The cousin to INSECURITY is SELF-DOUBT. One day you feel as if you’ve written the next Pulitzer Prize winning novel; the next you’re sure you should take up a new profession because surely no one could write what you’ve just written and call themselves a writer.
Well, you aren’t alone. In fact, you’re in excellent company. I loved this post at Jane Friedman’s blog about 100 Tips to Alleviate Self-Doubt. You can add to this list or just read through the tips. Some are excellent, and I’ve posted the list by my desk.
Now some days I’m less Insecure than others. That’s a step forward, right? Any tips that you’ve found help you out of those insecure self-doubts? Check out the others on this hop and see what they have to offer. I’m sure it will be interesting and helpful.
Beth Camp says
Thank you for posting this (and visiting my blog this morning). I'm going to join your lovely blog hop because, yes, I doubt my writing. Luckily not every day. But the A-Z Challenge back in May got me writing again. Your link to those tips for working out of self-doubt made me realize just how many I use! Write on, C. Lee McKenzie!
sjp says
No matter the doubts that creep in your mind always push forward, maybe in a week, month or year something you despised will read differently.
Leslie S. Rose says
Jane's list brings some serious weaponry against the evil self-doubt specter. Thanks for the link.
Cecilia M. says
What a great list! Sometimes I'm filled with self-doubt, and keep htinking, can I really pull this story off? or does this story makes sense..something along those lines. Remember to deep breath, exhale the self doubt. Everything will be ok. 🙂
Pk Hrezo says
Hey Lee! Thanks for that list!
You're so right on the money here. I always feel so proud after I finish a story and the work I put into it in revisions, all to be so quickly dashed when I enter the query fray. And we're told to saddle up and take it with a thick skin, but in reality, it never quite works that way, does it. Regardless, it is what it is and we have to learn to play along or get outta dodge. 🙂
Thats why this network we have is so important. Its our relationships with each other that sustain us.
Kelly Hashway says
Lee, I gave you two awards on my blog today. 🙂 http://kellyhashway.blogspot.com/2012/07/booker-award-and-blog-ribbon.html
LynNerdKelley says
Oh, yes, the never-ending battle with self-doubt. Good thing I have peeps like you to keep me going!
Wowsers, lots of participants in this blog hop! Awesome!
Cynthia Chapman Willis says
Self doubt seems to be part of the game. Like J.L., I just try to keep writing and work through it.
J.L. Campbell says
I'd guess that even the biggest of writers have their doubt each time they put a new book out there. What gets me past it is to just write and each time someone takes the time to write a positive review, it gives me confidence that I know what I'm doing.
Empty Nest Insider says
I know a thing or two about self-doubt! It's so nice to know I'm not alone! Julie
L. Diane Wolfe says
I need to go read that list.
Lexa Cain says
Not sure I'm full of self-doubt. Maybe an occasional spell of depression and pessimism though. Does that count?
So many people were signed up that I — er — just joined in, too. I don't even know what a blog hop is …
Angela Ackerman says
I'm definitely full of self doubt. Hitting publish on our book was an exercise in courage. I still doubt though, even though the book is doing well.i think, "maybe it was just a fluke" or " maybe I can write books like this, but not fiction."
Ugh, it's always something isn't it?
Angela
Bish Denham says
That's a great list Lee! I'm terribly full of self-doubt. I guess it goes with the territory.
Catherine Stine says
Most of us are plagued by self doubt at times. But there are ways to get past it. In the meantime, Happy 4th!
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
Yes, we do have a lot of participants now, don't we?
I'll never write an award-winning novel, but all I have to do is remember those who enjoyed my first two books. Someone will enjoy the third!
Tricia J. O'Brien says
Just looking at the number of people participating in the blog hop makes it clear how important this issue is to writers. I find it helpful just knowing I'm not alone in those moments of self-doubt.