Writing Writing Tips: Overcoming Self-Doubt

[Deleted member 29316]

Yep, I'm sure you're familiar with the word 'Self-Doubt'. Consider this; you've just finished writing a work that you've been laboring for almost all of your recent 10 years of life. Just as you are about to upload it online, something hit you. "I think my work sucks.", you thought. Then, instead of hitting the 'upload' button, you press the 'cancel', and you're back to square one.

Or how about, you've already uploaded your work. Then, as time goes by, you check on your story, only to find out that you only have 10 likes, and 20 readers...compared to a more recent novel you've just followed that amassed 1000+ likes and 600+ readers, complete with tons of highly-rated reviews and comments. Such a devastating situation, no? And you get discouraged to continue your work, because 'Hey, what's the use? No one reads my work anyway'.

Yep, that's self-doubt. One of the most recurring problems for an author, especially for the new ones.

Take note, I'm not exempt from self-doubt, though I've been writing for a decade now. There were times that the negativity was too strong, I'd consider deleting my work. Or quit writing altogether. But then, I'm still here. That's because, at the end of the day, though I languish and struggle with self-doubt, I still go back to the thing that I love...and that is writing.

Take note, part 2. Self-doubt is different from 'Fishing for compliments', though on the outside, both may look and feel familiar. The former is a genuine feeling that you're lacking in what you do, and have the urge to restart, or quit in whatever that keeps you busy. The latter is just false humility; the need to beefed up one's ego and at the same time, not wanting to appear arrogant.

Take note, part 3. Remember that we all need encouragement and affirmation, us authors in the way of praise for our work. Do not deny that you don't need one, because that's what makes you human. Wanting praise is normal, looking down on others' work is arrogance.

So yeah, without further ado, here are some tips on how to overcome self-doubt...for authors.

1) Don't excessively compare yourself to others. Yep, the urge to compare is strong, but that won't work on you. That other author had a different experience, different way, and different attitude on his/her way to the top. Sure, it may be beneficial for some time, but comparing yourself and your work on the long run could take away your own identity as an author, and thus, could lead to self-doubt. We all get our own opportunities; we just have to be watchful and grab it when it presents itself.

2) Celebrate small achievements. Just like how success is built over thousands of failures, self-confidence is built on thousands of small achievements. Did you reach 10 readers? Celebrate it. Did a reader reach chapter 10 out of 10 of your novel? Congratulate yourself.

3) Learn to distinguish helpful criticism from nonsense. Not all criticism is meant to harm you or your works. Some of those are there to help you improve, and some might've resulted from a misunderstanding on the part of the reader. Whatever it is, it would be helpful if you know the direction of the story you're writing, so that you can distinguish what critique you should take. For that, planning (or pantsering) your story could help.

4) Disconnect if it gets too much. When the negativity gets too strong, it would be helpful if you disconnect from the internet for the meantime. Log-out of your accounts, turn off notifications, and do something else in real life to distract your thoughts for the meantime. Usually, the urge to destroy your work would come the strongest just right after reading the hateful comments, and it'd do you and your story good if you let yourself calm down for the meantime. Once you're calm, you may now decide whether to take down, revise or keep your work.

5) Get it off you. When you're in doubt, it's best that you talk it out with someone you trust, just to let off steam. It's pretty much connected to point no. 4; that person could help you calm down, and even help you decide on the next course of action.

Some other useful tips:

• Get writing buddies. Have someone, or two, you trust read your work. Ask them about what they truly think about it. It helps in building self-confidence.

So there, hopefully these tips help. Actually, I tried these to myself and to my students, and I found them effective. Again, this is not the only way, but it is ONE of the ways to battle self-doubt. Feel free to add yours on the replies.

P.S.: If you got any concerns, you may PM me. I'd answer to the best of my abilities.

 

[Nahrenne]

Yep, I'm sure you're familiar with the word 'Self-Doubt'. Consider this; you've just finished writing a work that you've been laboring for almost all of your recent 10 years of life. Just as you are about to upload it online, something hit you. "I think my work sucks.", you thought. Then, instead of hitting the 'upload' button, you press the 'cancel', and you're back to square one.

