Do You Worry You Won’t Succeed As A Writer?
Do you worry you won’t ever succeed as a writer?
I do. Despite how far I’ve come, despite the goals I’ve reached, some days I wonder if those people who want me to quit are right. Some days all I can see is how far I still have to go. And lately, I’ve been struggling with a lot of fear.
This week, I had the privilege of reviewing an advance copy of Jeff Goins’ You Are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One) for a 100-page metaphorical kick in the rear. (We all need those once in a while.)
If you follow Jeff’s blog, you know that he melds practical tips with inspiration. Even though I normally prefer practical tactics I can immediately put to use when it comes to writing advice, in this case, I think the real value of this book lies in his insights into what it takes to succeed as a writer.
I can’t sum up the whole book for you (you’ll have to get your own copy), but here are the top four tips I walked away with for what it will take for writers like you and me to reach our dreams.
(1) “The only person you need to worry about writing for is you” (pg. 27).
This isn’t new advice. We’ve heard numerous times not to write for a trend and to write what we enjoy reading. But it goes deeper than that, and I think the take-away in what Jeff has to say comes from his reasons for writing for ourselves first.
Writing for ourselves first is the only way to be authentic. We all want people to like us, but if we focus on trying to do whatever it takes to make them like us rather than just being ourselves, it’s going to show. We’ll come across as fake, and that will drive people away.
Thousands of other people are struggling with what you’re struggling with. This means that if you write about what appeals to you, it will appeal to other people as well. Always ask yourself, “If I hadn’t written this, would I want to read it.”
You’ll find your voice quicker. If you’re only worried about writing for you, the pressure of impressing everyone else goes away and all pretenses drop. Your voice has a lot to do with being comfortable in public and allowing your personality to come through.
(2) “A brand is who you are. But it’s more than that. It’s your truest self. The part people remember” (pg. 46).
We don’t brand ourselves the same way that businesses or products do because our brand includes our name, our personality, our unique quirks, and our voice, as well as our genre. Your brand is you. No lies. No games. No tricks.
Through your brand you make a promise to people about what they’ll get when they interact with you in person or in writing. I want people to know exactly what they’ll get when they come to my blog and website. In fact, I worry that I’ve split my brand too far by including both writing posts and fantasy/science fiction posts. (I’d love to have you weigh in on that in the comments.)
Brand goes beyond that though to my personality. If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time, you know I’m a bit quirky and that I love to pick things apart to see how they work and what truth is hiding behind them. I’m all about hope. And I like to help. That’s me in a nutshell. That’s also my brand.
(3) “Content is not king. Relationship is” (pg. 78).
I have a feeling some bubbles just popped. What do you mean content isn’t king?
You have to have good content. It’s foundational. But you can have good content, and work yourself to exhaustion, and if you don’t have relationships with people who will spread the word about your great content, no one will come to read it.
(4) “You never fully arrive” (pg. 93).
There’s always room for improvement even for writers who are on the New York Times bestseller list. Rather than getting cocky once you’ve achieved your definition of success, keep striving to get better.
Be sure you check out Jeff’s website and pick up a copy of his new book You Are A Writer.
You are a writer if you write. But do you wonder if you’ll ever feel like a success?
I hope you’ll check out the newly released mini-books in my Busy Writer’s Guides series–Strong Female Characters and How to Write Faster–both currently available for 99 cents.
Apr 25, 2012 @ 07:55:40
I definately have those doubts too. I worry about my writing talent, whether my ideas are good enough, about writing crap. Pretty much all the aspects. Sometimes writing feels like an act of masochism 🙂 But so cathartic when you get it right.
Thank you for the teaser of Jeff’s book. His blog is great and now we get a whole book of his voice and advice. Yes, please!
Apr 25, 2012 @ 09:52:29
I started to write about how I find judging the merit of my ideas to be the most difficult, but then I realized that would only be partially true. It seems like I doubt whatever part of writing I’m currently most focused on. Right now, I’m plotting, so I’m doubting my ability to come up with good ideas. Once I start writing, that will shift to doubting whether I have the ability to create something worth reading. I think this self doubt is very much a part of any artistic career. At least we’re in good company 🙂
If you like his blog and his voice, then you’ll also like this book. I felt like it achieved the right balance between practical and inspirational, which is a really tough thing to do.
