Get a Handle on Writer Insecurity

Today’s guest post is by fantasy author Alex Cavanaugh:

We writers tend to be an insecure bunch. We’re plagued with doubts and uncertainties, always questioning our abilities. Sometimes we’re so neurotic, it’s a wonder we accomplish anything!

I didn’t realize how many writers were insecure until I founded the Insecure Writer’s Support Group in 2011. The monthly postings of the three-hundred-odd members showed we were all struggling. Once it expanded to a dedicated website and a Facebook group with more than 2,300 members, it was confirmed. All writers struggle with insecurity.

How do we deal with it? What can we do to keep it from consuming us?

Here are some solutions that might put you back on the path of confidence.

Insecurity isn’t bad—it keeps things real and keeps us grounded

We might dread the insecurity, but a little nagging doubt prompts us to try harder. We’ll spend extra time editing and polishing, determined to make every manuscript shine. It’s when we grow overconfident that we make mistakes. That tug of insecurity also keeps our egos from swelling. Because when we think we are the greatest thing ever, we’re setting unrealistic expectations that will either burn us or prevent us from ever seeing the truth.

Use fear to fuel the fire

When we’re insecure, we understand that we have to do better. We can funnel that fear into motivation and determination. It can become the force that moves us forward, always striving to improve. We’ll try harder. We’ll seek out ways to improve as a writer. That negative energy becomes a positive influence in our lives.

Write something, anything

Nothing is more frightening than a blank screen, unless it’s coupled with a blank mind. We are so full of doubt, we’re paralyzed. What if we’ve run out of ideas? What if we never write again?

That’s when it becomes important to write something, anything, even if it’s just a journal of what we did today. A blog post, article, short exercise using a writing prompt, or even freestyling a stream of consciousness. Whatever works to get us writing. 

Study the craft of writing

Insecurity often comes from a lack of knowledge. We’re aware we don’t know the rules. While that’s fine when we first start, as we’re just having fun and writing without inhibition, once we decide to take our writing to the next level, the lack of skill becomes apparent. This is remedied by reading writing books, taking courses, or studying writing craft online. We’ll feel more confident when we know the rules—and when to break them.

Focus on ideas rather than rules

Sometimes we learn so much about the rules that it stops us cold. We worry about breaking the rules—all one million of them—while we’re just trying to get that story idea onto the page. While we don’t want a first draft that’s so messy it can’t be fixed, we don’t want our creativity stifled either. Trust your instinct when it comes to the rules and just write. Let those ideas flow.

Do the research

Worried about the details? Is it the right time frame? Historical facts in order? Scientific data accurate? If you’re unsure, and it’s preventing you from writing, do some research. Do a Google search for the information. Go to the library. Visit the location. Talk to an expert. Again, it’s all about confidence. Be sure of the facts.

Don’t expect perfection

We can edit and revise and polish forever. No matter what we do though, it will never be perfect. Writing is a subjective art form. Perfection to one is utter failure to another. We can’t achieve perfection. We just have to do the best we can.

Break down the big tasks into small ones

Facing a plot that needs extensive outlining? A manuscript that needs a major overhaul? A red pen’s worth of edits? These tasks can be overwhelming. How do we eat an elephant? Well, I wouldn’t suggest we eat one, but we can break that big task into smaller portions. Focus on one aspect at a time. We’ll feel we’re making progress then.

Find support

Our motivation to write and take the steps necessary to succeed must come from within. But when we become discouraged, we need the support of others to carry us through. Whether it’s family, friends, or a writing group, tap into a support network. We need people reminding us that we can do it no matter what.

Find a quality critique partner or two

After reading and editing our manuscripts dozens of times, we sometimes become disenchanted with them. We see all the flaws or can’t find a way to fix the issues. That’s where one trusted critique partner or more can come to our rescue. They can provide valuable feedback and stir fresh ideas in us. And if we choose wisely, we should never fear critique partners. They are there to help us become better writers.

Avoid those who drain

We all have someone in our life who is a negative drain. (Or more, if we’re really lucky!)  If it’s our spouse or boss, we’re rather stuck. If not, then it’s up to us to place some distance and step away from that person. We also have to be honest with ourselves. Sometimes that negative influence is a good friend or even a writing group. We have to acknowledge these people do not have our best interests at heart, and either limit connections or sever ties completely.

Take a small step—and then another

We see the big picture–a published book! But there’s so much we need to do to get there. What if we can’t? Yes, we can. Just take the first step. Write the story. Then take the next step. Revise the manuscript. Keep the goal in sight but focus on the next step of the process instead.

Failure is not the end

Another round of suggested edits. Another rejection letter. Another contest lost. Total failure. But it’s not! One failure or setback is not the end. Not if we keep trying.

Sometimes a manuscript just needs a little more work. Sometimes it’s hitting the right publisher. Sometimes it’s all in the timing. But that time won’t come if we think it’s the end and we give up.

Don’t compare

This is when insecurity can really strangle us. We’re not as good as that writer. That writer got a book deal and we didn’t. That author’s books are selling while ours are stagnating.

Nothing reduces our confidence to zero faster than comparisons. We have to remember it’s not a race, and there is no one definition of success. We have to be the best we can be and define success on our own terms.

Recall past praise

Harsh critiques, rejections, bad reviews—all those can knock our confidence for a loop. Rather than wallow in the negative and our own self-pity, why not draw upon past praise and accomplishments? We tend to focus on the negative, when in fact there’s always more positive. Go back and find it.

Understand what we can’t control

We can write the best book possible. We can contact all the right publishers and agents. We can market the heck out of our book. But outside of that, most of it we can’t control. We have to let the other stuff go. Worrying about it won’t change it. We have to focus on things within our control and do our best to improve.

Leave it to a higher power

Sometimes, we just have to go on faith. We’ve done all we can. Now’s the time to leave it to a higher power.

Insecurity will always plague us. We just have to learn to harness and control it. And then, anything is possible!

Alex J. Cavanaugh is an author and also works in web design, graphics, and technical editing. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online, he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. He’s the author of Amazon bestsellers CassaStar, CassaFire, and CassaStorm. Check out his new release Dragon of the Stars. Visit Alex’s blog here and follow him on Twitter.

Feature Photo Credit: TataVarisara via Compfight cc