So today I wanted to share a little bit more of my journey to date with you, and briefly touch upon the ever present self-doubt.
Everyone is different. And although we share this common goal of writing, being published, and we go through a lot of similar situations, the experience is unique to each one of us.
I've been trying to write this novel for about 2 years now... yes, 2 years. You have no idea how much my outlook on things have changed since I started, and it's all for the better.
I honestly used to think I'd write the book in one month, send it out the next, and it would be published by the end of the year... yeah.. DOH... what rock was I living under, right?
I think there are a very, very lucky few of us who actually have a fairytale story of being being able to begin and end our journey in a matter of months because it just all worked out. And kudos to them :)
I started writing my novel back in November of 2008. Then I stopped. Scrapped it. Then started again in February of 2009, then scrapped it too and well... you get the picture.
The first time round I wrote 65k and it took me almost a year of blood and sweat, and then I scrapped it yet again.
Because I worried. And I kept doubting myself. I kept wondering if I was good enough. I'd read books and stories that seemed too similar to mine, and end up in full panic mode because I really loved my story and didn't want to have to change it.
The thing is... all this worry... all this self doubt, was just holding me back. And to be completely honest with you, I still have all these fears. I always will. I am human after all :)
The only thing that's changing (hasn't changed completely yet) is my attitude towards it all. And the fact that I'm allowing myself to move forward regardless.
Right now, I'm still writing that same story--it's changed quite a bit along the way, but it won't let me go.
So what if there's a story like yours?
So what if there are books out there better than yours?
There will always stories similar to yours and there will always be books out there better than yours... that doesn't mean you shouldn't try. It just means you should try harder, believe in yourself, and don't give up.
And remember, only you can write like you... regardless of what the story is.
So give that doubt a run for his money.
You've got it in you. It's your turn to shine :)
What do you guys do when you feel like doubt is threatening to take over? What's your journey been like so far? I'd love to hear your story :)
