I'm having computer problems, so my wonderful critique partner, Dana Rodgers, who writes historical and comtemporary romance, agreed to step in for me and re-run a post she did a few weeks ago on her Waterworld Mermaids blog, about the self doubt we all have as writers. And I mean WE ALL have, as you'll see. Take it away, Dana.
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Do you ever spend hours, days, weeks pouring your heart and soul into your writing only to go back, read it and think, “Oh my God, what was I thinking? This is crap. I have no talent. No one will ever want to read this.”
Well, guess what? You’re not the only one!
I love to write. I love the creative process and making the story come alive on the page. For me it is not just the destination (the finished story), but also the journey getting there (developing characters, and hammering all of those twists and turns into place). But I often find, especially during my editing process that doubt creeps in. I start wondering what the heck I’m doing. Wondering why I ever thought that I could write a book.
Recently, while going through one of these moments, a friend introduced me to a new type of encouragement in the form of John Steinbeck.
Do you ever spend hours, days, weeks pouring your heart and soul into your writing only to go back, read it and think, “Oh my God, what was I thinking? This is crap. I have no talent. No one will ever want to read this.”
Well, guess what? You’re not the only one!
I love to write. I love the creative process and making the story come alive on the page. For me it is not just the destination (the finished story), but also the journey getting there (developing characters, and hammering all of those twists and turns into place). But I often find, especially during my editing process that doubt creeps in. I start wondering what the heck I’m doing. Wondering why I ever thought that I could write a book.
Recently, while going through one of these moments, a friend introduced me to a new type of encouragement in the form of John Steinbeck.
John Steinbeck? Maybe, the Pulitzer Prize winning The Grapes of Wrath will ring a bell… or Of Mice and Men or East of Eden or The Winter of Our Discontent or Cannery Row…
John Steinbeck was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1962, and even he harbored doubts concerning his ability to effectively bring the written word to the page. While working on The Grapes of Wrath, he composed letters and wrote in a journal. Some of this material was later published in Working Days: The Journals of the Grapes of Wrath 1938-1941. Throughout this journal John Steinbeck writes about his struggles, worries and self-doubt.
The following are a few quotes from Working Days: The Journals of the Grapes of Wrath 1938-1941:
John Steinbeck was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1962, and even he harbored doubts concerning his ability to effectively bring the written word to the page. While working on The Grapes of Wrath, he composed letters and wrote in a journal. Some of this material was later published in Working Days: The Journals of the Grapes of Wrath 1938-1941. Throughout this journal John Steinbeck writes about his struggles, worries and self-doubt.
The following are a few quotes from Working Days: The Journals of the Grapes of Wrath 1938-1941:
June 14, 1938–”Yesterday was a bust. I could have forced the work out but I’d lost the flow of the book and it would have been a weak spot.”
June 18, 1938–“If only I could do this book properly it would be one of the really fine books and a truly American book. But I am assailed with my own ignorance and inability.”
August 1, 1938–”I didn’t work then [July 25] or all week. …Hope to lose some of the frantic quality in my mind now. It’s just like slipping behind at Stanford. Panic sets in. Can’t organize. … I’m jumpy. …Don’t know who will publish my book. Don’t know at all. No reason to let it slide though. Must keep at it. … Wish I could control the jumping jitters though.”
August 30, 1938–”I’m having a hell of a time concentrating with so many things going on. … I hope this book is some good, but I have less and less hope for it.”
September 26,1938–”This book has become a misery to me because of my inadequacy.”
So the next time you doubt yourself, remember, there are other incredibly accomplished authors out there who have also acknowledged uncertainty when it comes to submitting their work. When you start to question yourself just remember:
1. Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks. Your voice is your own and it is unique. Why do we have so many different types of writers? So many different genres? Because there are so many different types of readers!
2. In the words of Nora Roberts, “Write the damn book!” Forget about everything else and just get your ideas down on the page because you can’t edit what doesn’t exist. You can always cast off what doesn’t work later.
3. Trust you instincts. Everyone worries about breaking the rules. Ignore the rules because they are intimidating, and that can lead to insecurity. Instead focus on telling a great story. Once the story is on the page you can obsess over comma usage and dangling participles.
4. Make time for yourself. I know it sounds difficult, and it is, because life gets in the way, but consistently setting time aside for yourself and scheduling around that time will help you to put words on the page.
5. You are not alone. Believe in yourself. Everyone has experienced moments of self-doubt or insecurity, even someone as accomplished as John Steinbeck. If he can do it, so can you… So keep writing!
23 comments:
Steinbeck stumbled through his WIP with the same frustrations I face?! Wow - there might be hope for me yet.
Thanks for sharing this.
This couldn't have come at a more appropriate time, Dana, as I'm getting ready for the first reviews of LIVER LET DIE. I do need to let it all go and trust that I am a good writer.
