Finding Confidence in Your Writing Journey
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Chapter 1: Understanding the Writer's Experience
Writers often immerse themselves in the worlds created by others, spending countless hours lost in the narratives of books rather than their own lives. This detachment can make it challenging to develop confidence in one's own writing, as personal experiences may feel overshadowed by the wealth of stories encountered.
Indeed, it's not uncommon for writers to grasp the complexities of the world around them better than they comprehend their own emotions and experiences. The daunting concepts that stir emotional turmoil have been part of their journey since childhood, when they first ventured into literature that challenged their understanding. By the time they reach their senior year in high school, many writers have read extensively enough to produce thorough analyses with minimal research.
(Reflecting on my own experience, I completed my high school thesis in a single day, drafting the content in one go before spending a brief half-hour adding necessary citations. The result? An impressive score of over 100%.)
However, when it comes to real life, the story is different.
I've spent countless hours between the pages of novels, often at the expense of my own life experiences. While I'm gradually learning to balance this as I grow older, it remains a challenge to remember that my knowledge is not as extensive as it may seem after absorbing so many narratives.
The crux of the matter is that true belief in your writing stems from genuine experiences.
How to Cultivate Confidence in Your Writing
To become the self-assured writer who stands by every word penned, you must first write extensively and share your work. This is the only path forward.
(And let's be honest, I doubt there’s a writer out there who hasn’t yelled, “My writing is terrible!” at least once.)
If that seems unhelpful, allow me to break it down into actionable steps. Here’s how to cultivate belief in your writing:
Write Like You Did Before Self-Doubt Crept In
When you first began writing, likely at a young age, you were blissfully unconcerned with the opinions of others. I was around six when I composed my first "novel," completely indifferent to whether anyone liked it. I simply wrote for the joy of it.
Reconnect with that carefree mindset. Focus on the act of writing itself, as the opinions of others can often be irrelevant. You need to write a lot—more than you think—to build a foundation of confidence.
As you write, develop your style, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and refine your work. This process naturally unfolds as you create.
Share with Trusted Readers
While anyone can express an opinion, not every opinion holds value.
In the world of writing, it’s essential to seek feedback from those who can provide constructive criticism rather than empty praise or harsh judgments. You need a supportive space to navigate the early stages of your writing journey.
Look for thoughtful critiques from individuals who understand your goals and can guide you without imposing their own vision onto your work.
Keep Sharing Until You Feel Comfortable
Sharing your writing can be anxiety-inducing. Personally, I feel at ease sharing pieces on my blog, as it often feels like shouting into the void. While this space has attracted wonderful connections, there's still an impersonal element to it.
When I send fiction to beta readers, I often lose sleep over it. Yet, with time, my anxiety has lessened. I no longer assume that my readers will perceive me as an eccentric.
The more I share, the more my writing improves. I find myself tackling more significant subjects and writing pieces that resonate deeply. It’s been a rewarding journey.
Chapter 2: Embracing Your Identity as a Writer
If you struggle with believing in your writing, it’s likely you also need to embrace your identity as a writer.
This can be easier said than done.
It’s one thing to write something you can support, but another entirely to stand firm in your identity as a writer without wavering.
As someone who often experiences periodic identity crises, I understand this struggle. However, here are a couple of insights to bolster your confidence:
Recognize That Everyone Thinks They're a Writer
Many believe they can write simply because they’ve spent time in an educational setting. Yet, anyone who’s received a poorly constructed email from a so-called professional knows this isn’t the case.
Owning a guitar doesn’t mean you can play it, just as buying art supplies doesn’t make you an artist. Similarly, taking a single writing class doesn’t automatically qualify you as a writer.
While it’s fantastic for beginners to claim the title of "writer," true writers dedicate time to honing their craft. Those who regard themselves as writers without actively pursuing improvement are merely deceiving themselves.
Real writers are concerned about effectively communicating their ideas and often feel inadequate when comparing themselves to literary greats.
Claim Your Identity as a Writer
This might seem contradictory, but if you identify as a writer, then you are one.
Your focus should not be on seeking validation; rather, it should be on carving out more time to write and seeking avenues to share your work. There’s no need for validation from others—simply affirm your identity and dive into your writing.
It’s crucial to embody your identity as a writer. So, feel free to tell others that you write. However, be mindful of the inevitable conversations that may arise, particularly with those who may not understand your journey.
Ultimately, learning to believe in your writing comes from actively engaging in the process—writing extensively and sharing your work. Confidence builds from the act of creation, not from external affirmation.
Write More to Worry Less
In the end, the true reward for your efforts is simply more work. You will never reach a point where you feel you’ve accomplished everything and can rest indefinitely.
This is equally true for writing. The more you write, the more you will be inspired to write. Fortunately, this is how you cultivate belief in yourself as a writer.