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How do you deal with your self-doubt?
It's kind of funny because I almost always think that most of what I do is somehow inferior to someone else's work. It's all just a matter of perspective, though. I've always been very self-critical. Even if my work could be like, scientifically proven to be on par with something else, I still wouldn't be capable of comprehending it. But at least I'm aware that this is a problem. Whenever I'm feeling doubtful about my work, I just remind myself that it's partly just a head game and I'm psyching myself out over nothing. Then I go read positive reviews on my books (especially the ones left by completely neutral strangers) and remind myself that there are people out there who are enjoying what I'm doing. Support and feedback from friends and family is great and all, but in the back of my mind I'm always wondering if they're partially biased. Good reviews from strangers are especially fun because they're just a Random Person Somewhere in the World who happened to read your book, which means your book is out there. It's kind of encouraging to think about.
I've also found that if I'm having trouble with my own writing, it helps to take a break and read. I read a David Baldacci series last spring when I was preparing to publish my first novel and the whole time I was just thinking, "Wow, I feel like my writing is at least as good as this. And David Baldacci is a well-known author! I can totally do this!" I know they say to never compare yourself to other authors, but I feel like this is a little different. I'm not comparing myself to him specifically - I'm comparing my ability to tell a story with his ability to tell a story and I'm realizing I'm perfectly capable of it. So yeah, reading helps.
As long as we remain (fairly) confident we are sane then why worry what might upset nice old nan. Fairly sure even self-pub books are human-checked by distros to make sure they aren't too sicko. Other than that, the story you want to write is king, as is the style, not what anyone else thinks (craft inadequacies aside).
I enjoy crime fiction. Lee Child writes in a breathless, short sentence, 'Clint Eastwood, Man With No Name' style. Sentence after sentence. Works for Reacher. Works for Lee Child! Wouldn't work for PD James. Which one is 'better' stylistically? Pointless question, innit.
I enjoy crime fiction. Lee Child writes in a breathless, short sentence, 'Clint Eastwood, Man With No Name' style. Sentence after sentence. Works for Reacher. Works for Lee Child! Wouldn't work for PD James. Which one is 'better' stylistically? Pointless question, innit.
That is a very good approach. I also read in between my writing, I find that it helps my focus and gets my mind flowing better. I read blood and guts series, for some reason the all-out war of the Warhammer novels helps me to write better. Don't get me wrong, some of the authors that write those novels are fantastic writers, others are like us, all of them just focus on bullets and explosion, and that single-minded theme gets my creative mind running.And I agree. Family can be biased, but their comments to help. Beta readers are the ones that build you up, making you even more excited about your work.
Perhaps I should post an excerpt from my debut novel...is that allowed?
Even if you feel your writing is inferior, you will get better, just like any other thing, we need to practice our craft. Very few writers are able to sit down and write like literary gods, creating a fantastic first draft. We other humble writers need to work and craft our stories.
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As for how I deal with self doubt, I don't. We all struggle with it, but I refuse to let mine hold me down. Instead I use it as fuel to write more, knowing that I'm only really writing for myself, and if other's enjoy it, all the better.
Mod
You learn that those little voices of self-doubt are often irrational. You learn to overcome those doubts with rational thought.
Is your writing style good enough?
Good enough for whom? Who are you trying to impress? The reality is, no writer pleases all readers. Some will dislike your style. Don't worry about them. Do you like your style? Does it fit the kind of stories you want to tell? If so, then your style is good enough.
Will your readers enjoy your book?
Most likely some will love it, some will hate it and many will have opinions in between. If your mechanics are good, if your plot is solid, if your characters are interesting and so on, someone is going to love your book.
Are you doing things the correct way?
Since there are millions of correct ways of doing things when it comes to writing, you're probably doing it right. Writing is not an exact science. There are more correct ways to write than there are writers.
Are your chapters too long?
If this kind of question is bogging you down, then shorten your chapters and move on. Chapter ends should feel like natural breaks in the story. If it feels too long, maybe you've included too many unnecessary scenes, too much unnecessary dialogue, the descriptions are longer than they need to be... who knows? Find the problem, gut it and move on. Questions like this should not stop you, they should make you take action to fix the problem.
Is there enough action early on to grip readers
I guess that all depends on how much action the reader is expecting. And you can't control their expectations, nor can you predict it, nor can you cater to it. Why? Because all readers will expect something different. It's your story. Does it feel right to you?
What will you do if they hate your novels?
I don't know what you will do, but here's one thing you shouldn't do: worry about it. Some other things you should do: watch a sunset, spend time with loved ones, watch a good movie, write another book, write another one after that, write a few more, realize that your readers are a collected bunch of people with varied tastes and expectations and you can't cater to each and every one of them. For every one that hates your book, another one or two or fifteen may love it. Don't live for the ones that hate it.
