Ideas to Overcome Self Doubt in Your Writing Journey
By: Mariah Prouse
According to Merriam-Webster, imposter syndrome is defined as “a psychological condition that is characterized by persistent doubt concerning one’s abilities or accomplishments accompanied by the fear of being exposed as a fraud despite evidence of one’s ongoing success.”
As a writer, there are many times that I question why in the world I write. I question if I need to share the story building in my head or if anyone would care anyway. I tell myself often that I am my own worst critic, but the truth is, what else do we do but critique our work?
We edit, break down our weaknesses, get a critique partner, find beta readers—all we ask for is criticism and, at some point, we make it the most polished piece we can. From there, some self-publish while others take the traditional route and submit it to agents. This can lead to rejections and further criticism from readers.
It is no wonder that so many writers give up on the dream or choose to write only for themselves. Yet, how else do we improve our craft?
No, we don’t want the criticism, but we want to be better.
No, we don’t want to be rejected, but we want our work to be seen.
No, we don’t want to try again and again with the next book or the next short story to have it possibly be turned down once more. Yet, we want to take the chance and not give up.
You may, at this point, while also nodding along in agreement, wonder why you are still reading this? This is where I want to enlighten you, or so I hope. When you have that little voice going at you a mile a minute, breaking you down, then it is time to take some action for your own health. Imposter syndrome is vile—it hurts in more ways than just mental. It can also tear you down physically when it goes too far. It can keep you up at night, spread into other areas of your life… But the important thing is to understand that you are worth taking a chance on.
No one is a perfect writer.
No one has learned it all.
No one should shy away from rejection or critique—as long as it is constructive! That last part is important.
It is a part of the process, so how can we deal with it?
Sometimes it may seem impossible, but the important thing to realize is that you are not alone in this. Writing may seem lonely, but there are many, even published authors, who feel like this.
When imposter syndrome hits hard, you are allowed to take a break. You are allowed to step away from writing and breathe. Whether it is for a day or a week, give yourself permission to fill your creative well. Go read a book, go for a hike, swim, put together a puzzle… Do something else you enjoy that doesn’t revolve around your story.
Another important thing to remember is to reach out to your writing community. They will understand. Even if it has never been discussed prior, they have more than likely had similar feelings. Talk through your doubts. Instead of critiquing each other’s works, maybe start a positive pass. A positive pass is when you turn in a section of your writing, and your fellow writers only comment with things they loved or enjoyed. It is the opposite of a critique; instead you are building each other’s work up.
Write down what you love about your story. I recommend doing this at the beginning of drafting when it is still fresh in your mind. You can look back at these whenever you are doubting your story—or yourself.
Write down affirmations. Think of the positive points of why you love to write. Add to the list whenever you have doubts sliding into your mind. You can read through this list whenever you are having a low point. Start with ‘Why do I write?’.
“I write to give myself strength. I write to be the characters that I am not. I write to explore all the things I’m afraid of.”
– Joss Whedon
If necessary, allow yourself the time to grieve. We shouldn’t be harder on ourselves if we are upset about feedback or a rejection. It is important to allow yourself the space to be sad. Feeling hurt or anger about such things is not a bad thing.
Finally, after you have done one or all of the above, pick yourself up, and get back to it! There is a reason you write. Remember it. There is a reason you dust yourself off, sit back down and begin to put words to paper—because a story is within you.
If you have other ways to overcome imposter syndrome, share them in the comments.
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