Overcoming Doubt For Writers

 

You Don't Have to Be Like The

 

   I had just finished working on my novel and decided to hop onto You Tube to relax for a bit. As I was scrolling through my home page I happened to notice an edit someone did on Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games. Even though I'm not a Hunger Games fan I know how popular the series is and found myself confronted by the strangest thought: My books will never be famous like the Hunger Games. This negative sensation I was feeling didn't make any sense, especially when lately I had been feeling pretty confident about the potential of my novel. But regardless of how strange the thought was, I hearkened to it and convinced myself that it was true - I would never be as well-known as Suzanne Collins.

    

     You see, I got caught up in the common trap of doubt that many writers - especially those who are just starting out - face. It's a slippery slope, and once you begin to slide, it's difficult to stop. First you might begin doubting your ability to be on the New York Times bestselling list, then you start to abandon your project and try writing other things, thinking the last one wasn't good enough, and then finally, you think that your writing in general is not worthy. Before you know, you've stopped doing the one thing you've been passionate about for so long. All because you compared yourself to another writer.

    That is why it is so important to be confident in the gift God has given you. It is so easy to get intimidated by the heroes of your genre, and struggling against doubt is going to be a constant battle for you as a writer, but don't let fear win. You are never going to know what you or your writing will become unless you push forward. 

    Let me tell you something and listen carefully. You aren't going to be the next C.S. Lewis, J. K. Rowling, or Stephan King. You are going to be the first    (your author name here)   . 

 

~Lydia R. Sherren