Blogger: Mary Keeley
You know the feeling. You’re plugging along feeling like you’re doing okay, and then a disruptive thought pops forward from the back of your mind, haunting, accusing: This isn’t good enough. What were you thinking? The Bible tells us where those critical darts originate, and their purpose is to defeat. You can repel doubts with good habits.
When doubt niggles, don’t give it a moment of your time.
Self-doubt is an obstacle every writer battles. If you’re an unpublished author, you may be tempted to doubt you’ll ever get an agent,
much less a contract. Published authors, even those at the top of their career, may wonder if they can continue to increase their sales to secure the next contract. Let’s talk about three habits writers should adopt to minimize or counter occasions for self-doubt.
PREPARE THOROUGHLY. There’s a reason the old saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” endures. Remember when you went into class to take a test, knowing you hadn’t studied adequately? I do, more times than I want to admit. We had just cause to doubt ourselves. Adequate—no, extensive—research minimizes the angst that breeds self-doubt.
- Purchase a book on creating a professional proposal to learn the information you need to include.
- Keep a record of submission guidelines on the agency websites to whom you plan to submit. Which agents want queries first? Which ones want you to start off with the formal proposal? Speaking for myself, I want to see a formal proposal submitted according to our agency’s guidelines, unless I have met you at a conference.
- Time your elevator pitch and the main points you want to communicate to an agent or editor in a 15-minute appointment at a conference. Practice saying it aloud. When you can get it all said in a conversational tone with a pleasant, calm expression on your face, you’re ready and can combat negative self-talk that tends to attack as you walk into these meetings.
BE PATIENT WITH YOURSELF. Many of you attended the ACFW conference recently. Isn’t it strange that often you think of something vitally important after an appointment? Why is that? It’s probably because your nerves have settled down and you have the feedback from the verbal and nonverbal responses of the agent or editor. A re-do isn’t an option, and trying to hunt down the person to proclaim your after-the-fact gem isn’t a professional tactic and won’t be remembered positively anyway. Practice shaking off critical self-thoughts that so often can assault at times like these. Extend grace to yourself: you learned something about being more prepared next time.
In other situations there may be something you can do to overcome a mistake. If the agent you met with at a conference gave you a business card, you have the opportunity to email a revised one-sheet with corrected spelling, grammar, or punctuation. Or, if you realize your manuscript wasn’t your best work when you submitted it to an agent, send a follow-up email acknowledging your flawed work and offer a professional apology. Ask if the agent would consider waiting to review your polished manuscript. It’s a humbling exercise that will require your being patient with yourself. Some agents will view your effort favorably; others may not. These are sure to be instances when doubt niggles, but you may have a chance to redeem the situation if you don’t allow negative self-talk to defeat you.
REMEMBER THESE TWO THINGS.
- The writing life is a perpetual learning process. Grant yourself grace when you make a mistake, and look at rejections as part of your forward growth.
- He, who gave you the passion and the gift to write, will be faithful.
Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).
Is doubt niggling you right now? What, if anything, can you do to remedy the situation? What can you learn from the experience so you can move forward confidently?
TWEETABLES:
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Ah, Mary, your timing is impeccable. Actually, God’s timing is perfect, and you’re part of it.
It’s odd, sometimes I’m all “I will kick butt in this…” and like last night, I was more like “I barely know the alphabet!”
My CPs are very good at telling me the hard stuff, and do so with lots of love and a detached tone that says “this is about the work, NOT YOU”. I’m working on a synopsis and getting to the bare bones of it, and then building it up so it shines.
One of the enemy’s great weapons against me is doubt. Specifically, arrows of doubt in the shade of an accomplishment. Yes, I’m nervous about an upcoming event, but on the other hand, God has this. So I need to do my best, ask for help when I need it…wait, BEFORE I need it…pray over it, and CHILL.
Thank you for this.
Jennifer, just remember your “arrows of doubt” are being directed by Magua (your adversary), but your protector is Hawkeye (your body guard).
Sorry for the comparison, but I just spent the weekend at Lake Otsego, Cooperstown, NY. That is where J. F. Cooper wrote his four books about Hawkeye. 🙂
Of course I’m referring to Jesus as your protector.