Finally -
Can I succeed with so many other authors out there?
It all depends on what you call success and how hard you're willing to work to get there, I suppose.
Very nice Dwayne. Thank you for your comments.
I agree with Riley. The struggle is real. That beast of self-destructive doubt is a more formidable foe than a negative review, because that son of a bitch feeds off of those 1 and 2 stars and sharp words. BB gave me some great advice and said to just be me. Write for you, take what you can in a positive light to fuel your resolve and screw the rest. When you pour your passion into your work it shows. Again, the struggle is real, but that's how I fight that snitch.
I just keep writing, and I don't worry too much about it. What's the worst that could happen? Somebody will say, "Your book is stupid and so are you!" If a lot of people say that I'll just slink off in a corner somewhere and find something else to do. I can paint. I'll just do that for awhile. At least until somebody says, "Your art is stupid and so are you!" By the time that happens I'll be so old and so far into dementia I really won't care what anybody says.
Paddy wrote: "As long as we remain (fairly) confident we are sane then why worry what might upset nice old nan. Fairly sure even self-pub books are human-checked by distros to make sure they aren't too sicko. Ot..."I like that Paddy. :) ~Sherri
Mod
I have self-doubt... always. (Is this good enough?') I think it's good, and my best friends think it's good, but is it reaaaallly good enough? Ultimately, I think, "If I like it, chances are a few other people will too," and I keep plugging along. Thanks for the good topic.
J.C. wrote: "I agree with Riley. The struggle is real. That beast of self-destructive doubt is a more formidable foe than a negative review, because that son of a bitch feeds off of those 1 and 2 stars and shar..."*like*. Nicely put J.C. ~sherri
Sherri, exactly! You can't be everyone's cup if tea, but you're bound to be someone's
When it comes to my actual writing, I don't suffer from self doubt. I know my stories aren't going to please everyone. For that matter, I have enough diversity in my styles and genres that I realize folks who like some of what I write may hate other stuff I write. My self doubt comes in the next stages. Editing, marketing, generating interest. That's all where I fall to pieces.
But whether or not I am going to be successful given all of the other authors out there? Two things: You are only going to be as successful if you set your own definition of success. And stop worrying about the 'competition.' We are all in this together and seeing your fellow authors as allies goes farther in terms of becoming successful than considering them enemies to vanquish. :)
Christina wrote: "When it comes to my actual writing, I don't suffer from self doubt. I know my stories aren't going to please everyone. For that matter, I have enough diversity in my styles and genres that I realiz..."I agree with just about every point you made. I love writing. The process is best when I'm listening to the words and writing them down, rather than making them up. So no self-doubt there. Editing is a mixed bag. Sometimes I'm enthralled and barely remember writing what I wrote and love it. Other times, not so much. But you can always work on that. I haven't launched my mystery books yet (and my published poetry books are not yet digital; another task). It is the marketing that seems to be a daunting task. But I feel I'm up to it. And also, I so agree with the concept of thinking of other authors as allies rather than competition. Such a better take on it --- for both emotional and practical reasons. Cross-promotion is great, and so is the camaraderie.
I like Denise's comment about seeing other authors as allies rather than competition. Writing is not a zero-sum game. The pie expands every time a slice is taken out of it. It expands to meet readers' expectations for meaningful reading however they define that.
As far as doubt about my writing skills. I believe there are some objective ways to determine good vs bad writing and the rest is taste and custom, things that change with the times and from person to person. I read other writers' books, pay attention to how they craft their work, constantly pick up some "Oh, yes, I see how s/he did that."
As far as doubt about my writing skills. I believe there are some objective ways to determine good vs bad writing and the rest is taste and custom, things that change with the times and from person to person. I read other writers' books, pay attention to how they craft their work, constantly pick up some "Oh, yes, I see how s/he did that."
I've always felt, If I can reach only one person with my stories, if only one person reads it and connects to it emotionally, I would have succeeded. That is my only quest, do get my work read, and to give people stories to help them daydream as I do. If I can just get them to see through my imagination's eye, I would count myself a lucky man.
Mod
I've begun to realize that self-doubt is a much a part of this as writing is. Like some of you, I wonder if my book is good enough, will it sell, will anyone like it and all of the other neurotic thoughts that come to mind. When they come, I force myself to remember how great of a writer I am and all of the positive feedback I've received. I also think of the self-doubt in reverse. If I worry that my book won't sell, I tell myself that it will sell millions of copies all over the world. I don't know why, but it makes me so much better. Positive thinking is my number one defense against doubt.
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Yes! Positive affirmation, it really works.
Lara wrote: "I've begun to realize that self-doubt is a much a part of this as writing is. Like some of you, I wonder if my book is good enough, will it sell, will anyone like it and all of the other neurotic t..."great attitude! At times, when I've been ready to quit ("this is too hard!") my daughter has taken my face and said, "don't stop Mom... you're almost there!" Four years of working on this book, I've nearly given up lots of times.