Or how about, you've already uploaded your work. Then, as time goes by, you check on your story, only to find out that you only have 10 likes, and 20 readers...compared to a more recent novel you've just followed that amassed 1000+ likes and 600+ readers, complete with tons of highly-rated reviews and comments. Such a devastating situation, no? And you get discouraged to continue your work, because 'Hey, what's the use? No one reads my work anyway'.

Yep, that's self-doubt. One of the most recurring problems for an author, especially for the new ones.

Take note, I'm not exempt from self-doubt, though I've been writing for a decade now. There were times that the negativity was too strong, I'd consider deleting my work. Or quit writing altogether. But then, I'm still here. That's because, at the end of the day, though I languish and struggle with self-doubt, I still go back to the thing that I love...and that is writing.

Take note, part 2. Self-doubt is different from 'Fishing for compliments', though on the outside, both may look and feel familiar. The former is a genuine feeling that you're lacking in what you do, and have the urge to restart, or quit in whatever that keeps you busy. The latter is just false humility; the need to beefed up one's ego and at the same time, not wanting to appear arrogant.

Take note, part 3. Remember that we all need encouragement and affirmation, us authors in the way of praise for our work. Do not deny that you don't need one, because that's what makes you human. Wanting praise is normal, looking down on others' work is arrogance.

So yeah, without further ado, here are some tips on how to overcome self-doubt...for authors.

1) Don't excessively compare yourself to others. Yep, the urge to compare is strong, but that won't work on you. That other author had a different experience, different way, and different attitude on his/her way to the top. Sure, it may be beneficial for some time, but comparing yourself and your work on the long run could take away your own identity as an author, and thus, could lead to self-doubt. We all get our own opportunities; we just have to be watchful and grab it when it presents itself.

2) Celebrate small achievements. Just like how success is built over thousands of failures, self-confidence is built on thousands of small achievements. Did you reach 10 readers? Celebrate it. Did a reader reach chapter 10 out of 10 of your novel? Congratulate yourself.

3) Learn to distinguish helpful criticism from nonsense. Not all criticism is meant to harm you or your works. Some of those are there to help you improve, and some might've resulted from a misunderstanding on the part of the reader. Whatever it is, it would be helpful if you know the direction of the story you're writing, so that you can distinguish what critique you should take. For that, planning (or pantsering) your story could help.

4) Disconnect if it gets too much. When the negativity gets too strong, it would be helpful if you disconnect from the internet for the meantime. Log-out of your accounts, turn off notifications, and do something else in real life to distract your thoughts for the meantime. Usually, the urge to destroy your work would come the strongest just right after reading the hateful comments, and it'd do you and your story good if you let yourself calm down for the meantime. Once you're calm, you may now decide whether to take down, revise or keep your work.

5) Get it off you. When you're in doubt, it's best that you talk it out with someone you trust, just to let off steam. It's pretty much connected to point no. 4; that person could help you calm down, and even help you decide on the next course of action.

Some other useful tips:

• Get writing buddies. Have someone, or two, you trust read your work. Ask them about what they truly think about it. It helps in building self-confidence.

So there, hopefully these tips help. Actually, I tried these to myself and to my students, and I found them effective. Again, this is not the only way, but it is ONE of the ways to battle self-doubt. Feel free to add yours on the replies.

P.S.: If you got any concerns, you may PM me. I'd answer to the best of my abilities.

Very helpful advice!
(^-^)

*huggles you lots and lots*

\(^o^)/

X

 

[Deleted member 29316]

Very helpful advice!
(^-^)

*huggles you lots and lots*

\(^o^)/

X

Thanks! I'd like to share my experiences to others about this matter, because it's one of the greatest enemy an author could have.

 

[Mihou]

I doubt myself a lot, as someone who only started getting into this writing thing seven months ago. I don't feel confident, but I still continue on, hoping that as time passes, my writing will improve.

I once remember turning off all my notifications on SH because I was afraid, I am still am afraid, by turning off all notifications, it didn't only keep the negativity away, but also the positivity (the comments of praise).

All I have to say, the advices laid here are beneficial, don't let the negative comments stop you from seeing the positive comments. There may be some loyal readers of yours hiding. What am I even writing...?