That’s a great analogy, Jim. Thank you!
Jennifer, you are blessed to have great critique partners. Besides offering feedback constructively, their comments provide you with practice for remaining cool and calm in meetings with editors because most of them approach it the same way: “this is about the work, not you.”
Doubt isn’t a big problem for me anymore. Something to do with what Samuel Johnson said, about the coming morning’s events concentrating the mind wonderfully.
All human work can be improved, but there is a point where it’s good enough to accomplish the intended mission. Whether it’s a novel or the design of a bridge pier or a weld…it’ll do the job.
Remember, the ‘client’ (God, your conscience, or a literal client) is paying for productivity and timeliness – not ego.
“Doing the job” does not ensure success. It merely means that it’s the best you could do under the constraints of time and present knowledge. The agent may pass, the readers may yawn…you can’t control that.
And it’s NOT necessarily a judgement on the quality of your work. It may be the wrong agent, or the wrong audience…or maybe the Next Big Thing landed while you were finishing your book and stole your thunder.
Tears, then, are human, and they water the dry desolation of what feels like failure. They’re potentially both a balm, and a release from the iron shackles, tightened a bit more now, of doubt.
Because, in the end, it doesn’t matter. You’re not here to be interviewed by Oprah and make the NYT BS list and have a million Twitter followers (but Twitter is SO last June!).
You’re here to live in and for Christ, and to use your full heart to reach out and make the world a better place, both by your example, and by the work of your strong arm and your luminous soul.
Andrew, I’ve so often found that my writing, usually accompanied by tears, is simply healing for my own heart. If God uses it to trickle down to others … double the blessing.
Andrew, what a gift you have that doubt isn’t a big problem for you anymore. “‘Doing the job’ does not ensure success” surely is true. Writing a complete manuscript is an accomplishment in itself and should be celebrated, especially as it’s a labor of love. The process of editing, chopping, re-working, and tightening to polish it to its best also is a labor of love that can be enjoyed when the author isn’t tempted with self-doubt.
Mary, thank you for the simple yet profound reminder that there is much to celebrate in the completion and transformation of a manuscript. Doing the job doesn’t ensure success, but leaning into the Lord during the process is life-giving.
I have to admit that I don’t suffer from a ton of doubt about the quality of my writing; only that it might not be what a particular agent is looking for. I need to spend more time in market research mode, which I’ve dropped off on lately. My 2015 Guide to Literary Agents arrived a few days ago, so I want to begin skimming it this weekend while reviewing my goals is fresh in my mind.
I definitely feel, however, that positive thinking and visualizing your success helps curb doubt. This week I wrote a post on how to use positive thinking and creative visualization when reviewing your goals for the Write2Ignite blog. By focusing on the positives and seeing how they are helping to mold your future as a writer, you’re thinking about what you “can” do.
Cheryl, that’s great. How and when did you reach the point when doubts don’t bother you? Was it simply disciplining yourself to think only about the positives?
I am plagued with self-doubt. It is amazing that I’ve kept writing seriously for 13 years with this dark companion of doubt. But writing a publishable novel is that one thing that I desperately want to do. Nothing else enchants me the way writing does, so I won’t choose another hobby. I’m just trying to get better.
Few things are as irritating as when ‘friends’ advise, “choose another hobby”.
“Thanks, I don’t have hobbies. This is my mission and my ministry. Go thee and attend to yours…friend.”
Keep the faith. If you’ve held the dream for 13 years, NOTHING can stop you.
Kristen, keep at it. Writing obviously is a goal that’s fueled by your deep desire. As long as you can see your craft improving, you are moving forward. Take joy in that and brush off doubt. I’m cheering you on.
Oh yes, I know doubt. Just recently thinking on the 2015 ACFW Conference … this permeates my mind:
You are going to spend that much money on you? Are you seriously going to rob from your family to participate in something you only dream of doing? Are you serious? Bottom line: You wrote a book for your kid … that does not qualify you.
Oh yes, I know doubt.
Umm.
