Overcoming Obstacles in Writing: Struggles with Self-Doubt and Demotivation
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In a thought-provoking article, Swedish author Andrea Lundgren delves into the common pitfalls that writers often face when it comes to self-confidence. This piece, part of the Insecure Writer's Support Group blog-hop, encourages discussions about writing topics and aims to offer guidance to aspiring authors.
Lundgren begins by addressing the dual pitfall of both over-confidence and under-confidence in writers. She warns against using unfinished work or rejections as a sign to give up on writing, comparing such actions to using firewood. Instead, she encourages dedication to the craft and a willingness to grow in order to succeed.
The author emphasizes the importance of not giving up in writing, comparing a writer's journey to the growth of plants. Just as plants grow towards the light, a writer's self-confidence can also grow with persistence. However, doubts can be like weeds that uproot a fragile self, preventing growth. Lundgren advises not to believe every doubt, reminding writers that every reader and every agent is different, and what may seem awful to one person might not be bad to another.
Lundgren also encourages believing in oneself, drawing parallels between the publishing world and the natural world. Many publishing success stories show that books have been rejected multiple times before finding someone who believes in them. She reminds writers that if they are still writing, they are considered a writer, regardless of unpublished work, bad drafts, or extensive rewrites.
The author treasures positive feedback, reminding oneself of it, and holding onto it as a source of encouragement. She advises writers to keep a record of their accomplishments, no matter how small, as a reminder of their progress and potential.
In conclusion, Lundgren's article serves as a beacon of hope for writers who may be struggling with self-confidence. Her comparison of a writer to a plant suggests that continuing to write encourages growth. The only "writing failure" is giving up on the dream.
Lundgren's blog explores writing topics from a writer's perspective, offering valuable insights and advice for those embarking on their publication journey. The question of the month, "What pitfalls would you warn other writers to avoid on their publication journey?", is a testament to the ongoing discussions and support within the writing community.
