I'd love to hear more about your journey here in the comments. Have you faced self-doubt in your writing? What ways have you found to help overcome it?
Holy crap. You nailed it on the head when you said that you get to the middle of the book, feel like it isn't working, and then start something new. I've written at least eight novels now and this happened with me while I was working on the last book in my series. I just felt like I wasn't writing it well enough and that it was 39,000 words of NOTHING good. I've moved it into the trash--and I've never gotten to that point where I truly felt like the story was so awful I had to delete it. I have since replotted and now I'm going with what I have, but I think next time I will force my way through the middle. This video was so so helpful, Sarra.
Ugh. I'm going through this right now. Instead of scrapping the story I've hired a developmental editor to look through the outline to make sure it's tight before I add more words (sitting at 12k right now as an *outline*).
I went through years of "shiny new idea" syndrome and never finished anything - then I discovered NaNoWriMo and used it to force myself to finish a first draft. The end result seriously sucked, but the experience gave me the confidence and skills I'd been lacking - I rewrote it from scratch and eventually sold it in a three-book deal :)
My self doubt is what stops me from writing my stories. I have a file box of ideas, partial drafts and bits and pieces. I literally have panic attacks. I'm a writing coward.
I've been trying to write a memoir for years. I must have deleted 4 or 5 drafts as I wasn't happy with it. I find it hard to know where to start and stop and it's hard to find my voice. They say if you want to write a memoir, to read lots of other memoirs, but that paralyses me because my standard isn't as good as theirs. I haven't overcome it yet, but I'll do what you suggest and just power through until I finish.
When self-doubt starts preventing my progress, I try to remember this: Don't get it Right, get it Written! In an interview, one screenwriting lecturer explained that every now and then he gives his class the instruction to write as badly as they can. Then they read their 'bad' writing to each other in class the next day and laugh at it. Then he tells them, 'See, even your bad writing is entertaining.' He makes them laugh at their own ego, and tells them 'Take pride in your bad writing.' When I take myself too seriously, I think about that.
Thank you so much for this video! I’ve actually been facing self-doubt while plotting my current work. I also had an editor that was negative all the time. She even used curse words in some of her comments. I parted ways with her and found freedom and felt my writing improved much quicker!
Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry you had that experience. No one should ever treat you like that, but it's especially hard hearing it from an "authority". I'm so glad you got out of that toxic relationship with your editor and are seeing that you are valuable!
I’ve been flip-flopping the past few days between feeling good and feeling terrible about my writing. I’m literally at the halfway point of my first, full novel. Three days ago I wrote a great scene and I felt great. Today I feel so blah. I will persist though! I believe in the story. Thank you for this video!
Thanks for the video. Everyone has their own process, mine is; sleep over it, delete the scene, skip the scene and most importantly rewrite. During the rewriting process most of the story plot elements fall into each other (In this case I throw away all the sentences and scenes that don't add to the experience)
I started grinning as you described that conversation with your husband - I've heard the *exact* same story about Neil Gaiman and his editor (in this case, it happened when he was writing "Anansi Boys"). Another bestselling author to add to your "everybody feels self-doubt" list! A good point, too, about lack of self-doubt indicating that maybe your writing isn't there yet. Classic example of the Dunning-Kruger Effect - or, as Shakespeare put it, "The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool" :)
Oh my gosh! I will have to seek out the story about Neil Gaiman. It's always hard to believe someone with that level of talent has doubts, but it's good to know it's normal and universal!
@@HeartBreathings I tracked down the place I heard it to an early episode of Writing Excuses (writingexcuses.com/2008/06/01/writing-excuses-episode-17-this-sucks-and-im-a-horrible-writer/). BTW if anyone reading this hasn't come across the Writing Excuses podcast yet, I heartily recommend it - especially from Season 6 onwards, when Mary Robinette Kowal joins the guys as a regular presenter
I've lost count of the number of notebooks I have, each representing a kernel of an idea or a partial manuscript. I get a great idea, start writing, writing, writing... and when I run out of steam, I abandon the notebook and move on to another. Your honesty lets me know I'm not alone, and your encouragement has fueled my motivation to stick to it and not give up when self-doubt sets in! 😊
When you said your husband told you to stop, I knew exactly what he was going to say, LOL! I think it's SO HELPFUL to have someone in our lives who can tell us things like that, because I think we all get so into our heads when we're writing that we lose awareness of ourselves and our patterns.
Okay, that was exceptionally helpful. I found out my major malfunction is finding out how to write, edit, take breaks, etc. and NOT APPLYING WHAT I'VE LEARNED. I can test to see if something works or if it doesn't, but I have to TRY IT FIRST.
