How to Develop Confidence as a Writer
Claim yourself as writer. Say it to yourself: “I’m a writer.” Say it to others, too.
Make time to write; create a “writing habit.”
Make a special place for your writing; go there “on the arm of joy.”
Acknowledge where you are in the work; a messy first draft won’t look or sound like a revised third draft. Don’t expect a finished draft when you’re just getting started. Nothing ever comes out raw and perfect at the same time. Oh, and there’s no such thing as “perfect.”
Remember all writers have doubts; no writer has ever said it was easy.
Acknowledge that writing is risky and anxiety-producing. We never don’t experience it; we just get use to the feeling and perhaps learn how to manage our anxiety.
Show your work; don’t hide your light. Take those risks whatever yours are.
Celebrate your successes! Celebrate the successes of others, too. Be generous.
Brenda Ueland said, “Everyone is talented, original, and has something important to say.” When she said everyone, that’s exactly what and who she meant. (Brenda Euland, one of my heroes, is the writer I quoted above who wrote about going to your writing on the “arm of joy.”)
Be a student, study the masters. Keep learning. Stay curious.
Remember, as long as you are writing, you are succeeding.
Jack Kerouac said, “You’re a genius all the time.” I believe him.
Acknowledge that you are unique; nobody else writes exactly like you write. Your voice is yours alone. Barbara Kingsolver says, “Don’t try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It’s the one and only thing you have to offer.”
Remember your work isn’t you; Elizabeth Gilbert reminds us our book isn’t our “baby,” it’s our book.
Do something for your writer self every day. Make a list of what you can do for yourself and your writing one day, then choose something from the list the next. When you’ve done everything on your list, create another list or start over on the same one. Or do your favorite thing again. And again.
Find the right support when you show your writing to others. Not all praise, but not overly critical either. Look for writers with your same sensibilities and who challenge you and encourage you.
Take classes, workshops, go to conferences, seminars, retreats.
Read and learn from what you read. Read as a writer, a student of the page.
Write reviews of others’ work. Write letters to other writers whose work you admire, not as a fan, but as a fellow writer. Create connections, build relationships.
Play, experiment, try something new.
Talent is overrated; go for perseverance.
Create your own cheering section. Post inspiring quotes, gather compliments. Be your own best writing friend.
Savor your accomplishments.
Remember why you started writing; find that joy again.
WRITE.