Thanks for the pep talk and for filling in for Anita. Hope things get back to normal soon, Anita. Good night and good riddance, Irene.
If John Steinbeck can do it, then so can we... There is hope for all of us! :-)
Liz, I know your reviews are going to be fabulous! But even if some aren't, so what? You have put out a great story and that review is one person's opinion. There are going to be lots of reviewer's and lots of opinions. Trust yourself and remember that there are lots of different kinds of books because there are lots of different kinds of readers.
Wow fantastic advice, Dana! I enjoyed your post so much!
Nice blog, Dana! Love the quotes by Steinbeck!
Thanks Dana, that was wonderful. I don't feel any pressure at this point because I tell myself and others, this is just a hobby, and I am still learning.
Not sure what will happen when I decide it is more than a hobby, and I actually get to the point to where I have something polished enough to submit for publishing. Perhaps I better hang on to this article for the future.
Fantastic post!
I need to make some kind of poster to stick above my computer. "Nora says, 'Write the damn book!'" Love it!
Love the advise here as it's time appropriate for me. I'm waiting for review to slowly start coming after submitting the next story while working on a Christmas story. And in all cases I have doubts and worries but it's nice to see I'm not alone. If Steinbeck could do it then, Liz you and I can. And yes I know your reviews will be fab.
Thanks for stopping by Vonda, Mary and Derek!
I found it reassuring that even very well known authors have moments of insecurity. I'm glad you found this helpful! Best wishes in your writing!
LOL Kerri! Have one printed up for me too! You wouldn't believe how often I chant--"Sit your butt in the chair and write the damn book."--when I'm dragging my feet.
Lindsay, you are definitely not alone! I know you and Liz will have wonderful reviews, but ultimately you have to trust in yourself and listen to your own voice. Best wishes in your writing and I can't wait to see those fab reviews!
Dana,
What a great post. I think every writer runs into a roadblock, but sometimes it's not just that we can't find the right words or the right angle. I think it's fear, and that's the only thing that can cripple a writer. Fear of not being able to publish something. Fear that someone else might not like it. Fear that it won't measure up to someone else's standards. Once you let go of those thoughts, the writing flows easier.
I should take my own advice. Right now, I'm moving from my writer's wheelchair to a cane. Still crippled, but I'm slowly coming back. LOL. :-)
Thanks for such an inspirational post!
Kim
Hi Dana,
It really says a lot to hear Steinbeck's frustrations. It's that line we have to be aware of. Questioning our own work is necessary but going overboard is just counterproductive. Great to see you here today!
"Write the damn book." Amen, Nora!
This came at a GREAT time, Dana. I'm frozen with self-doubt and it's not the kind you dip into chocolate sprinkles and lick off a cone. Thank you.
It's a warm and fuzzy feeling to know that writing angst is pervasive.
Liz: no worries, girl. You are a talented writer!
This totally resonates with me. Sometimes the sentences flow, and sometimes it's like pulling teeth. I find that if I set a minimum acceptable goal, say 500 words per day, sometimes I get there in an hour, sometimes, ugh, three hours. But a month later, reading it all over, I can't tell the difference.
William Doonan
www.williamdoonan.com
nice to know that when I've lost all focus and ability to write more than a blog post, that I am not alone. Funny, I didn't notice any green guys lurking in my doorway. Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks for stopping by fellow mermaids Kimberly and Carlene! I agree wholeheartedly with your comments. It's our own fear and doubt that cripples us, and while questioning your work in only natural, dwelling on it can be unhealthy.
Rochelle, a big you are not alone! But you are a talented author and you just have to sit back and trust yourself to tell a great story. "Just write the damn book!" Because at the end of the day you can get rid of what isn't working and edit what is. :-)
I also set personal writing goals for myself William. I find a weekly goal is better for me because if life happens and I don't write one stinking word that day then I don't feel so bad. :-)
Lori, I'm happy to hear there were no green guys lurking at your house! LOL! You are definitely not alone! Sometimes, when my brain is in overload and life overwhelms my writing I walk away for a day or two. (Note to Self: Doesn't work so well when you're struggling to meet deadlines.) Walking away gives me a chance to regain my perspective and remember why I love to write.
John Steinbeck may have had self-doubts, but there is no doubt - I do not write like John Steinbeck. It's going to take more than this article to bring my confidence up to par. I'm encouraged to see so many others that feel the same way, that have already been published. There may be hope for me too.
Barb H
Barb, I think there is hope for all of us! Everyone's voice is different and I think that is what makes us unique. And shhhh, don't tell anybody, but John Steinbeck puts me to sleep. I would way rather read a good mystery! :-)
Thank you all for coming out today. And thank you to the ladies of Mysteries and Margaritas for having me. Best wishes in your writing!
What an excellent and encouraging post--came at a very good time for this struggling, doubting author, thanks so much!
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