Can you message me your street address? Not *right* away, just in time for , ohhhhh, next September. Because when you see that Hummer plowing down the drive? Yeah, that’ll be me. And you had better be ready, bags packed and all that. Because I’m gonna put on The Hockey Mom and haul your toosh to the Hyatt.
And if you are in Dallas, there is no way I’m missing you!
Writing for your kid is probably the BEST reason to write. You write from a heart of love.
Shelli, if you reach one person – only one – with your writing, you’ve succeeded.
Remember that Jesus talked about the shepherd going after the one lost lamb.
ONE is important. E pluribus unum works both ways.
I forgot to mention that I kicked DOUBT in the shin! 🙂 And grinned!
Way to go, Shelli!
Shelli, having become familiar with you via this blog, writing seems to be an important part of who you are. Therefore, look at the dollar output of attending ACFW next year as an investment, not an expense. You can begin to put money aside toward the conference now and request contributions toward your trip for birthday and Christmas gifts, if that makes you feel better about it. It’s a constructive way to push forward, leaving those negative thoughts behind.
Wow, Shelli, this sounds like my self-talk. I’m glad you kicked doubt in the shin.
Maybe our children will be blessed by our book royalties after we’re gone? This could be a good writing-Mama motivator. 😉 It doesn’t hurt to dream. ❀
Amen, Wendy!
There’s a reason I relate to Thomas in the Bible. 🙂
Mary, your post came at the perfect time. After all God has done for me–the miraculous ways He has blessed my writing journey–I shouldn’t doubt Him. I shouldn’t doubt that He’ll place me with the right publisher and keep me in His will.
He’s got this. I shouldn’t worry.
Thanks for the reminder!
Courtney, you’re so welcome. You make a case for a fourth good habit, which is to think back to how God has provided helpful means for growth and opportunities, and be thankful for those blessings. Be filled with those thoughts and there won’t be room for worry and doubt. As you said, God has the timing.
If doubt can make me re-examine my work and thus learn and grow, then it has accomplished its only valid purpose. If it disables me personally, then I need more prayer as well as encouragement such as comes from this blog and its community. Thank you, Mary. Thank you, friends.
That first line is going on my author page. Thanks!
What a great distinction, Meghan. I love your perspective!
Beautiful, Meghan!
Meghan, so well-said. Thanks for mentioning the one constructive purpose doubt can serve. It’s always good to see your comments. Encouragement is a high priority for our blog; it’s encouraging to us that you find it here.
ACFW in St Louis sent me home in a state of confusion regarding my platform and genre preference because my 2 publishing credits (both short stories) were different than the story I was pitching. How could I explain that MY genre choice was the story I was pitching while the Edwardian and contemporary sales were God’s blessings. Did that mean God was leading me in another direction? But of the other two, which one was His choice?
But His blessings have included blog mates who are also my critique partners and sharing time with them in St Louis, as well as on our yahoo group emails have put me back on track.
Plus, an encouraging text from my agent fueled my energy, giving me that extra boost needed to wipe the last of the confusion away. Speaking of…If you’ll excuse me, I must get back to my writing. Thanks, Mary. 🙂
Anita, yours is a good example of how one piece of feedback can cause confusion and doubt. Thankfully, you responded the right way by consulting with other authors and your agent, who know you well. Enjoy your writing!
My family will be absent this coming weekend, which means I have the opportunity to finish my rewrites, and FINALLY send them to my very patient agent.
I’m asking for prayer to combat the doubt with truth.
Blessings on your weekend writing, Jenni. God has brought you this far for a reason. Keep those fingers on the keys to your finished rewrite (And take 5 minutes every hour to enjoy the great outdoors). ❀
Wendy, your encouragement is life-giving. Thank you.
How we love our families, but it’s a gift–and occasionally a necessity–to be able to have uninterrupted time to devote to the writing. Enjoy your provision, Jenni! Many of us will pray for you.
Thanks, Mary!
Well said, Mary! Thanks for the encouragement.
Susan, you’re very welcome.