Apr 25, 2012 @ 09:16:36
I love the advice to write for ourselves! I’m sure I’ve heard it before, but never quite like that. Now I totally get it! Thanks!! I see what you could mean about feeling split. It seems to me that most of the people who comment on blogs are also writers, so having writing posts are helpful for that. But, as a reader, I LOVE your other posts. I don’t normally read sci-fi, but I love how you blend it with real life issues and lessons. That tells me that I will want to read your books, even if they are the only sci-fi books I read. Maybe, once you are big and famous, you can cut back the writing posts because your fans will want to read the other posts. Just a thought.
Apr 25, 2012 @ 09:47:45
Thank you! 😀 I like the idea of keeping the writing posts at least for now because I know I have a lot of readers who also write, but in the future, I think it’d be nice to be more reader centric and focus on the scifi/fantasy stuff. I guess I just have to keep an eye on my audience and see what’s happening. Thanks so much for weighing in 🙂
Apr 25, 2012 @ 09:29:27
Thank you for this post. It can get murky – all that believing in youself and such! A neat and concise reminder to keep it real with your inner critic is fabulous advice.
I’m blessed with very supportive family – often my worst enemy is my own self doubt. But I also think it keeps me striving to grow, learn, increase my knowledge and skill set – and that’s a positive aspect to that worrisome trait. Ha.
I’ll feature a link back to this post – hope you don’t mind! :}
Apr 25, 2012 @ 09:44:43
I’d love to have you link back 🙂 I’m glad you liked the review.
Self doubt can be a double-edged sword. Like you said, a small amount keep using pushing and learning, but if it grows to large, it starts to trip us up.
Apr 25, 2012 @ 09:34:51
Oh, so true at times, yes! Sometimes I wonder HOW to get my book in front of people and be successful in that avenue.
I do write for myself first with no one else or trends in mind. It gets validated when good reviews start to come in, but then it gets frustrating when you feel you arent reaching your target audience. Success as a writer to me equals writing full time and making enough money to quit my part time freelance job. I dont think its a lofty goal but at times it seems impossible – especially with the traditional publishing models, meaning I wont know how many books I sell or see what money I’ve earned for SIX MONTHS. So how do I know if I am even creating success in my promotion? Right now that is where I have my most doubts.
That and wondering if I can write a sequel that people will like. Can I write something again people will enjoy reading? I guess, bottom line is we just need to 1. keep writing 2. write for ourselves 3. work hard at the best promotion we can do – then hope fate steps in and rewards us for our hard work!
Thanks for sharing Marcy and letting me share (err – rant) 🙂
Apr 25, 2012 @ 09:57:04
Your share-rant really expressed what I think a lot of us feel, so I’m glad you wrote it 🙂 I know I’ve wondered if I’ll turn out to be a one-book wonder. If I’m able to create that amazing first book, will that be the best I ever do or will I be able to keep exceeding what I’ve already done. (I actually often feel the same even about a blog post that people really connect to.) I think you’re spot on when you said the best we can do is to keep writing and working hard and trust our instincts–especially given the delay that comes with traditional publishing where we can’t get instant feedback on whether what we’re doing is working or not.
Apr 25, 2012 @ 10:04:31
I love #3! I’m going to have to keep that one in mind 🙂 Especially when I’m struggling with the thoughts that I’m never going to make it as an author, which is about every night at 3am…
Apr 25, 2012 @ 18:00:10
Hehe. You’re a sturdier soul than I am to be up at 3 am. I lose the ability to form coherent sentences around 9-10 pm.
Apr 25, 2012 @ 10:13:40
I used to struggle with fear of success—both obtaining it and not. Thankfully, that fear has dwindled big time as my experience accumulates. And since I believe we are successful when we pursue our passions, I’ve got the s-word down. 😉 I have lofty dreams and goals, of course, but don’t feel crippled by them. I still take things personally and maintain sensitive/thin skin. But I value these, too. Hopefully one day I won’t be as hard on myself, while keeping that sensitivity.
