If you’re a writer, then you’re going to face it. At some point, or more like at multiple points, you will battle doubt.
It comes at typical times.
Like when an agent rejects your work. Or your book doesn’t make it past pub board. Or you don’t final in a contest. Or you get a tough critique or a long revision letter. Or a bad review.
It also comes at not so typical times.
Like four and a half months from the release of your debut novel. And people are starting to say, “I can’t wait to read your book!”
You smile, of course. But inside, your stomach ties into knots.
Because what if they don’t like it?
I’m discovering that no matter where we are on this writing journey, we’re never safe from doubt.
So what can we do when it comes? How can we fight it?
Know when to turn off your inner critic.
When we’re exposed to something over and over again, we become desensitized toward it. I’ve read Wildflowers from Winter so many times now, I’m convinced the story is completely devoid of emotion. My eyes are not fresh. I can’t see the story clearly. So the best thing I can do as I go through galleys is turn off my inner critic and search for typos.
Revisit the good stuff.
Whenever my grandma reads my latest book, she writes me the most encouraging, heartfelt letters. I’ve kept every one. And when I’m having a particularly doubt-filled day, I get them out and read. Sure, she’s my grandma. She sees my work through love-tainted eyes. But so what? When we’re facing doubt, disregard bias.
Check for growth.
When I start to think my debut is a pitiful excuse for a book, I open up my first novel. Works every time. Maybe Wildflowers from Winter isn’t as brilliant or life-changing as I want it to be, but it’s a heck of a lot better than my earlier attempts.
This writing journey is called a journey for a reason.
As long as we’re growing, we should punch doubt in the nose and tell it to take a hike.
Do what you can and let the rest go.
Worrying about things that are outside of our control – like how readers will respond or how reviewers will review – is an exercise in futility. All we can do is write the best story we can write and leave the rest up to God. I have roughly four months to practice. I’m hoping to see some marked improvement.
Let’s Talk: What do you do when doubt comes knocking?
I feel like I deal with this on a daily basis. I’ve become better with dealing with it though. It’s not easy, but it’s good to know I’m not the only one. Thanks.
Yikes! My comment went unposted. I must have gotten interrupted. ‘Tis the season, yes?
Loved this post, Katie, especially in light of my post last week, confessing my almost-leap from a (virtual) ledge along the writing road. Your suggestions are terrific.
Sometimes I just slam the door in the face of doubt and call a writing friend.
I definitely struggle with doubt. Thank you for sharing these helpful suggestions!
I come read your blog when doubt comes knocking – or email you! 🙂 LOL I need my writer friends when I’m “questioning”.
Doubt pounds on my door when my deadline is less than a month away. Right now, it’s beating the paint off of my door with a Jan. 4th deadline. This is the first time I’ve ever had a major deadline over the holidays. I’ve felt anti-social, but for this season my friends understand. Thank God for friends who get us. 🙂
Deadlines! Yikes! I feel you Donna! Here’s to kicking those deadlines in the butt!
Oh goodness, yes. Doubt is a semi-constant companion. But, I’m going to take your advice and punch it out. 🙂 (And I loved what Sherri said…wise, wise, wise.)
And I absolutely LOVE the welcome packet! How cool you are!
Yay! Glad you liked the welcome packet!
Doubt? Oh my…yes. When I submitted my first manuscript to OakTara in the fall of 2008, they said they loved the story and wanted to publish my book. I was so excited!
Then, I didn’t hear much from them for almost 2 years. They were kind to reply to my desperate email pleas. They were so kind and patient with me!
I began to doubt. I began to question. But I forgot to pray.
So, one night, in 2010,I wrote out the email ( you know the one: I have decided to give up on my dream and move on with my life…) to the publishers with tears in my eyes. I figured, my book was never going to be published. I finally prayed and gave my book, my DREAM, to the Lord and laid it on His altar…then I hit “send”.
In a manner of hours I heard back from the publisher! They sent me the contract a couple of days later…and in 2011 I was holding my first book in my hands!
Thanks for the post! It is encouraging to read all the comments and know I am not alone in this.
Blessings,
Ruth
Ruth – this sounds a lot like the post I wrote last Wednesday. How God wants us to surrender our dreams. What a great testimony you have!
Oh, friend…I think doubt is one of the enemy’s oldest tools to keep us from being as effective as we can be and to keep us from God’s best for us. I try to stay focused on God’s calling instead of my fear…but it’s not ever easy, so often I flounder in the waves. Stay strong. All you can do is your best!
Lindsay – what an encouraging comment and what a great reminder! So much of our attitude in life involves where we’re putting our focus.
Eat chocolate, have a little pity party, and then pull up the big girl panties and move on
chocolate seems to help with most ailments, doesn’t it?
Yes, I can relate totally. I know my hide isn’t going to be thick enough for the negative feedback, and I am usually the first one in line giving it. 🙁 Great tips to remember, Katie. Thanks. And just so you know, I can’t wait to read your book. 🙂
You should have made that smiley face a wink – because that last one made my stomach all nervous! 😉
I do many of the things you do, read notes that are encouraging and I go back to those promises God gave me through His Word. Personal words. I make sure and date them so when I do hunt them down, I know exactly the day God spoke to me and I also jot down and little something in the margin. Going back to those are priceless!
I love that you write down the date! I’ve started to do that, but not in my writing world. I’m keeping a prayer journal of specific prayers, as well as recording specific ways I think God’s speaking to me.
“Punch doubt in the nose and tell it to take a hike.” Love it!!!
Glad to entertain Heather!
Oh honey, can we talk? Some days it’s not a problem, but others I’m loaded with it! I’m learning, very slowly, to identify the source of my doubt. Is it pride because I want everyone to think that I’m really good at everything? Am I having a really bad self-esteem day (chocolate and a good book to the rescue!)? Do I doubt because I know I haven’t done my best?
The underlying issue here I think is that doubt is a spiritual battle and has to be addressed as such. It’s not about being perfect. It’s a question of obedience. Have I followed God and written the very best that I can at this point in my life? Am I willing to be teachable? Can I trust that if I wrote from my heart under God’s leadership that he will use it to touch someone who reads it?
I’m learning to immediately turn it over to God. I may still “feel” the doubt, but if I give it to him I find peace. It’s amazing! I also remember the scripture that promises that he works everything together for good. Even my stuff. That’s pretty cool!
Great post, Katie. And thank you for the welcome packet. I got it this week. What a great idea!
So much wisdom here, Sherri! Seriously. I need to print this comment and hang it up over my computer. You are so right about getting to the root of the doubt – because the root can be different things. And it is such a spiritual battle.
So glad you enjoyed the welcome packet!!
When doubt slinks around the corner, I just make myself remember who I trust with my life…I’m in His hands.
Amen, Loree!
Doubt? Do I experience it? Um, yeah. Often. Like you I’m starting to hear the “I can’t wait to read your story” comments, and I’m hoping readers love the story as much as I do. OK, so that’s in my dreams. =) What I really do hope is they like it–at least a little, don’t feel like they wasted money on it, and maybe, just maybe, say something nice about it to a friend.
I save encouraging card, notes, and email message as well, using them to buoy me up when I’m feeling down. I like your idea of comparing my debut novel to my first one. I can see progress, and that helps alleviate a bit of the doubt.
I like your hopes, Keli! Short and simple. 🙂 I would like people not to feel they wasted money on my words too!