Is this a normal feeling for someone who may be an aspiring writer?

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The Good Guy

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Jul 1, 2011
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To be really interested in learning the craft, someone who loves reading (especially fiction), willing to work hard, but at the same time have doubt? partially because they started at a young age (23). And also have low self-esteem, mainly with thinking of the idea 'i'll never be as good as so and so' and also having a hard time struggling with writing when not inspired (when King said read and write four to six hours a day- I found myself easily doing the reading part, but the writing part is one I feel like I'm struggling with). These are all things I'm currently facing right now, and I was wondering if any of you are facing or ever had similar problems and if so how you've dealt with them.
 

GNTLGNT

The idiot is IN
Jun 15, 2007
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...self-doubt is a very common issue when you're attempting something of importance...I still struggle with it anytime I make a nursing judgment or do a live appearance for the radio station...it means you care about your craft...it's when you become complacent you should worry...
 

PaulaS

Member
Feb 19, 2015
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To be really interested in learning the craft, someone who loves reading (especially fiction), willing to work hard, but at the same time have doubt? partially because they started at a young age (23). And also have low self-esteem, mainly with thinking of the idea 'i'll never be as good as so and so' and also having a hard time struggling with writing when not inspired (when King said read and write four to six hours a day- I found myself easily doing the reading part, but the writing part is one I feel like I'm struggling with). These are all things I'm currently facing right now, and I was wondering if any of you are facing or ever had similar problems and if so how you've dealt with them.

You need a dose of Brene Brown.. specifically on dealing with the gremlins. Google it. :)
 
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NRB

Member
Mar 11, 2015
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Eastcoast
I know this is an older post, but in any event, I suggest writing for fun. I feel there is less doubt when your having fun. If you want to sit and pick apart yourself and your art then slow down and write down your doubts with as much detail possible so you can identify the source, answer it, and move forward. Isn't the idea to have fun?
 
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blunthead

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Aug 2, 2006
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Atlanta GA
To be really interested in learning the craft, someone who loves reading (especially fiction), willing to work hard, but at the same time have doubt? partially because they started at a young age (23). And also have low self-esteem, mainly with thinking of the idea 'i'll never be as good as so and so' and also having a hard time struggling with writing when not inspired (when King said read and write four to six hours a day- I found myself easily doing the reading part, but the writing part is one I feel like I'm struggling with). These are alread and write four to six hours a day- I found myself easily doing the reading part, but the writing part is one I feel like I'm struggling with). These are all things I'm currently facing right now, and I was wondering if any of you are facing or ever had similar problems and if so how you've dealt with them.
I am a TAW (Total Amateur Writer), especially in terms of the art of fiction. The only real exercise I've had in the fiction realm has been here at the SKMB. I'm in love with it now. I don't read and write 4-6hrs/day, though it's also true I have no intention of writing a novel or even a short story.

What I do is...

1. Relax, which for me involves letting go of worrying about writing, and simply enjoy to...

2. Confidently allow my imagination to take over, which involves trusting it to take me wherever the story goes, which in turn means I must...

3. Be flexible so that I trust that if the story wants to do this or that I can let it.
 
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