[Podcast] 5 Ways to Overcome Your Writing Self Doubt

By Dave Goetz and Melissa Parks

Who am I to write a book? If you've ever asked yourself that question, then this episode is for you!  Dave and I offer practical ways to overcome your writing self doubt.

1. Recognize you'll likely always struggle with credibility.

Self doubt is completely normal. Even once you have a solid thesis, structure and are well into writing.  Old messages creep in:  "I don't have an English degree."  "I didn't get an A in high school English class." Or, "I've never published anything. Why should I start writing now?"

Doubt might be greater when you haven’t ever written a book, because you don’t know what it takes to actually write and complete a book. Not to mention, you have no track record of people responding to you writing. You literally don’t know if you’re writing is good or not.

But it might help to realize that self-doubt burdens even the most accomplished writers. Writing is something you'll always be working on no matter where you are in the writing journey. As Ernest Hemingway said, “We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.” 

2. Start writing.

One way to build confidence in any are of your life is to stop thinking about it. And start doing it. You build confidence by doing. As you begin to write, you'll  test out your idea and if you really  have anything to say on the topic. The act of writing will also help you sharpen your thesis, narrow your audience, and spark new ideas that you haven't thought of.

Cumulatively, this will create momentum and help you overcome your writing self doubt.

3. Write out your worst-case scenario. 

This will help you identify what  you are most fearful of. Then write out what it would feel like to never get out what’s inside of you.

Which of these two scenarios has the worst outcome?

Perhaps the criticism that follows publication is the worst-case scenario. Young adult author V.E. Schwab said this of fear and writing:

"Be brave. Putting yourself and your work out there to be judged is a terrifying thing, to be sure. But this is a very hard industry, one built on critique and rejection, and in order to get through, you have to be brave.

"Your want of publication has to be greater than your fear of rejection. If you find yourself paralysed by the mere notion of critique, then you do not want it badly enough. YET. You are not ready. YET. And that’s okay."

Are you ready for feedback, criticism and even rejection? Or it that too much for you? You have to mentally prepare yourself for the difficulties ahead. And if you aren't mentally prepared, then maybe you aren't ready for the writing journey...quite yet. 

4. Have realistic expectations.

If you’re a new writer, or haven’t written regularly ever, then the path to becoming a great writer is going to be longer. You have to build time into your life to not just write, but to think through the structure and idea of your book. You have to put in the time to lay the groundwork.

5. Join a writing group.

You might also consider joining a writers group for accountability. That community will help you push through, because they, too, know what it's like to overcome writing self doubt. A productive writing group will also provide space for feedback on your writing. This will help you sharpen your ideas, and often buoy you when you hear fellow members respond positively to what you have written.

You're not alone. If you find yourself having to overcome writing self doubt, then that means you care--and are on your way to becoming a great writer.