">     </span></span></span>Writing inspiration can come in many different forms. It can spark from people-watching, having a thought-provoking conversation, reading a book by your favorite author, scrolling through Pinterest, taking a walk in nature, performing a mundane task like folding laundry or blow-drying your hair. Inspiration can strike at any moment, but you have to make room for it to land. For me, inspiration usually strikes when I’m performing a mundane task, like straightening my hair. It’s something I’ve done so many times and so often that it requires very little thought. This allows my mind to wander and for the plot bunnies to attack (in a good way). </div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">b.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">     </span></span></span>Driving long distances (which is everywhere in Texas) can also help spark inspiration. If I’m struggling with a certain scene, I’ll put on some mood music (if it’s a darker scene, I’ll normally throw on some Lana Del Rey, for a lighter scene, I like ODESZA or Mitis & Mahi) and listen to that during the car ride. Again, my mind is free to wander and I’m able to make room for any ideas that may pop up.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">     </span></span></span>Seek positive reinforcement</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">     </span></span></span>Sometimes doubt may creep in because somebody said something negative about your writing, left you a bad review, or otherwise did something that left a sour taste in your mouth. In this case, it’s best to seek out positive reinforcements. If you already have a book published, read the 5 and 4 star reviews it received. If you have a public platform, make sure you make a folder on your computer with positive emails from fans, readers, subscribers, and the like. Whenever I’m doubting myself, I click on a specific folder in my inbox and read the really nice messages you all have sent me over the years. My doubt quickly fades away. If you don’t have a public platform or a book published yet, then try reaching out to a close friend, family member, mentor, teacher, or anyone who supports your writing and your passion. By surrounding yourself with positivity and people who lift you up and support you, you’ll quickly discover there’s no room for doubt and you can show it to the door.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">     </span></span></span>Write a celebration list</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">     </span></span></span>I talked about celebration lists in my vlogmas videos this past year. I got the idea from Cara Alwill Leyba at The Champagne Diet. The concept here is: Instead of writing to-do lists and focusing on allll the things we have yet to do, try writing a celebration list and focus on allll the things you’ve already accomplished. Bonus points if you can write a detailed celebration list for your writing life. Your list can be for a day, a week, a month, a year – pick a timeframe and write down all the things you’ve accomplished. This is a great way to boost your own morale and self-esteem and crush any doubt you may be experiencing.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">     </span></span></span>Write in a gratitude journal</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">     </span></span></span>Similar to celebration lists are gratitude journals. I also talked about this in one of my vlogmas videos. Writing down 3-5 things you’re grateful for every day can really put things into perspective. You may be worried about one of your character’s relationships falling flat, or that your magic system doesn’t make a whole lot of sense yet, or that your villain actually seems really nice and maybe should be the sidekick and not the villain but WAIT AH SO MANY REWRITES PSSHHHWWW BRAIN EXPLODES. This is normal. The problem is that we think our problems are a) ginormous and so much bigger than they actually are and b) that we’re the first ones to ever experience anything like it. And we’re sorely mistaken. On both accounts. This is where the gratitude journal comes in. By writing down the things you’re grateful for, you’re automatically transporting yourself to a more positive and tranquil place. Your problems won’t seem so huge, you’ll realize that your writing qualms are indeed fixable, and you’ll realize that your doubts are all in your head!</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">     </span></span></span>Find your “feel-good”</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">     </span></span></span>Doubt is normally associated with negativity, so in order to outweigh the negative, you have to do something positive. I cannot stress enough how important it is to identify your “feel-good” and incorporate it into your daily routine. I have two “feel-goods” that I can easily make time for every day. The first is buying myself a fresh bouquet of flowers, and the second is drawing myself a bubble bath with candles, a big glass of lemon water, and my essential oil diffuser. These things make me feel good-they make me feel refreshed, revived, and ready to take on anything. Find things that boost your mood and do them daily. You’ll quickly discover that doubt is just an abstract concept.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">     </span></span></span>Daily self-love reminders</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">a.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">     </span></span></span>You may be worried that your writing isn’t good enough, that your voice could stand out more, that your story may not be unique enough, but amidst all of that doubt, you’re forgetting one insanely important thing: There is only ONE YOU. You are unique. You are different. No one else has your voice. No one else can tell your story exactly the way you tell it. And the world needs your story. So stop doubting yourself, sit down, and write it already!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And if none of these 7 steps help you to overcome doubt, then try repeating this quote to yourself until it sticks: “You can fix a poorly written page, but you can’t fix a blank one.” Because it’s true!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So there you have it, 7 ways to help you overcome doubt and get back to writing that amazing story of yours. I hope you enjoyed the post today. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Goodreads is hosting a giveaway for one signed paperback copy of THE ALPHA DRIVE from January 24th-31st (valid for the U.S. only). Enter here to win: </span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt;">https://goo.gl/f2A8W5 </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Don't forget to check out both of my book on your way out. I'll see you guys in the next post!</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/..." target="_blank"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/..." border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8eHN3-HNon..." width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8c-fapNGi..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8c-fapNGi..." /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span> </div>