Six Writing Lies We Tell Ourselves
Lies?! I know, I know. I plastered a strong word in the blog title. While working on my first novel draft, I’ve found that I can get in my own way. Repeat non-truths to myself about writing and this whole big journey of creating and imagining and storytelling. Are any of these lies you’ve told yourself?
“My ideas aren’t original.” Stop this thought in its pesky little tracks. You, my friend, are original. At a writing conference I attended earlier this year, one of the speakers talked about how two people can be given the same prompt and come up with vastly different stories. It’s true. Maybe the story you’re writing right now isn’t working quite the way you want it to. It’s okay. The process is stretching you as a writer, challenging you. And it’ll lead you to something that DOES work if you don’t give up.
“I’m not talented enough.” As a musician, I’ve noticed a valuable lesson over the years. Talent only gets you so far. It’s the musicians who put in the hours, desire growth, pursue excellence, and continue working at their craft that excel. They’re the ones who receive opportunities, land gigs, and have long-lasting careers. The same can be applied to writing. Give yourself goals. Here’s one: Write 100 words a day. In one year, you’ll have written 36,500 words. That’s a lot of words. You’ll learn a great deal over that year. And develop a consistent writing routine. Anything worth pursuing is going to take effort.
“I want to be like [fill-in-the-blank].” It’s important and, I would say, necessary to have authors that we look up to and find inspiring. But once we start comparing, we’re dabbling in discouraging and unhelpful territory. Perhaps you’re comparing yourself to an author who writes action exceptionally well, and you feel like you don’t. Let their work inspire you to tone that writing muscle rather than letting it defeat you completely. We ALL have weak areas as writers, but I like to think that those areas give us something to work on. We bring something unique to the writing world, each and every one of us, with our current skill set.
“I have to be published.” Believe me, this is a pressure I have felt myself. I want to have a novel published. I do. That’s a goal of mine. But I’m actually learning to appreciate the writing journey. Finding joy when I write a paragraph I’m proud of, enjoying the fun dynamic between a cast of characters, and letting my imagination thrive in the fantasy world I’m creating. While having a novel published is a worthwhile goal, don’t let it strip away enjoyment as you craft your draft. Stay present and take on the immediate writing challenges instead of future publishing possibilities.
“My book must be a bestseller.” Oof, I’m attacking myself right now! I’ve thought this…a lot, if I’m being completely honest. If you’re working on a novel, my guess is you’ve also daydreamed about this. It’s a normal hope, but why are we adding unnecessary pressure on ourselves? Completing a novel is a monumental accomplishment in and of itself. There are numerous factors that turn a book into a bestseller, so don’t add that extra stress on your plate right now.
“My novel doesn’t matter.” If you’re working on a novel, you care about it. Thus, it matters. You’re a storyteller. What a gift! Don’t give up on that. If the draft is discouraging you, set it aside. Write a card to a friend who needs encouragement, craft a free verse poem, or create a short story about your day. Something that sparks different ideas, reminds you why you’re putting yourself through all this, and reignites the fire you had about your novel. Then come back and try writing another chapter.
Crafting a first draft is HARD. The process will be discouraging at times. There’s been so many days where I wonder why I’m doing all of this, contemplate if there’s a purpose to it, and shed frustrated tears. If you’ve ever felt anything similar, congrats! We’re normal. This is the life of a baby writer. Have compassion for yourself, patience in the process, and don’t lose hope about your writing dreams. Keep dreaming, keep working. It’s not about knowing the end result. We write because we’re passionate about the craft. No matter what writing lies circle in your brains, Friends, let this truth cut through the noise: your writing matters.
Your friend with a pen,
Kaitlyn