Facing Self-Doubt as an Author
“I don’t believe anyone ever suspects how completely unsure I am of my work and myself and what tortures of self-doubting the doubt of others has always given me.” Tennessee Williams (one of the most celebrated authors of the twentieth century.)
Personally, I never doubt myself as a writer. Why? 1) because I write mainly to express myself, and don’t think I could find people interested enough to keep listening to me ad nauseam. 2) I also write because I am in love with ancient India and its wisdom; today India is labeled “third world” when indeed once we were the acknowledged fount of great wisdom and a multitude of riches. 3) I write stories because my mind is full of them…and they come out effortlessly…if I did not use my energy in this way, that same energy turns destructive. In the end I write for myself – so, while I love genuine praise, I wouldn’t stop writing just because I didn’t get it. Thank you Veronica Bale!
Originally posted on Veronica Bale's Blog:
“I don’t believe anyone ever suspects how completely unsure I am of my work and myself and what tortures of self-doubting the doubt of others has always given me.”
It may surprise you to learn that this quote is from none other than Thomas “Tennessee” Lanier Williams the 3rd, one of the most celebrated playwrites and authors of the twentieth century. Self doubt is the author’s constant companion, and if that example isn’t proof enough that even the greatest literary minds of our times are afflicted by its cold, clammy grip, then I don’t know what is.
If you haven’t guessed it yet, then yes — I’ve been mired in self-doubt lately. Or, I should say, moreso than usual. The question that keeps popping up in my head is, “Am I really an author? I mean, really? Or am I just a wannabe? An imposter? A…
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