 

[Sushirollw]

Thank you master
I somehow feel like i want to be your student already

And also, I'm new in writing and i always made lots of mistakes. Like... i could even did revision more than 15 times in 1 chapter. Thats made me doubt with myself if im not really a good writer

 

[Deleted member 29316]

I doubt myself a lot, as someone who only started getting into this writing thing seven months ago. I don't feel confident, but I still continue on, hoping that as time passes, my writing will improve.

I once remember turning off all my notifications on SH because I was afraid, I am still am afraid, by turning off all notifications, it didn't only keep the negativity away, but also the positivity (the comments of praise).

All I have to say, the advices laid here are beneficial, don't let the negative comments stop you from seeing the positive comments. There may be some loyal readers of yours hiding. What am I even writing...?

Your writing will definitely improve the more you write. Just keep on doing it and though self-doubt may attack, just hold on to your work. Make sure you do your best.

As for the comments, if it gets too much, it's fine if you turn off the notifs for a while. That way, you could focus on sorting yourself out, and come back another day.

Thank you master
I somehow feel like i want to be your student already

And also, I'm new in writing and i always made lots of mistakes. Like... i could even did revision more than 15 times in 1 chapter. Thats made me doubt with myself if im not really a good writer

Making mistakes is fine, because that's where we improve. Becoming a good writer is a process, and almost every author out there struggled with themselves when they started...up to their peaks in careers.

A story of mine, DECK, took me ten years and countless revisions for a single volume to finish. It's only when I decided to gamble with my work that something happened.

Just remember, like what I said in your thread yesterday, to bring out the best that you could offer. ?

If you're asking how could you tell that your work is now your best, ask yourself if you could defend the events or scenes in your novel if readers ask a question. If you can give proper reasons, usually it's the peak of your work. Don't be afraid to gamble and upload it.

 

[officialue]

Thank you master
I somehow feel like i want to be your student already

And also, I'm new in writing and i always made lots of mistakes. Like... i could even did revision more than 15 times in 1 chapter. Thats made me doubt with myself if im not really a good writer

I personally believe lots of revisions are great! I find myself revising my chapters 20+ times before publishing them, and then after publishing them revising them around 5 times more.

I don't think lots of revisions makes you a poor writer, but rather the opposite, a great one!

Although I'm not so sure you would want to take advice from a newbie, I hope I helped with your nerves a little bit!

 

[Deleted member 29316]

I personally believe lots of revisions are great! I find myself revising my chapters 20+ times before publishing them, and then after publishing them revising them around 5 times more.

I don't think lots of revisions makes you a poor writer, but rather the opposite, a great one!

Although I'm not so sure you would want to take advice from a newbie, I hope I helped with your nerves a little bit!

Revisions are not bad, especially before publishing. The downside of continuous revisions after publishing is that it would confuse the readers. That's why it's advisable to keep revisions after publishing to a minimum.

But then again, it's the author's call.

 

[Maple-Leaf]

Thank you master
I somehow feel like i want to be your student already

I’ve already been accepted as a disciple.
Although it’s for an entirely different reason, I will still be taking the extra benefit of writing tips.
Have a good day sensei

 

[gaylolis]

Actually, I don't really care if others have thousands of likes, just if their stories are interesting or not. i kept giving myself a facepalm on how samey a lot of the titles are and i want to cry.

i became so bored with lack of reads that appeal to me, and i really am too tired to give damn about many things xD

if anything, i prefer having no readers, than having toxic ones. it's just a hobby i do for fun, and i appreciate even a single comment in each chapter (even if it's just blobs).

i just think of it as a bonus, by doing what i like, and having others appreciate me for who i am.

 

[Deleted member 29316]

Actually, I don't really care if others have thousands of likes, just if their stories are interesting or not. i kept giving myself a facepalm on how samey a lot of the titles are and i want to cry.

i became so bored with lack of reads that appeal to me, and i really am too tired to give damn about many things xD

if anything, i prefer having no readers, than having toxic ones. it's just a hobby i do for fun, and i appreciate even a single comment in each chapter (even if it's just blobs).

i just think of it as a bonus, by doing what i like, and having others appreciate me for who i am.

Well, we all have our reasons why we write. ?

 

[RepresentingCaution]

Thanks for all these lovely tips <3

 

[Deleted member 29316]

Thanks for all these lovely tips <3

Glad to help! ?

