Steve Laube, president and founder of The Steve Laube Agency, a veteran of the bookselling industry with 40 years of experience. View all posts by Steve Laube →
I recently spoke with a friend who is 10 years younger than I am about this. Reading one of my novels has inspired her to write one of her own, as she has always wanted to. She doubts she can do it since she has no writing experience. I shared how it took years to develop my craft into what it is now and encouraged her to at least start writing some thoughts. I told her, “If you have the gift, it will happen!”
I have occasionally asked myself: Why do writers, confident in their idea, who even have strong support from peers and mentors, struggle with the satisfaction that their idea will indeed work?
And I have often concluded:
1. It’s human nature to wobble.
1. It’s human nature to second guess yourself.
3. It’s part of the writer’s life. Always.
Therefore, leaving the encouragement: Get used to disappointments. Drink lots of coffee. And just keep charging.
Yes, I can relate. I’ve spent a lifetime writing and accomplished precious little. But I still have hope. All I need to do is live to be 300-plus years old. Then maybe I’ll finish half of the project I have in my head and on scraps of paper in outlines and snippets. Hah!
Amen!!
This is so funny and so TRUE!
I recently spoke with a friend who is 10 years younger than I am about this. Reading one of my novels has inspired her to write one of her own, as she has always wanted to. She doubts she can do it since she has no writing experience. I shared how it took years to develop my craft into what it is now and encouraged her to at least start writing some thoughts. I told her, “If you have the gift, it will happen!”
Ahh, yes. I live there. It does help to know I’m not alone in these feelings though!
Writing for God is an awesome and terrible thing. Oh, the insecurity and security of being held and led by the hand of the invisible God.
This is what I do with paralizying self doubt:
https://tattooitonyourheart.com/2016/06/01/shut-up-satan-overcoming-writers-doubt-and-the-voices-in-my-head/
https://tattooitonyourheart.com/2016/06/09/talent-is-a-seed/
https://tattooitonyourheart.com/2016/05/03/waiting-for-perfect/
Yep. That about sums it up.
Oh, to go back to the days of simply being able to enjoy a book without studying the writing and lamenting my writing deficiencies. Ha ha!!
Whoever wrote that has been watching me through the window of my office!
Wow! True.
What comforting words. ;).
I have occasionally asked myself: Why do writers, confident in their idea, who even have strong support from peers and mentors, struggle with the satisfaction that their idea will indeed work?
And I have often concluded:
1. It’s human nature to wobble.
1. It’s human nature to second guess yourself.
3. It’s part of the writer’s life. Always.
Therefore, leaving the encouragement: Get used to disappointments. Drink lots of coffee. And just keep charging.
Ah, but at least, they can entertain themselves with their stories. Can you say daydreamers? We are, one and all.
Love it! Thanks for the laugh 🙂
Okay I hate you lol
What a chuckle!
Yes, I can relate. I’ve spent a lifetime writing and accomplished precious little. But I still have hope. All I need to do is live to be 300-plus years old. Then maybe I’ll finish half of the project I have in my head and on scraps of paper in outlines and snippets. Hah!
Ha! Too true.