I love your videos so much! Comparisons have been a problem for me, too, until I think about how far I've come. My books are meant to promote PTSD healing in a fantasy light, but impostor syndrome arises when I recognize I'll always struggle. That's not fair to me or anyone else. Even if you struggle, you can push through and do what's right for you. Disabled doesn't mean unable.
Just found you, so just commenting. I've worked through a lot of doubt and now have 6 novels self-published. What I'm finding is that my biggest self-doubt comes after they're published. I'm so proud of myself for having completed each book and now a series, but I haven't done any promotions because now my fear is that they just aren't good enough. I get down because no one is leaving me reviews, but it's because I haven't asked anyone to. Smh
This was great I was thinking of abandoning my story and moving on to another but this helped me see that my story needs to be finished. I also face self doubts when I read my rough drafts. Honestly watching videos like this helps a lot or talking about my story with a supportive friend or just reading about writing.
I have dreamt of being a writer since I was in high school, but I always thought I was inferior to others. I have been struggling going from idea to idea without completing any of my writing. I enjoyed your video so much, and I agree that it is this self-conscious self-doubt that overwhelms me. Your video taught me some good pointers to put into practice to finalize my first book. Thank you. Frances.
My self doubt isn't overcome, but I think I wrestle it in control. So every day that I actually write, some part of me is hopeful with this creativity. When It's out of control, I push the writing aside, then go on social media and getting further depressed because of book tubers' likes and dislikes or authors whose complaints overshadow their accomplishments...and my soul is open to all that negativity. It's a daily struggle.
This is a really good point, Mich. Social media is a really tough place, sometimes. Just know that you are valuable and talented and the world needs your stories!
I always feel that every book I am currently writing sucks about 2/3rds through. I am terrified to read it and it usually ends up sitting on my desk like a giant, hairy spider. But then I go back to read it and I'm surprised every time that all that plotting worked and it makes sense - not that there aren't things to fix and there aren't things for me to improve on, but it's never as bad as I'm fearing!
I feel like this on Every project ever!!! (I'm not a writer, but a programmer, but this still definitely applies.) Imposter Syndrome wreaks havoc on me in all my projects. This really helped. Thanks so much. I love all of your videos. (You planner addiction is almost as bad as mine..haha.) Thank you for all your tips. Keep it all comin'. You're awesome.
This video and your upcoming series on editing is EXACTLY what I need right now!! I almost wanted to take a break from editing my WIP, because I've been working on it for so long and I'm just exhausted, but I'm going to just keep pushing through! :)
I'm in the middle of writing my book at chapter 10 and am losing it with self-doubt. Can totally relate, although I get more angry than sad. The plot part is a nightmare.
You are one of my fav writers, Sarra, I loved the Fairhope series so much, I just couldn't put them down, I have never read something so fast as these books. I always have self-doubt issues when I start, after I started it starts to decrease, the first words, the first sell, the first everythings are what makes me doubt myself, the second time is always easier, at least for me. Thank you for this video! It helped me so much! Have a blessed day!
this is such a great video. When you were talking about ten years passing with a bunch of unfinished projects, I literally had to side-eye all of mine xD it's so accurate!! I did finish some projects, but then got stuck in the editing phase or what have you..... the grass always looks greener literally anywhere else during that 2/3 hump lololol
I go back and read old versions of my MS. It shows me how far I've come and the things I've learned. It proves to me that I can get better and my story can always get better. I am on Vs 4 and it now looks so much better than the first draft. It makes me excited to continue on.
This video pleasantly surprised me. I’ve just reached about half way through my novel and loved every minute. Knowing that even established writers such as yourself and King go through self doubt is enlightening. So, thanks for sharing!
I found your channel just three days ago as I'm struggling through plotting out my first novel and I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you. Thank you for being a light in the darkness.
Oh, I felt this video to the marrow. I recently put down another story because I don't think I'm at a good point with my writing to actually complete it. I think I have some growing up to do first, but I recognized that I always get a little wiggy around 20-30K into the draft and that's just how I work. Thank you for bringing us such an awesome video!
I discovered your channel only a few days ago. I found this video particularly relatable and helpful. I started writing in middle school and due to crippling self-doubt all I have to show for it is a handful of unfinished first drafts. Knowing that someone as successful as you (or Stephen King) feel the same way I do gives me hope. Thank you.
This is exactly what I've been struggling with for the past couple of weeks. It's really hard to just give myself permission to write terribly, but I'm working on it. Also, comparison is a big problem for me, so I'd really like to work on that, too. I love that you addressed this topic and provided useful, actionable tips for how to deal with it, because I feel way more motivated to get back up and try again now. Thank you!