What’s most important to me is growing in my craft and doing #2—LOVE that. I imagine that’s a WIP that goes on and on…
Thanks for another great post, Marcy! For what it’s worth, I believe in you BIG time. 🙂
Apr 25, 2012 @ 18:06:14
I really love the concept that we’re successful when we pursue our passions. That’s a message I need regularly.
I’ve been thinking about thick-skin vs. thin-skin in a writer a lot lately (I think I might do a blog post on it). So often we’re told we need to have a thick skin, but I wonder if a certain amount of sensitivity isn’t actually necessary for us both as writers and as people.
P.S. It’s worth a lot 🙂
Apr 25, 2012 @ 11:38:59
Every day of my life, lol! I constantly worry if I’m overreaching, if my ideas are too big, if I can really pull of this plot, if I’m just not capable of being in it for the long haul. I struggle with fear of failure constantly, and while getting the contract helped, it also brought on a whole new onslaught of fears.
Fortunately, I have a great crit partner and strong support network to kick me in the butt. And I’ve taken the view that I can always improve as a writer, no matter how many contracts or good reviews. To me, that’s one of the great things about writing.
Apr 25, 2012 @ 18:13:07
You’re right. Our ability to always improve and evolve in our craft is one of the greatest things about what we do. And our support system is crucial. I’m so grateful for my husband and for the friendships I have with other writers who understand the peculiar struggles of this career path.
Apr 25, 2012 @ 12:43:13
Marcy, you and Jeff hit the nail right on the head.
No matter what business we want to build, self-doubt rears its ugly head.
I say, “Don’t listen to the voices. Keep writing.”
Apr 25, 2012 @ 18:13:40
Indeed! We’ve only really failed if we stop writing and give up 🙂
Apr 25, 2012 @ 12:45:18
Beautiful post Marcy and wonderful tips and tricks to think about. I love the idea of learning to write for yourself. I think that is key in silencing some anxieties and outside influences – if I am writing just for me and the pure joy of writing, I would worry a lot less about some of the things that come into play right now (will anyone want to read this idea, is this strong enough, is there even a market for this…) Love it! GREAT post and just what I needed to read today!
Apr 25, 2012 @ 18:18:09
I’m so glad it helped 🙂 Learning to write for myself first is one of the lessons I’m constantly learning. Some of my ideas that are in a drawer are ones I came up with trying to fit into what I thought the market wanted. It didn’t work. I think the authenticity and creativity we find when we write only for ourselves is what so appeals to people once we place what we’ve written in front of the world.
Apr 25, 2012 @ 12:49:30
You are so good at getting your message across. I do write for myself, first and foremost. I doubt myself often. Thankfully I have a strong network around me that believes in me and that helps keep my resolve strong.
I think like the little engine that could. I keep on trekkin’. That’s the only way to get where I want to be.
Apr 25, 2012 @ 18:19:30
I love the analogy of the Little Engine that Could. That’s really the key, isn’t it. We just need to keep chugging forward 🙂
Apr 25, 2012 @ 13:52:00
I loved this post. Most, if not all, of us go through this. Some doubts are temporary, others, permanent.
A few months ago I found peace because I change my definition of “success as a writer”: if you’re writing, and you like the act of writing, then you already succeeded.
Apr 25, 2012 @ 18:36:43
What a wonderful definition of success. August has a really great one up above as well. It seems like it’s key to figure out how we each define success rather than allowing someone else define it for us 🙂
Apr 25, 2012 @ 14:26:28
Thank you for posting a teaser of Jeff’s book, Marcy. And I love the top 4 tips you’ve selected. Most – if not all – of us feel those doubts at one point or another. Sometimes mainly when we can’t figure out why a scene’s not working, or when we get back pages and pages of critiques.
I think the key is most definitely to continue writing for ourselves first and foremost. You can’t make it anywhere unless your true to yourself, and even if you succeed somehow, you won’t be happy unless you aim to please only yourself. Please others never leads to anything good.