 

[ForestDweller]

How do you overcome lack of motivation though? You know that feel. Instead of being excited to write, you just feel like you're trudging along. Usually this happens on parts of the story that you struggle to write through. And sometimes you just feel that it's not worth making the effort. Especially since the longer your story goes, the more complicated it becomes. There are more and more things you have to keep track off and that can take away from the fun since it can become a baggage that limits the direction on where the story can go.

 

[Deleted member 29316]

How do you overcome lack of motivation though? You know that feel. Instead of being excited to write, you just feel like you're trudging along. Usually this happens on parts of the story that you struggle to write through. And sometimes you just feel that it's not worth making the effort. Especially since the longer your story goes, the more complicated it becomes. There are more and more things you have to keep track off and that can take away from the fun since it can become a baggage that limits the direction on where the story can go.

Well, usually, lack motivation is the results of the following:

1) Burn out
2) Simple lack/or over-complication of ideas
3) Discouragements

For the first one, I deal with burn out by taking a break. As in complete break in everything, including writing. I hide my notebooks, my drawings, even play games to distract my mind from the things I usually do.

For the second one, if it's lack of ideas, then the solutions include reading some other works, or watching something else. If it's over-complication, take a break, then once you've rested, go over your story once again and remove the things that's making it complicated. It'd be good if you have a plan (like plot or something) that you'd follow to avoid over-complication.

For the third one, discouragements are the hardest to fight. One way to fight discouragement is to have some trusted buddies to read your work and would tell you what's wrong with it. Another way is to build on your small successes, or simply disconnect for a while from the source of your discouragement.

Now if the lack of motivation is persistent, I suggest you take a longer break, like for a year or something. Do everything else...usually, the longer you don't do something, the greater is your desire to return to it, if it's really for you. I remember that time when I quit drawing for a year. Eventually, I returned to it with even more motivation because I simply love to do it.

Don't compare yourself to others. Write at your own pace. If your story gets held back for some time, it's perfectly fine. Your well-being is foremost before others.

@ForestDweller remember to have fun with writing. If it's not fun anymore, don't write for the meantime. Sort out your feelings towards it. Take things slowly...

Hope this answer helps.

 

[Aleth08]

Yep, I'm sure you're familiar with the word 'Self-Doubt'. Consider this; you've just finished writing a work that you've been laboring for almost all of your recent 10 years of life. Just as you are about to upload it online, something hit you. "I think my work sucks.", you thought. Then, instead of hitting the 'upload' button, you press the 'cancel', and you're back to square one.

Or how about, you've already uploaded your work. Then, as time goes by, you check on your story, only to find out that you only have 10 likes, and 20 readers...compared to a more recent novel you've just followed that amassed 1000+ likes and 600+ readers, complete with tons of highly-rated reviews and comments. Such a devastating situation, no? And you get discouraged to continue your work, because 'Hey, what's the use? No one reads my work anyway'.

Yep, that's self-doubt. One of the most recurring problems for an author, especially for the new ones.

Take note, I'm not exempt from self-doubt, though I've been writing for a decade now. There were times that the negativity was too strong, I'd consider deleting my work. Or quit writing altogether. But then, I'm still here. That's because, at the end of the day, though I languish and struggle with self-doubt, I still go back to the thing that I love...and that is writing.

Take note, part 2. Self-doubt is different from 'Fishing for compliments', though on the outside, both may look and feel familiar. The former is a genuine feeling that you're lacking in what you do, and have the urge to restart, or quit in whatever that keeps you busy. The latter is just false humility; the need to beefed up one's ego and at the same time, not wanting to appear arrogant.

Take note, part 3. Remember that we all need encouragement and affirmation, us authors in the way of praise for our work. Do not deny that you don't need one, because that's what makes you human. Wanting praise is normal, looking down on others' work is arrogance.

So yeah, without further ado, here are some tips on how to overcome self-doubt...for authors.

1) Don't excessively compare yourself to others. Yep, the urge to compare is strong, but that won't work on you. That other author had a different experience, different way, and different attitude on his/her way to the top. Sure, it may be beneficial for some time, but comparing yourself and your work on the long run could take away your own identity as an author, and thus, could lead to self-doubt. We all get our own opportunities; we just have to be watchful and grab it when it presents itself.

