A few years ago, I went through a phase where I wasn’t sure if people will like my writing.
If someone ever did compliment me on my story I would say, “It’s not that good. I’m still working on it. You know it’s not gonna be as good as some of the big ones like J.K. Rowling and such. I can never be like her or anything so…no, not that good yet and probably never will be.”
I kept putting myself down.
It’s also a culture thing.
But still, not good.
So, if you find you are putting yourself down, what can you do?
1. Reality Check
Yes, you will never be a J.K. Rowling or a George R. R. Martin.
But that doesn’t mean you will never be a good writer. Not all good writers are as famous as those two.
And if you did become them, well, no one would stand out and the world would be boooorrring.
2. Stop
Stop putting yourself down. You might be lowering your own self esteem and your drive to write.
But don’t become narcissistic about it.
If someone compliments you, say “Thank you.” But don’t go around telling people how good you are. If you want to tell people you write stories, snag the proper conversation point.
“Oh, btw, I write fantasy stories. Kind of serious about it.”
If they seem interested and ask for more, good. If they don’t, don’t shove your manuscript in their faces. Be humble about it. No one likes a bragger.
3. Check In With Yourself & Research
If you wanna be a writer, good. But how much do you wanna be one? 50%? 100%? Maybe 1000%?
You say you will never be a J.K. Rowling. But do you want to be published?
No? Just a hobby? Well, it’s a good hobby that costs coffee only 😉
Yes 100% or 1000%? Okay then, go for it full speed.
Look up on Writer’s Digest or other websites about how to go about traditional publishing or self-publishing (a.k.a indie publishing).
Word of advice: Don’t go the self-publish route just because you are afraid of or think you can’t handle the traditional publishing route.
This piece of advice I read on a writing website and I think it’s really good advice 🙂
4. Community
Now you know that while you will never be a J.K. Rowling or a George R. R. Martin, you can become a good writer. And, you might or might not be darn serious about writing stories.
But you can’t
can’t
do this alone.
Yes, you can write your story alone but you can’t get it ready for publishing without help.
Join Wattpad or Booksie or Imagine Ink or other writing websites where there are others like you out there struggling like you are or where there are experienced ones who are willing to give advice.
Seek out reviewers and critiquers who are willing to read your writing and give words of advice (best place to do that is Wattpad, I have found). But you must not be on the defense.
(To learn how to be critiqued gracefully, check out this article. Highly recommend you do if you have NEVER been critiqued.)
Join Facebook writing groups and go on twitter. Build a community of writers around you. Support each other.
You don’t have to struggle alone.
Heck, I’m struggling. Hi, let’s struggle together 😛
Do you enjoy?
If you don’t enjoy writing stories, how will you ever survive the struggles?
But don’t think you HAVE TO enjoy. Be natural about it, of course 😛
And if you don’t, don’t feel bad. Maybe it’s not for you. Go back to #3 and check in with yourself again.
So, those are the things you can do when you find that you are doubting yourself as a writer and/or putting yourself down. They are based on my own experiences and others’ experiences. If you are struggling or doubting, I hope you can use these tips and feel at ease 🙂
Happy Writing 🙂
FOXWOOD FOREST 