for novelists who worry whether their story even matters

It happens to me every now and then. I’m struggling through another draft, another revision, another scene, and I catch myself thinking, Why am I even doing this? What’s the point? The negative thoughts flood in: What gives you the right to write this book?So many writers could do it better than you!This is worthless.This doesn’t matter to anyone.There’s no point to this.The world is a scary, terrible place—and you think a book is going to make a difference?You should be doing something better with your time. On and on.Thankfully, at this stage of my life, I’ve gotten used to noticing this kind of self-defeating inner talk for what it is: nonsense.It’s utter nonsense.Stories matter. Books are important. Stories are life. On the days when I find myself really blighted with negative thoughts like these, I give myself pep talks.Writers need pep talks, just like everyone else, right? Today I’m going to share one with you. (Listen below!)Because your voice matters. Your story matters. This isn’t pointless. Using language to shape the world is a profound act of hope. We need art in these dark days. I’m here to remind you of that. I recorded this podcast on my phone. Nothing fancy here. This is just me, a writer who sometimes forgets that writing is deeply valuable, reminding you, a writer who may sometimes do the same, that words are powerful.Once you’ve listened, I’d love to hear from you. What do you tell yourself when your mind goes into negative thought overdrive? How do you ground yourself in the importance of your work? Let me know in the comments.Thank you for being here.Now—go write your book. Love,Hayleyxxxx