10 Quick Reminders for Writers
If you’re having one of those days where you're questioning it all—this one is for you!
Is there something in the air this week? I’ve already had a handful of writers tell me they’re struggling and it’s only Wednesday morning. It’s the usual writing pitfalls—doubts about the story they’re writing, imposter syndrome, writer’s block, rejections, the feeling that these days this whole writing business is less about craft and more about platform, and so on.
Basically, the consensus being: “What am I even doing? Should I just give up?”
First, no, you should not give up. Second, yes, writing can be full of frustrations but don’t let your inner critic take hold. When it rears its ugly head (and we all know it will at some point), stop, recognize what you’re doing, and reset. Here are 10 things to say instead:
1.) I trust my instincts.
2.) I am the only one who can write this story.
3.) I am going to give myself the space I need to create without feeling guilt.
4.) These small moments I spend in front of the keyboard, can turn into something big.
5.) I am not going to judge the work before I even start it.
6.) I will not compare my story to anyone else’s. I will just write my own the best I can.
7.) I acknowledge that it is brave to put my work out there.
8.) I will celebrate every win (even the little ones).
9.) I will let go of shame and tell my truth.
10.) I will leave spaces I don’t feel supported in and find safe spaces (like this one) where my words do matter.
Comment below: Are there any other doubts that run through your mind when you set out to write? What negative thoughts do wrestle with the most when it comes to writing? How do you work through them?
A few recent pieces I’ve loved:
This article from
titled “Things I Made.”This essay by
in Write or Die titled “Writing and the Body.”Craft Advice with Rene Denfeld in Beyond by
.Sharing Your Story:
We’re putting together our first group of stories to share on WISDOM & WORDS in the coming weeks. Do you have a story just waiting to be heard? We would love to read it. Click here to submit!
This is so helpful. My writers group in Portland at Mechanics Hall Library is having this very conversation just this week! So many are stuck and ready to throw in the towel. A question has been raised "Why do we writer anyway?" Some of the answers align with your points.
It's great to know we are not alone, and this post validates that, like you knew! Thanks for sharing and for giving us space to submit and share our work for the pure value of writing, no judgement.
So helpful! Thanks for sharing!