How to Trust Your Writing Ability

How to Trust Your Writing Ability

One thing all writers have in common is self-doubt. Whether it is the lingering voice of a precious critic or those mind monkeys that take up residence from time to time, it seems we are all equally afflicted. Before we go any further I also want to point out that this is a huge topic, we take a whole month in The Book Forge to discuss this topic.

Just because we all have days, or sometimes months, where we doubt our own abilities, and convince ourselves that we have nothing useful to share, doesn’t make it true. Even the greatest writers of all time have experienced these challenges though so fear not, we are not alone. 

“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 

What causes these feelings? Well, often it is a form of perfectionism, perhaps we are reading a really great book and we convince ourselves we could never write anything so brilliant. It may be an echo of the voice of a teacher or family member that bounces around every so often telling you that you will never achieve anything, or your writing isn’t good enough.

Sometimes it can be as simple as we’re tired, or hormonal, and our own insecurities take hold and we don’t know how to shake them off. One thing is for sure, whatever causes these crises of confidence they are never based on facts. 

How we can we overcome the self-doubt?

One of my favourite ways to defeat those mind monkeys is to use a very simple trick that I adapted from one of my icons, Brené Brown. Take a moment and ask yourself, what is the story you are telling yourself? Brené uses this in a slightly different way, but it is so powerful when self doubt takes over. Once we have established what it is that we are thinking, we can usually systematically go through and disprove our own thoughts. 

Try using this magical phrase as a journaling prompt: 

“The story I am telling myself is… I know this isn’t true because…”

 

Something I recommend to all writers, (everyone actually!) is that you use affirmations and gratitude to help reprogramme your brain to focus more on the positives in your life.

How do we do this?

There are two methods that I have used for years now. The first is keeping a gratitude journal. Taking time to write 5-10 things every evening that you are grateful for is such a powerful way of changing what your brain searches for and recalls each day. After a while our brain starts to focus on the joyful, positive events rather than wallowing in the challenges. 

Affirmations are also a great way to help us reprogramme our brains pathways. When we repeat a positive phrase about ourselves regularly our brains believe it to be true.

Here are a few for you to experiment with: 

  • My words have the power to inspire.
  • I am a talented and capable writer.
  • Writing is the way I leave my mark on the world.

Of course you can create your own, but make sure it is positive and in the present tense, you can also find lots more examples with a quick search.

Simplicity is often the key

Sometimes the most obvious solutions are the best too, when you are filled with self doubt pick up your pen, write, and prove those thoughts wrong!

“Nothing will stop you being creative so effectively as the fear of making a mistake.” – John Cleese

Someone writing with candles and a glass of mulled wine

If you are a friend of Booksmith Academy, it won’t surprise you that my next recommendation is journalling. When we journal we are able to process our thoughts and emotions on a different level. We access our unconcious thoughts and often find solutions to some really big problems. I promise you if you are struggling with self-doubt, journalling and letting the words flow onto the page without holding back at all will soon help you get to the bottom of the issue. If you are not familiar with the process of journalling, there are some tips in these blogs: Unlock the power in your pen and How do I start journaling?.

Self doubt

Feeling brave?

Something that we are often reluctant to try, is getting some constructive feedback from someone we trust. Perhaps a friend who is also a writer, or a loved one who you know won’t just say what they think you want to hear. 

Find a person who you know will give you a good balance between pointing out your strengths and giving you some pointers for areas of improvement. It is never healthy to write in a bubble. If you are writing for others to read, whether it is a blog or a book, you have to be prepared to let others read your work at some point. There will inevitably be those who love your writing and those who don’t, there has never been a writer whois universally adored, but if you have someone who you trust to be impartial and offer helpful feedback this can be a great way to ease self doubt.

Remember: Feedback is a tool for improvement, not a judgement of your worth as a writer.

 Sometimes all you need is to know you are not alone

There is nothing more reassuring than talking to someone else and realising that how you are feeling is completely normal. Surround yourself with other writers and when those voices appear reach out to someone and share how you are feeling. I promise you they will have felt the same way.

Ultimately the only thing that matters is that you enjoy writing. If you feel joy when you sit down to write, then you are winning. If self-doubt creeps in occasionally you will, over time, learn how to deal with that. You can do some journalling, or find a fellow writer to reassure you. Ultimately, know that this feeling will pass, and it is just a blip in your writing adventure. 

 

If you are looking for a supportive and friendly writing group, why not join us in the Writer’s Forge?