Apr 25, 2012 @ 21:05:18
I love specific feedback on critiques, but it still stings 🙂
I’m guilty very often of trying too hard to please others. I’m trying to find that balance between caring for others and looking out for their best interests while also staying true to myself. Fortunately, when it comes to writing, pleasing ourselves is the most important thing 🙂
Apr 25, 2012 @ 14:34:34
Sounds like a wonderful book, Marcy. I love your writing. I think variety is always good, so write what you want on your blog. Write for yourself, right? If you like it, I’m sure we will, too!
Apr 25, 2012 @ 21:05:48
Thanks, Lynn 🙂 I guess I need to trust my instincts more 🙂
Apr 25, 2012 @ 15:01:49
Writing fiction is one of the only things I’ve ever received consistent positive feedback on – my problem is whether people are willing to look past me enough to read what I’m writing. If what resonates with me will touch anyone else.
Apr 25, 2012 @ 21:06:51
I don’t think you stand in the way of people reading what you write. A lot of people are looking for what you have to offer in what you write.
Apr 25, 2012 @ 15:56:03
All very good points, Marcy. Staying true to yourself is so important especially when critique partners or contest judges give feedback that seems to suggest change beyond what is true to you (or me). It’s hard to find that balance. Of course if enough people tell you that something’s not working with your manuscript you should take heed, but where to do draw the line between what to change and what not to so you don’t lose you? That’s what I struggle with.
As far as your blog posts being two-focused – I think that’s who you are. You’re not just about writing, or just about science fiction, you’re both. So keep doing what you’re doing because it’s who you are!
Hope that helps!
Thanks for sharing what you learned from the book.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
Apr 25, 2012 @ 21:11:42
Jami Gold recently had a great post on trusting our instincts when we receive feedback: http://jamigold.com/2012/04/why-does-feedback-hurt-so-much/
Jody Hedlund did too: http://jodyhedlund.blogspot.ca/2012/04/2-tests-that-can-help-writers-sort.html
It can be very difficult to know where the line lies.
Thanks for the advice. I am both a writer and a science fiction/fantasy fan, so this blog does reflect much about who I am by giving both 🙂
Apr 25, 2012 @ 16:05:50
I am totally a people pleaser, so the “oh please, like me” mentality trips me up in my writing life much more than worrying about success. (I’ve never been big on “success”, but that’s another story entirely)
I do like the point about connecting being important. I’ve been to blogs where there are a million comments (ok, not a million) and I know it had more to do with the way the author connected to his/her audience than writing style or the information.
Thanks for sharing!
Apr 25, 2012 @ 21:19:43
I think there are a lot of us people pleasers hanging around 🙂 I do care about success (which is tied to my people pleasing in a lot of ways), but I think how I define it is probably vastly different from how the wider society would define it. Since it’s my definition, I think that’s totally allowed 🙂
I don’t think blogging would be worth it if it wasn’t for the relationships and connection. That’s really what makes this fun and fulfilling for me. If I got a truckload of hits but no comments, I’d really miss hearing from people.
Apr 25, 2012 @ 17:03:38
Yes I worry, but I don’t know what to do about it other than to keep on moving forward–even if it’s a tiny shuffle! 🙂 I think you do a great job of blending real life with the topic of writing Marcy!
Apr 25, 2012 @ 21:20:27
I don’t think there is much we can do other than keep shuffling forward 🙂 And thank you for the lovely compliment!
Apr 25, 2012 @ 17:12:56
I enjoy Jeff’s posts, Marcy, and I’m sure I’d enjoy the book, too. Thanks for reviewing it here.
