How To Overcome Self-Doubt As A Writer

Sylvia Plath once said, “the worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.” 

We all have a hopeful goal of an achievement we think will finally get rid of that self-doubt once and for all. “If I become a bestseller,” “If I sell out,” “If I get a positive review,” “If I win an award,” and on and on. But the truth is every writer has self-doubt. No success will ever fully eliminate that inner critic. Even author Stephen King once said, “I’m afraid of failing at whatever story I’m writing—that it won’t come up for me, or that I won’t be able to finish it.”

No one is safe from self-doubt, everyone experiences it. As you can see self-doubt is just part of the job of being a writer. One could even say it’s part of the creative process. Our responsibility as writers is to not let that little critic in our head cripple us and stop our work from reaching the public. Instead, we must learn to use it to improve our work and fuel our determination. Would you really want to be one of those writers whose work never saw the light of day until decades after they passed? Don’t let that be you.

If you have an inclination to be a writer but self-doubt is holding you back, try these 3 tips.

1. Find a good online platform to connect with other writers and gain support.

Joining a writing community is a great way to share and get support. Try joining a Facebook group, a local writing club, or a writing community on a forum or Tumblr.  Twitter is also a great platform. You can use hashtags to discover and follow hundreds of other writers. Your timeline will be filled with thoughts from writers all over the world where you can chime in and also share your own. This will make it easy to share frustrations, struggles, and connect with like-minded people.

2. Practice makes perfect.

Keep writing and never stop. Like any other skill, you can refine your writing skills. Try creative writing exercises to get those juices flowing.  Remember, no matter the success, there will always be room for improvement.

3. Read (a lot).

Reading great books is an exceptional way to get inspired. It also helps you continue to learn and develop your storytelling skills. Find new books to read, discover new authors, and get inspired.

These tips can all help, but the very first step to facing writers’ doubt is acknowledging you’re always going to have it. So finish your manuscript, publish your book, and get your words out into the world. Break through that self-doubt because your words are important and the world needs to hear your voice. You don’t know whose life you could change with your story, or how your words could impact someone’s life. Use fear as a driver, and not an obstacle. 

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