I am not usually plagued with doubts, but I was slammed with them after the ACFW conference. Not because I received any negative responses. In fact the pitches I made to three potential agents and one publisher all resulted in requests for proposals and full manuscripts. The very degree of success undermined my confidence. I went from being grateful to our Lord to thinking “Oh, maybe that’s what happens at conferences. Maybe everyone asks for everything because they don’t like disappointing people face to face. Maybe asking for a proposal is the norm.” I let those thoughts assault my joy for about fifteen minutes, then tossed them away, a little perturbed that I let the enemy influence me.
Thank you, Father, for the vote of confidence that I’m doing something right. Four out of four positive responses is a gift from you.
Barbara, good for you for not letting those doubting thoughts assault you for long. And to encourage you further, agents and editors can’t afford to be so gracious as to request proposals from everyone with whom they meet. They simply don’t have the time to review those they see aren’t ready for consideration. Be affirmed, all four saw something promising in you and your work.
My second novel in a series is nearing completion and I’m experiencing the bittersweet winding down of beloved characters and their stories. Until I hooked up with critique partners whose opinions I value and cherish, I had no faith in my writing. I am grateful God put me together with these wise, kind and honest women that help me hone my gift. And keep my dreams alive.
🙂
Heidi, you are blessed with such a group, when your Critique partners both encourage you and are honest. That’s the best.
Thanks for the tips and encouragement. This is a huge one for me! Its a roadblock I need not work hard at getting over.
You’re welcome, Lisa. It’s nice to see you back here, commenting. It’s been a while; we’ve missed you. I hope adopting these habits helps to remove that roadblock.
Some days I criticize my writing. If I can criticize it, it needs improvement. Then I criticize the improvement in an infinite loop that’s never good enough. But, on other days, my writing is perfect and nobody had better tell nothing different, because it don’t need no improvement.
The problem is I oscillate between the two, never quite coming to equilibrium.
“And you’d better not call me schizophrenic, because I’m not.”
“Yeah, like he said, I’m not schizophrenic, really.”
Ha ha. You are quite normal in the author world, H.L. Hopefully, practicing these habits as you write, will help you find a positive balance.
“If you hear a voice within you say you cannot write, then by all means write . . . and that voice will be silenced.”
Anon E. Mouse
Amen, Donnie. Thanks for the quote.
Thank you, Mary, for this encouragement and reminder that every writer battles self-doubt.
Today I picked up bird by bird off my shelf and read it until I no longer heard the naysayers in my brain.
The writer’s life is much like the faith walk. You have to keep your eye on the prize and stay on the pilgrimage. No swimming or fishing in the Slough of Despond allowed.
Blessings ~ Wendy ❀
Bird by Bird is fantastic.
“I don’t think you have time to waste not writing because you are afraid you won’t be good at it.”
― Anne Lamott
So true, Wendy. It’s always a good suggestion to pick up a book about writing, but especially during times of self-doubt. Discovering an answer to a problem propels forward progress that dispels self-doubt.
Oh Mary, what perfect timing! Thank you for this helpful blog. Am I good enough? Little seeds of self-doubt have been edging away the determination I had forged onward with a refocus.
And Andrew’s quote is encouraging.
It has been a very long day. This is the best way to end the evening.
I am most grateful.
I’ll second the “long day”. I wound up with a hole in my hand…which is now swelled up so I get to type one-handed. Sheesh.
Winston Churchill once said, “When in despair, work on in despair”.
I think the same is true for doubt. When in doubt, above all, don’t quit, and don’t make any sudden changes in method or path.
Doubt is an emotion, and those pass, sometimes quite quickly.
Great quote, Andrew. Thank you for sharing.
I hope and pray that whole in your hand heals quickly and without infection.
You are such a writer to type away one-handed!
Thank you so much for this. I’m there now, reading my recent edits and thinking why did I write this book! Doubts can be the end of a writer if we let them so trying to push forward.
Hi Mary! Thanks! I needed this post. I’m in the query stage and it can be so hard to be patient and wait on the Lord’s timing. Doubt is definitely niggling at me right now. That’s when I have to take a deep breath, stop staring at my inbox, and trust my King will bring me the right agent at the right time 🙂