What are the chances you’ll become a successful fiction writer?
In our last post, we talked about Turning Rejections into Success and surviving artistic losses by benefiting from what they force us to learn.
Today, we will talk about becoming mentally and emotionally strong enough to push through moments where the prospect of going for the writing dream is too much to contemplate.
WHAT ARE THE ODDS THAT I’LL BECOME A SUCCESSFUL WRITER?
This question is paralyzing.
We think:
- How many writers are out there with the very same dream I have?
- What makes me think I will be the one to break through?
- I don’t have the time, energy, confidence, or freedom to go for it.
- So many are more talented than me. This is a waste of time.
On the other side of the spectrum, sometimes the thought of success is scarier than failure.
- What if this becomes a big deal?
- Will my marriage survive it?
- What will my parents think of what I wrote?
- I’m terrified of public speaking. What if they ask me to make appearances?
Either outcome is enough to keep our wheels spinning until the end of our days.
The key to stop sabotaging yourself with thoughts is to practice self-awareness. When you feel resistance to moving forward on your project, ask yourself …
- What is it exactly that I’m feeling? (fear, hopelessness, unworthiness, imposter syndrome)
- Why do I feel this way? (my partner criticized my work. My savings is dwindling, I’m intimidated by another writer)
- Is this true? (Not really. My partner’s criticism is unfounded. They don’t even like my genre. I can earn enough money to make this work. My writing is just as good as other writers for my audience.)
- What is the next right thing to do to bring me closer to completion? (Check your author plan, do the next thing on your list. If you don’t have a plan, make one. Or just sit down and write as much as you can, whenever you can, until it’s done.)
You do the work.
The future will take care of itself!
*******
We are pleased to invite all fiction authors (published or unpublished) to our annual Author Year End Review for 2023.
Now that we’re about to close out 2023, it’s important to process all that happened (or didn’t happen) for us as writers this year.
We need to find out what worked and what didn’t, so that we can double down on the things that brought us results and eliminate whatever is draining our time, energy, and creativity.
First, create your account at the Writers’ Mastermind and start your free 14-Day trial.
Then join us on Monday, December 18th, 2023 at 11:00 AM ET for a live virtual workshop on Zoom.
To check your time zone, click here: https://notime.zone/Nkup4MGfL0wS-
Current members are already registered.
Your Zoom link for the meeting will be sent to you before the call.
The call will be recorded and revisited in Y.E.R. 2024.
Let’s close out 2023 together!
Recent Comments