Recently, for the first time since I’ve become a published writer almost a year ago, I had my very first “writer doubt moment.” I don’t know what came over me, but I suddenly found myself doubting my writing talent.
I immediately shed some tears. The first time you feel doubt over your skills is an intense and overwhelming experience. It makes you question what you’ve done and where you’re going. It’s a time filled with anxiety and stress while words flood in and out of you with no place to go. Yet, in time, it is something we can overcome and learn from.
For the readers who don’t know what a “writer doubt moment” is, here’s my personal thought on what I think it means: it is not living up to the fullest potential you can have as a writer. When you feel like you’re not doing the best job as a writer, and you start becoming apprehensive about your talent, that my readers, is a “writer doubt moment.” It can feel absolutely horrible when you suddenly have this feeling, it might bring your self-esteem down a bit.
Here’s a tip, if this happens, ask your support system for encouragement to bring it back up. I promise you, you will feel much better. I did this and yes, I felt so supported and better. My support team gave me the strength to believe like I could do anything now, like conquer the world. Their encouragement reminded me to push myself harder to achieve my goals.
Another tip is to set goals for yourself. It’s incredible how that can change your outlook on writing and how it can motivate you to move past the doubt. In my first official year as a published writer, I made a vow to myself to grow as much as I can as a writer. One of my goals is every time I join a new contributor platform, such as Unwritten here, I make sure to write new and fresh pieces as often as new ideas strike me, so I’m not sitting around repeating myself all the time.
I admit there’s nothing wrong with sharing some old favorites, but it’s best to keep the new ones coming along. It allows me to challenge myself as a writer too by bringing a different perspective or modern ideas to old and new things alike.
Another promise I made is to take risks with my writing. I need to step out of my comfort zone no matter how hard it will be. Even when I run into a “writer doubt moment.” I want to try and use that struggle to achieve more as a writer. I know in my heart that stretching the limits to my comfort zone may be the only way I’m gonna grow as a young published writer because fighting those fears will prove I can do more.
Lastly, the most important promise and goal I made during my first year as a young published writer is to be proud of every new thing I write. Whether I make it through a short story, a personal narrative, a simple listicle, or anything in between, I should be proud of what I write and accomplish–and remember all the hard work I put into each word and each piece. I didn’t spend hours pulling out my hair, going over a dozen scattered notes or shedding tears not to believe in my words that I share.
Great news, my first goal proved to be a success so far. I am happy with the positive feedback I receive from writing fresh and new pieces. So don’t give up on yourself or the promises you’ve set for yourself. The most rewarding part of writing for me is when readers see my articles and they tell me how much they are looking forward to reading future pieces. That is truly the most amazing thing you can hear as a writer. My voice is being heard.
I am currently working on my second goal. It has been a serious struggle to be the youngest writer on the team and to also step out of my comfort zone, but I know it’s what I need to do to grow. The third goal will continue to come as I grow and reach outside of my comfort zone, that I’m sure of. However, it’s a goal I’m looking forward to and knowing I’m getting closer to it means I’m achieving what I set out to in the first place! It means I’m making progress as a writer and it’s also something I can see with my own eyes.
Being a young published writer has been rewarding for me in more ways than I could have ever imagined possible. I have gotten to meet and work with so many other amazingly talented writers who I am extremely honored and proud to call my friends and coworkers. Here with Unwritten, I know that I have 130 other writers holding me up, and they all know they can count on me anytime they may need it! To have support as a writer is the best thing you can have.
So, for all of you new, young published writers out there, if you’re doubting your talent right now, don’t! You’re gonna do a great job with whatever comes your way.
Trust me, I have been in your shoes already, and when you doubt yourself as a writer and have that feeling of, “I just want everyone to be proud of me as a young writer,” know that everyone will be proud of you, at least I certainly will be! Lastly, know you have a strong support system behind you on your journey.
If I can do it, then you can too! It’s gonna be a wild ride but you got this so hang on tight!
Photo by Eepeng Cheong on Unsplash