Apr 25, 2012 @ 21:20:57
Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Apr 25, 2012 @ 19:06:29
Thank you for introducing us to Jeff, Marcy! I love how your honesty comes through your writing voice. You draw people to you and make them feel comfortable. It’s funny. I like to write things I would like to read. I also think it’s important to be true to ourselves. I think it would show through in our writing. The hard thing for me is putting myself out there. And now that I’ve been sick for a while I have this nightmare that I’ll be writing to myself. Alone. I feel so out of touch with everyone. It was great to see you Marcy! Take care. 🙂
Apr 25, 2012 @ 19:44:16
We all get sick or have things in life that throw our writing off track, and it can definitely leave us feeling isolated. So much happens online anymore. Let me know when you have a new post up, and I guarantee you won’t be writing to yourself because I’ll come by for a visit and tweet it out.
Apr 25, 2012 @ 20:45:19
I’ve started saying “Why not me?” After all, if I can blog regularly, then i can do anything LOL thanks for sharing Jeff’s insights
Apr 25, 2012 @ 21:07:48
Blogging is such a great training ground and confidence booster, isn’t it 🙂 I draw such courage from having this place to share, help, and interact.
Apr 26, 2012 @ 04:37:11
Hi Marcy,
Sorry for not coming by lately, but April has been a bear.
Thank you for this kick-in-my-butt (also) post about reminding me what is important as a writer. I recently have thought of a new idea for my next writing project.
It is something I would like to read and a genre that I am very familiar with (& the subject I know a lot about). I immediately started thinking, Will other people want to read this? Is this subject over-done? Do I really know a lot about this time period? And so on.
I am relatively new to fiction (I was an academic writer), and so that self-doubt chimed in. Actually, I had a regular chorus of bells around me 🙂
But your post reminded me again of the importance of being authentic when it comes to our writing, forming relstionships, and branding. Basically, if we really be ourselves in every aspect of this process then we will succeed. (Hopefully!) See there is another self-doubt bell chiming in! 🙂
Monique
Apr 26, 2012 @ 22:26:36
Don’t you worry at all. Life can stomp on all of us once in a while, and I know that you can’t always tell which of your days will be good ones and which will be bad. I’m pleased any time you stop by.
And it sounds like you’re on the right track. This business is always changing so the best we can do if write what we love.
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[…] Marcy Kennedy addressed this exact thing in her blog on Wednesday, when she reviewed Jeff Goins soon-to-be- released book; You Are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One). In a nutshell, we need to be true to ourselves and write the stories we want to write. We can’t write to please other people because then we’re conforming. We’re not letting our voices be heard. Instead we’re trying to be an imitation of ourselves…and originals are always better. […]
Apr 26, 2012 @ 21:33:01
Very nice…and timely…post, Marcy! I worry about that every day. Probably most of us do. But it won’t stop me from writing because I’ve loved writing for most of my life.
Is Mr. Goins book for sale now? I checked out his site but didn’t see it. I did buy The Writer’s Manifesto, but didn’t see the other.
Apr 26, 2012 @ 22:22:43
It should be available any day now. I’ll be updating this post with a link as soon as it is, and I’m sure it will be announced on his site.
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Apr 29, 2012 @ 00:48:40
This is a very helpful and timely post as I’ve been struggling with my own self-confidence as a new writer. I worry too much about *how* to write instead of *what* to write. You’re right, ‘content isn’t king’ kinda blew my mind. But I’m glad because I’ve recently learned that very well-known authors have tackled the same subject that I’ve endeavoring to write about–and in very similar ways.
I have learned to write for myself, in my own way, and it helped me find my voice. People who read my stuff have complimented me on my style, my dialogue, and my ability to form relationships. That gave me the confidence to push forward and work on all the other stuff. 🙂
May 01, 2012 @ 18:21:46
I follow Jeff’s blog too, so I can’t wait to purchase & read his new work. I’m glad you got to read an advance copy — it’s really cool that two bloggers I follow are helping each other out!
Andi-Roo /// @theworld4realz
http://www.theworld4realz.com/
theworldforrealz@gmail.com
May 09, 2012 @ 13:53:02
good read. I don’t don’t that I will succeed as a writing (I’ve already seen a small measure) I just get impatient and worry that I’ll get discouraged.
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May 22, 2012 @ 07:00:30
[…] post by Marcy Kennedy with some tips on how to face writing fears based on Jeff Goins’ book You Are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One). Share […]