Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Dealing With Writer’s Doubt


Warning: Minor rant ahead.
                                                                                                                      
I’ve been having serious doubts about my writing lately.

What if I’m a hack? I strive to improve with each work in progress but can't help but wonder if maybe I suck and no one's told me yet. (I'm sure someone will eventually. No writer escapes some form of criticism.)   

Anyway, this uncertainty has resulted in a hesitation to submit material to critique partners and publishers. The irony is I’m still writing and revising. Yeah, I’m a study in contrasts like that. Don’t ask.

Part of it is I feel isolated from the writing community. Heck, my writing group apparently hasn’t even noticed I’m gone. But I also know I can’t rely on people to cheer me on no more than I can force them to buy my book. (I know, this is one weird rant. Nothing like venting while being pragmatic.)

So I’ll continue to write, revise, and submit while remembering what a friend says when life gets too bleak: “This too shall pass.”

3 comments:

Carolyn Arnold said...

Well, if it makes you feel better, I've felt the same way before. And I'm sure a lot of writers do.

Sometimes I wonder if it isn't so much a fear of failure, or not being good enough, it's fear of success. I mean, you obviously believe in yourself to continue writing and revising - right :)

And try not to let a feeling of isolation weigh you down. Everyone has a lot going on in their lives and just because people might not say anything, doesn't mean they're not thinking of you.

PamelaTurner said...

Hi Carolyn,

Thanks! You're right. Almost all writers go through this. I try not to dwell too long on it and remind myself to never give in and never give up. (I'm too old and stubborn.) LOL

In fact, this has inspired an article idea for one of my online writing groups' newsletters.

Sara-Jayne Townsend said...

Pamela

I, too, feel this way. Frequently. The only comfort I can really offer is that you're not alone and you are right - this feeling will pass.

Sara