Regaining Confidence

by Elizabeth S. Craig, @elizabethscraig

I think all of us have a crisis of confidence at some point when we're writing.

Sometimes it's because the writing that day has been slow. Maybe you're having a tough time knowing how to approach an important scene. Or you've finished the important scene but it seems a little flat.

Maybe you've just finished reading a fantastic book or article and feel your writing really suffers in comparison.

Maybe it's because you've come across some negative customer reviews of your books when you're already feeling vulnerable.

It could be because your beta readers or critique group had some negative feedback on a recent chapter or full manuscript and you're facing a lot of revision or aren't sure which advice to follow.

The important thing is not to let the crisis of confidence keep you from moving forward with your story. Here are some ideas for helping to get your mojo back:

Tips for Regaining Confidence in Your Writing

Keep any positive reader emails or reviews in a special folder.  When you do get some good feedback, be sure to copy-paste it into a folder on your computer that you can review whenever you're feeling a little low. Those can help remind you that your writing has resonated with others.

Keep samples of your writing where your voice and story were really strong.  This can also help during those times when you feel like you're not getting a character's voice right or you're stumbling through a passage.

Consider re-reading your story. This is sort of the nuclear option for me because ordinarily re-reading my first draft really messes me up and puts me squarely in edit mode. But it can be a great way to talk yourself off the ledge and realize that your book does have redeeming qualities, just when you feel ready to throw in the towel.

Resist Shiny New Ideas. Sometimes, when our current project isn't going well, a new story concept will occur to us…one that seems a lot easier to write or more of a viable idea than what we're currently slogging through. Go ahead and just file your concept in another file and get back to your story.

Remember you can fix your book later. The first draft is not a completed book. To keep moving forward, remind yourself that you can make the story stronger as soon as you finish your first draft.

There's a whole group dedicated to writers who struggle with their confidence or feel insecure about their writing. Check out Alex J. Cavanaugh's Insecure Writers' Support Group for resources and support.

Do you struggle with crises of confidence as a writer? How do you work through it?

Tips for Regaining Confidence as a Writer:
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