Writing advice for the doubting author
Really, this is the question that plagues all us writers. Why does our book even matter? Why should we write it? Is all the planning, writing, revising, editing, learning, publishing ordeals even worth it?
Writing a book is such a lot of hard work, and not something that is to be underestimated. I think those who don’t write thing writing books a simple, easy hobby. But really, it is quite the art form, that takes so much focus, dedication, and time. Writing a book is not easy, it is really hard. But just because something is hard, doesn’t mean we should just give up. We just need to understand why we are doing it. That is what will get us through, our why.
Perhaps you are half way through planning, and wondering if this story idea is actually going to work. Or maybe you are just starting to write the first chapter, feeling all those doubts and fears. All the way through writing a book, we authors are bombarded by not only the world’s doubts about us, but our own doubts. Sometimes our family and friends are encouraging us, cheering us on, but if we don’t have the purpose in our grasp, it is hard to carry on.
That is what we are going to look at today. Your purpose as a writer. How you can keep a hold of motivation all the way through.
Why me?
Why you as a writer? Why not Tom Dick or Harry down the road? This answer is obviously clear, and yet so hard to actually believe. You have something Tom Dick and Harry don’t. You have your story, your life experience. You have something no one else on earth has: the way you view God and the world.
Now it is up to you to use that gift. As writers, we all write in a way specific to us. We write the way we see it, or the way we imagine it. We write things as only our brains and hearts could.
What unique things can you bring to the table as a writer?
Why this book?
This is a legitimate question to ask yourself, especially if you are near the beginning stages of your book. If you are going to spend hundreds of hours on writing this thing, you want to be absolutely in love with it, and stay that way. Not only in love, but know why it matters.
Why does this book matter to you?
Think about your life, and why you came up with this book idea in the first place. What was it that grabbed your attention? Was it the mystery? The characters? Was it the world? Was it something about the message? Find that spark that caught your attention and question why it did. If you can find why this book matters to you, you have likely found why this book will matter to hundreds and thousands of other people. Because we are all humans, we all go through similar struggles and victories; that’s why story is such a good way for us all to connect. We see ourselves in the story, even though we aren’t the author.
Hacks to beat the doubt
Sometimes even if we tell ourselves the book matters, and we matter as its writer, it still feels like there’s no point. This is where we need to get ruthless on feelings, and remind ourselves of the truth.
Here is a list of things you can try. Hacks of sorts to beat those doubts and keep writing.
Doubt Hacks:
- Do writing sprints
This will motivate you, if for no other reason, just to finish that writing sprint, or compete with yourself.
- Read a writing affirmation
Write down some words of encouragement for yourself when you are enjoying your book and writing. Then, when times get tough, pull it out and read it (out loud if at all possible) to yourself. It has been scientifically proven that spoken word is truly powerful and has the ability to change.
- Listen to your book playlist
Nothing like being inspired by music. If you find you still can’t write today, simply listen to the playlist and think about your book. You may find that some interesting things come to you that you could add or change about the book.
- Go for a run or walk outside and then try again
Going outside sometimes revolutionizes my day. Not just my day, but my writing too. There’s days where I feel so cramped up, at a loss for words, all out of steam. A walk in that fresh air always does me good. If I don’t return full of enthusiasm for writing, at least I return a little healthier for being outside. It’s basically just a win either way.
- Write a random scene
I’m going to be honest and say that I hate writing out of chronological order. But maybe it is going to help you. I do find that when I have no motivation for what I’m currently working on, I always feel more inclined to write something I’m not “suppose” to be working on, than what I am. If writing out of the timeline doesn’t fill you with terror as it does me – give this one a go, and choose a scene you are looking forward to writing, and not dreading.
You’ve got this
Even when it feels like being a writer is just too hard, and this book will never be done. You have got this. Look back on all the work you have put in, and consider how much time and effort you have already planted into this project. The number of hours we writers spend on our books is rather ridiculous at times, and I think we often overlook it as a massive achievement!
Just remember, doing difficult things is how we reach our dreams. If this book is your dream, and the journey is feeling a bit tricky, don’t give up! The world needs good stories, and yours can be one of them.
If you would like to learn more about writing, feel free to browse more blog posts, or contact me if you have any questions. You can also find me on YouTube at The Windy Wildflower, or the podcast at The Windy Wildflower Podcast. We talk about writing, songwriting, and being a Christian creative in all these places. Join me on the journey of learning to glorify God with our creativity and making dreams a reality.