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But when it all boils down, I write because I want to. Even if no one buys it or reads it, I accomplished what I wanted to accomplish. That makes the whole process worth it, in my opinion.
Ken wrote: "I just keep writing, and I don't worry too much about it. What's the worst that could happen? Somebody will say, "Your book is stupid and so are you!" If a lot of people say that I'll just slink..."I like your philosophy, Ken. I,too, both write and paint. Glad I am retired so that I don't have to worry about quitting my day job to do either.
I like the way you think V.M. - only I can write my stories - that makes me smile & feel better about by books.
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That's sad Ann, you're talented.
Ann wrote: "I had this problem for many years. My parents didn't encourage me to write. In fact, they told me that it was highly unlikely I would ever be an author -- it was too difficult. They tried to teach ..."I hear you there. My parents never encouraged me in anything I did or wanted to do. In fact, it was quite the opposite. 'I would never do anything of my life', they told me. I heard that so often I ended up proving them right. I wanted to become a vet, I had the grades to make it, but they refused to support my decision, so instead, I got married.
Now, they are both dead, and while I miss them dearly, I don't feel I have anything to prove or disprove anymore. I write for my own pleasure, and I'm happy just to know people have read my work, and delighted some actually liked it enough to let me know (emails and/or reviews).
Self-doubts? Sure, all the time. I think it's a human thing. If you don't have them, there's something wrong with you. You need to set them aside by any means necessary.
Chris, there will always be someone who will bring you down, even if it's not out of malice. That someone needs not to be you. Leave those doubts aside and write from your heart. As long as you enjoy what you do, it will show in your work.
Wow, that *is* sad. Both of you, Ann and GG, are super talented writers and I've enjoyed your books.
I'm struggling with this right now. I have a bunch of review copies out, and I am terrified people are going to hate it. Or think it's ridiculous...or think I am ridiculous for writing it. Writing is so personal. I think in the end we just have to step back and ask ourselves if we're proud of our work. If we are, then it's good absolutely good enough.
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I hear you there. My parents never encouraged me in anything I did or wanted to do. In fact, it was quite the opposite. 'I would never do anything of my life', they told me. I heard that so often I ended up proving them right. I wanted to become a vet, I had the grades to make it, but they refused to support my decision, so instead, I got married."
I'm sorry you guys have unsupportive family. I have read some of your work, Ann, and it's very good. I haven't gotten to you, G.G., but I am trying. I just don't set aside enough time to read, sometimes.
My parents don't support me, either. They never really have taken an interest in my writing, only a mild interest when I wanted to be an artist. They were excited about me playing in the high school band and they still ask me to this day if I want my old trombone. (Like I'm going to take it up again after thirty years of showing no interest). But, they don't care about my writing. Which is probably for the best. They'd probably be offended by almost everything I write. About all my mom has ever said to me about my writing is, "I wish you wouldn't. Writers don't make any money. You'll starve to death."
Aside from my wife and usually my brother, I don't get support from relatives. I guess this is why I have had to become my strongest cheerleader.
I would like to add that sometimes its that nagging little voice of self-doubt that motivates you to improve yourself and your work.Without it, you might just release your first draft...having this self-doubt is critical, to a certain extent, as long as you utilize it.
But it does seem that doubt from others can fuel the fire, whereas self-doubt can be crippling.
All you can do is keep working to get better.
I'm 8 days away from my own debut novel, and I'm chewing my fingernails off.
V.M. wrote: "The way I deal with self-doubt is on ask myself this: "Can anyone else write my story exactly the way I want it done?"
The correct answer is NO.
Only YOU can write your story the way you can. ..."
Thanks. I needed to read that.
I think all writers must deal with self-doubt. I have often been paralyzed by my awe of great writing. I love it, but it makes me think that I could never write like that, so why bother? I love Julia Cameron's books on creating art. They are so encouraging, and speak to the fearful and often depressed artist within all of us.
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I'm very sorry for both of your experiences GG and Dwayne. But I hope that you've since found a good support system.
If anything, I feel that our backgrounds give us a greater sense of accomplishment now that we have published and have actually sold copies to non friends and family! I'm proud of myself and that's what matters.
I have come to realize that my style is not for everyone. While some people love the way I write, others are not going to be able to finish my book. And that's OK. You can't write to please everyone, at the end of the day the only opinion that matters is your own. You wrote the story that was running around in your head, it's for you. Writing to please others will end up having you unhappy with what you wrote. I very much doubt any writer sits down and says "what do the people want to read?" NO, it's more like "what do I want to write?" Write what you want, and publish it. Remember, some of the greatest writers weren't recognized until they had died.
