Dealing with Criticism and Self-Doubt as a Writer
Throughout the process of writing Cursed Gift, I’ve spoken with many writers and aspiring writers. Almost every single one of them, including myself, has grappled with self-doubt. Questions like "Am I good enough?" and "Will people like it?" are common, no matter how long you've been writing.
I once chatted with someone online who has been writing the same book for 10 years and still isn't finished. At first, I thought that was an anomaly. Now, after years of my own writing journey, I realize it’s more common than I ever expected.
Starting anything new excites me, but it also brings fear of failure. I recently took up the violin. If you’ve ever tried to learn this exquisitely beautiful yet magnificently complex instrument, you’ll understand how difficult it is just to avoid sounding like a total beginner. After months of practice, I still sound like a child scraping on a chalkboard (my wife and cat can attest to this). Like writing, it’s mostly a solitary activity—safe from the judgment of others. But when it’s time to play for an audience—or publish a book—the fear of being seen as a fool sets in.
When it came time to submit my manuscript, I felt ready. I had gone through multiple rounds of editing, sought feedback from friends and family, and worked with a professional editor. But just as I was about to press "submit," I froze. A pit formed in my stomach as the reality of sharing my work with the world hit me. I turned off my computer and went for a swim, trying to shake off the anxiety. Every worst-case scenario ran through my mind. For a whole day, I was a wreck. Then, as my wife often suggests, I slept on it.
The next morning, I woke up and thought, "F&*k it." Who cares? I’m doing this no matter what anyone says. I pressed the submit button and felt a weight lift off my shoulders.
Of course, when I received the pre-final paperback copy, I found mistakes—cue more expletives for my cat’s benefit—but I have 36 days left to edit and, of course, fret over it.
Till next time!
Len