2) Celebrate small achievements. Just like how success is built over thousands of failures, self-confidence is built on thousands of small achievements. Did you reach 10 readers? Celebrate it. Did a reader reach chapter 10 out of 10 of your novel? Congratulate yourself.

3) Learn to distinguish helpful criticism from nonsense. Not all criticism is meant to harm you or your works. Some of those are there to help you improve, and some might've resulted from a misunderstanding on the part of the reader. Whatever it is, it would be helpful if you know the direction of the story you're writing, so that you can distinguish what critique you should take. For that, planning (or pantsering) your story could help.

4) Disconnect if it gets too much. When the negativity gets too strong, it would be helpful if you disconnect from the internet for the meantime. Log-out of your accounts, turn off notifications, and do something else in real life to distract your thoughts for the meantime. Usually, the urge to destroy your work would come the strongest just right after reading the hateful comments, and it'd do you and your story good if you let yourself calm down for the meantime. Once you're calm, you may now decide whether to take down, revise or keep your work.

5) Get it off you. When you're in doubt, it's best that you talk it out with someone you trust, just to let off steam. It's pretty much connected to point no. 4; that person could help you calm down, and even help you decide on the next course of action.

Some other useful tips:

• Get writing buddies. Have someone, or two, you trust read your work. Ask them about what they truly think about it. It helps in building self-confidence.

So there, hopefully these tips help. Actually, I tried these to myself and to my students, and I found them effective. Again, this is not the only way, but it is ONE of the ways to battle self-doubt. Feel free to add yours on the replies.

P.S.: If you got any concerns, you may PM me. I'd answer to the best of my abilities.

Wanted your advice on something. I've recently started reading Stephen King's work in hopes of improving my own writing. My writing is very amateurish and very novice like. Upon researching, I found I was making tons of mistakes. So, do you think reading his work and using that to improve myself will kill my own style? Cuz I saw an improvement in my writing after it, it became more frank and more unrestrained. But I dont know if I'll be able to maintain such writing, or that it will influence me somehow and my story will just become a copy of his.

 

[Deleted member 29316]

@ForestDweller also, I forgot to add...if you're lacking in ideas, like for a specific part of your novel, talking out your ideas to someone you trust is a great thing to do. Not only do you get fresh ideas, you might be able to polish it so that the moment you write it, it's smooth sailing from there. So yeah, having a writing buddy or two, or even a group, is good.

 

[Deleted member 29316]

Wanted your advice on something. I've recently started reading Stephen King's work in hopes of improving my own writing. My writing is very amateurish and very novice like. Upon researching, I found I was making tons of mistakes. So, do you think reading his work and using that to improve myself will kill my own style? Cuz I saw an improvement in my writing after it, it became more frank and more unrestrained. But I dont know if I'll be able to maintain such writing, or that it will influence me somehow and my story will just become a copy of his.

Well, the best course of action is that you identify your writing style first, and then study Stephen King's work. In doing so, you could fuse your own style with his, thus creating an improved version of your style. I did that (my reference is C.S. Lewis), and my writing improved significantly. It's not perfect, but compared to the last, it's much better.

If you're already aware of your style as an author, then the more that your style would fuse with his style, rather than become a copy of it.

 

[Aleth08]

Well, the best course of action is that you identify your writing style first, and then study Stephen King's work. In doing so, you could fuse your own style with his, thus creating an improved version of your style. I did that (my reference is C.S. Lewis), and my writing improved significantly. It's not perfect, but compared to the last, it's much better.

If you're already aware of your style as an author, then the more that your style would fuse with his style, rather than become a copy of it.

Thank you for the reply. Well, my style... The thing is I cant say whether what I know as my style is a style at all or not.

 

[Deleted member 29316]

Thank you for the reply. Well, my style... The thing is I cant say what I know as my style is a style at all or not.

Well, most of the starting authors have their own style, that gets to be improved the longer they study their favorite authors, or the longer they spend in writing school, or in writing itself.

Take note of the word 'study'. It's different from merely copying. I believe that 'study' is identifying the good things to emulate in a work or author, and applying it WHEN APPLICABLE only. As for those parts that it is not applicable, it is where your style comes in.

Copying is just doing everything in the way that story or author did, from start to finish. May or may not Include his bad points.

Hope this answer helps!