BB. wrote: "Well said Renee. It is important to write for you and what you want to read. There is nothing worse than writing something you find utterly dull and tedious, just for the hope it may sell. You will..."I so agree - my characters become my friends
Mod
I suddenly don't feel so weird for having a crush on one of my characters.
Wow! this is a very dramatic & intriguing picture!
My main problem is whether or not people will like my content. I really like writing about characters (especially protagonists) who are so cynical, profane, crude, and prone to commit the most insane acts of violence with the slightest provocation. The thing I like about these characters is that their good side isn't evident right away and it's fun to slowly show that as the story progresses along. Of course, some of these characters are complete scumbags, but MOST of them have their own moral code that becomes less shrouded the more we see them. What worries me is that people might just stop reading before really giving these guys a chance.There's that, and then there's my lack of creativity when it comes to starting and ending a story. The meat and potatoes of the story is no problem. It's coming up with a start-up that grabs you, and thinking of an appropriate final line to conclude the story that prove to be difficult for me.
At least with beginnings, I have something to resort to (two things, in fact): (1) the shootout. Since I mostly write action stories, I quickly establish the setting and briefly describe who's there before all hell breaks loose. When I get to an action scene, I enter this mentality, 'the bigger, the badder, the brutaler--the better.' Everything has to explode and the body count never stays in the single digits. While I enjoy these start-ups, I think after a while people will just find the formula repetitive, so I know I have to think up different ways before it gets too out of hand.
And (2) the messed-up conversation-starter. I open with a line (usually a question) that nobody would normally come up with. Something that would turn heads, open eyes, and raise eyebrows. Of course, that'd get old pretty fast, I'm sure, as my sense of humour (dark, crude, and cynical) isn't exactly for everyone.
The ending is the biggest problem for me. I can resolve everything in a story, but actually concluding the whole story with a final line is difficult for me. I ramble a lot, so maybe that's why I have such a problem with this.
I write in two different writing styles, which sometimes overlap each other. One of them is a more comic-bookish, cartoony style that still gets the point across, with more detailed descriptions of settings, characters, etc. (with sound effects! Yay!) that I know not EVERYONE will like (and I've already received some criticism for it). I generally use this style for fantasy stories because it's easier to convey the more unrealistic aspects of some things (like floating islands or super powers). And then there's my more straightforward 'screenplay' style, as I like to call it, which is more to the point, with minimal background or character descriptions, shorter sentences come up more often, and more realistic (but still generally stretching reality) with its action and narrative. I have problems with both styles because sometimes I think people will just condemn them as 'juvenile.' The latter style is more 'generic,' I guess, but I like both. I just doubt them sometimes (especially the comic-booky style).
Those are my problems, anyway...
Renee wrote: "I have come to realize that my style is not for everyone. While some people love the way I write, others are not going to be able to finish my book. And that's OK. You can't write to please everyon..."Hi Renee, I understand what you are saying about writing the story you want to write. I have recently come to the realization that after getting a couple novels published, I want to write to entertain readers and mingled in all of that are the messages I want to say. It can be done in any genre. Now that I know who my audience is ( and it may change ) I find that I want to keep them reading and at the same time say in my stories what I want to get off my chest.
Alexander, now I'm really interested in reading some of your work!
I like short chapters, so I run into doubt about if my own chapters are *too* short. I just read some Patterson to ease my mind. I've also been working on my beginnings--trying to start off with more excitement, and getting to the point quicker.
Mod
Writing can be a scary venture. To help silence the voices of doubt, I surround myself with positive energy and keep a favorite quote near my keyboard. This month's: Everyone's future is, in reality, an urn full of unknown treasures from which all may draw unguessed prizes." (Lord Dunsany)
It is scary and an overwhelming experience to put your writing out there. You feel very vulnerable.Artists are usually sensitive. That is why we can write.
Try not to doubt, just write, write and let it flow. You can edit later, and then after that you can send it to a professional editor.
Your writing is yours, it is your art and your interpretation it is all good.
Michael wrote: "Alexander, now I'm really interested in reading some of your work!"Oh. :) Thank you! ^-^ Glad I interested someone.
I agree with Riley - I tell myself I am writing for myself and if others like it - great. But I do worry that I don't measure up to other contemporary poets.
How do you deal with all of the doubt? I have not even covered all of the things we ask ourselves as writers. Most of us are our own worst enemies when it comes to putting digital pen to virtual paper.
I have a wonderful group of beta readers and family who encourage me constantly. And future fans who have read snippets of my book and given me great feedback. It does help, but the doubt still slips in through the cracks sometimes, and the only way I have found to deal with it is to completely ignore it. Your first instincts are always the best, go with your gut and you will probably be right. Making changes while you are doubting yourself might take away from your work and rob your fans of your best writing.
Any comments appreciated.
Recently I have been facing the - Can I succeed with so many other authors out there? - question running through my head.