This One Goes Out to All the Self-Doubters

I wanted to take the next couple of posts and expand some of the things I discussed with a couple of creative writing classes earlier this month. Today, I wanted to address everyone who may have a tendency to let their self-doubt get in the way of them pursuing their dreams and exploring their passions. ​In today's post, I'm going to ask some questions for reflection and include some prompts that may help when you start to feel that self doubt creeping in.

Have you ever felt afraid to try something because you didn't have a "talent" for it? Do you feel you need talent to write creatively (and succeed with your writing)?
I think this is a lot more common for us than we care to admit, and honestly, I think it gets worse the further into adulthood we get. I can't tell you how many times I've heard other adults snidely comment on someone's pursuit of their dreams because they're "not focusing on one career." 

I often have people come to me and tell me they want to write a book, or they've already started writing a book, but when I ask them how their book is coming along, they simply shrug and say, "I don't have the talent for it." Or "I'm worried I'm not going to succeed at it, so I just put it down." 

First, I totally get that fear, and I understand that way of thinking, because I've been there. You're petrified of trying something because you worry you won't be good at it, or you won't be successful, or other people might think you're trying too hard. But I'll tell you this: If you don't try, you will never accomplish your goal. If you don't write, you'll never finish the book, and you'll never know what you can do with it. 

If you do try, however, then that opens every possible door to you. If you keep writing, you may find that you can finish the book, and even publish it. Even if you don't have a knack for it right away, you can only get better: There's always room for improvement and growth.

If you want to write a book, but you don't know where to start, I would ask you....
​​What genres do you enjoy reading?
What genres do you enjoy writing? OR What genres are you interested in writing?

TIP
Take 2 minutes to write down any and every idea you have for each of the genres you would like to write in. 
Ready? 
Set? 
Write.

You don't need to have every idea be brilliant, fully formed plots. Sometimes I find it's helpful to give myself a time limit and write down every possible thought that pops into my brain during that time. You never know when a good idea will strike, and when you've finished this activity, you'll have lots of ideas to review and choose from. I find this can even be helpful if you're experiencing writer's block at a particular point in your already started project. Sometimes it's helpful just to get words out.
​

MY ADVICE
For anyone out there who wants to accomplish something big (writing a book, getting published, producing music or art), here are some things I would recommend: 

1. Set goals and keep checking in
​Often when I talk to people who want to pursue their passions, when I ask them what their goals are, they have no idea, or where to start. That's okay! However, I find it very helpful if you can practice visualizing the things you want and the steps you'll need to take to get there.
Brainstorming Activity:
Take the next three minutes and write down your goals. What would you like to do with your writing? Where do you want to go with it? What do you need to do to get there? If you're not sure what steps you'll need to take, maybe write down how you can find out. Who can you ask for help? Where can you find your answers?

2. Don't be afraid to reach out to an expert.
If you want to do something big like writing and publishing a book, getting in touch with an expert can be daunting for sure, but it can also make a huge impact on your process. If you're afraid to reach out to someone who has found success in the area you want to explore, just remember: The worst thing that can happen is they say no, but you never know who might say yes, or what could happen if they do agree to help you.

When I was seventeen and almost finished writing my first novel, I reached out to an author who lived in my area. She agreed to meet with me and walked me through her process for publishing. This was extremely helpful in getting me my start, and I still think about the support and information she provided me each time I go through the process of publishing a new book. Thank you, Author Holly Kelly!

3. Keep working at your craft.
Talent or no talent, the best thing you can do to develop your skill is keep working at it consistently. Don't give it up just because you don't feel like you're good at it yet!

4. WHAT IS THE #1 BEST ADVICE I COULD GIVE YOU?
FINISH THE PROJECT.

Get past any potential fear of publishing or not being good enough. Work past your perfectionism. 

If you don’t finish it, you’ll never know if you can finish it. Editing comes later (and please, please edit!). If you don’t finish it, you can’t publish it. But if you can finish it, you can do anything with it. 

That's all I've got for today. If you're in this boat where you want to write or publish a book (or complete any creative project) and you'd like a little support, reach out! I'm always happy to cheer on my fellow creatives. ​Have a wonderful week, and check back next weekend for more writing-related content!