This is incredibly supportive. I know it interweaves into other areas of my life too, especially the comparison aspects of it. I often get that way when there are many options and deciding which one to work on at the time vs work ethic and self deadlines for multiple projects can be hard. I find that continuing to write and make those 25 minute sprints count each day does help, and being able to track them simply also means at the end of the month I can look back and see where I did my best, and that simply writing and working towards those goals and tasks helps with the doubt. I think my biggest doubt comes when I don't do the writing, because it gives me more time to thought stack and create self stories.
I can't even say how helpful this is right now! It speaks right to all my insecurities about writing. Love your encouragement to just commit and get through it. Thank you!
Your video is so inspirational! Thank you for sharing. I currently am trying to write more...usually poetry and short stories. I did a lot more writing with my 4th grade class. At one point I wanted to be a YA author and they were the best audience! Now I am retired, which is nice, but I’ve been feeling very unmotivated without my kids. The theme of your video really touched me. Thank you. I can’t wait to get my pen and paper out! 💜 -Christine
Sarra, I am so thankful for people like you who give back no matter what. I have been following you from early on, and have noticed how consistently helpful you stay whether 100 people are watching you or 1000. Your videos give me hope. I am not even a writer, but I have found that your advices are applicable to various points in life. I just found out I have been waitlisted in a programme I was really, really hoping to get into, and this video kept me from getting into the rut I was almost slipping into. Thank you very much ♥️
Such awesome advice! I definitely struggle with self-doubt and mostly I get attacked by it during the rough draft period. I've found during this past year that the Nano WriMo/Camp Nano's are the best times for me to start a rough draft because I do keep that "I don't care attitude" and just write those words. However, now I'm struggling with self-doubt during editing and even though I'm a professional editor, editing one's own book is totally different, so I'm really looking forward to your editing videos, I think they will be so helpful! Thanks so much for sharing!
I'm currently suck in a middle of writing my first completely original book, and this really helped. Thank you so much for uploading this! I hope you have a nice day!
Most of the time I feel like Ralphie writing his theme. But sometimes I finish a chapter and I here the loser buzzer. Lol This helped a lot I have those feelings at similar times as yourself.
That helped me so much. I definitely relate. I actually got that Alanis song in my head, right before you quoted it. The line she used was originally from a Robert Frost poem. 😃💝
I think the person who said: "If you're going through hell, keep going", was Winston Churchill. This post is just for me. And I haven't done anything, yet! 😳
I’ve been watching your videos on and off for a few months now, and I really love the advice you offer, along with the messages behind your videos. As a fellow writer, your content appeals to me greatly. I’m also a new subscriber!
My struggle is having one idea, then getting an idea in another genre that grabs me really hard and takes over all my thoughts. :( I need to work on that. :) As far as comparing yourself to other authors and how fast they write, keep in mind - James Patterson and Stephen King put books out frequently but George R.R. Martin takes years for one book. That doesn't make his less of a book that ones by Patterson and King. :)
Sarra, this has been helpful. I am a first year doctoral student and have had a supervisor in the past who told me that I am a horrible writer. I often hear her voice in my head when I am trying to write papers for class. I dwell on it so long that I end up with nothing on paper. I end up with a mental block and can't get the stuff out of my head onto paper. With this procrastination, I have missed deadlines and then start freaking out because I've started writing so late and have run out of time. Since I have been in the business world for over 25 years, my professor made the comment that business writing is concise and that academic writing you must elaborate. That is another area that I get stuck on and have self-doubt. How do I elaborate/expand my writing? My last paper was short a page and an hour late. How do I go about expanding to increase my paper length? Thanks.
Hey! I think I said this in another video but not sure where I wrote it... but I really love your videos and would love if there was an MP3 version or especially a podcast version where I could chuck pep talks like this on when I'm walking/ running etc
I have self doubt nearly all the time! I keep thinking my story is not good enough, but I try and push those nagging thoughts aside. Phew! It’s an uphill struggle at times! Lol
Heart Breathings I think it’s about realising your potential and aiming to achieve those goals.. I completely agree with allowing yourself to be crap! Lol. When you feel you’re at a “ dead-end”, just free-writing and penning whatever comes to mind really does work! Sometimes just looking at a particular scene at a different angle can make all the difference! Tnx for your words of encouragement! Love your videos! 💖
thanks 4 the tips my sister author. some these tips might help us authors with mental illnesses. my army service caused me to have huge depression. also, a very hateful former friend caused doubt, stress n depression. he personally ayttacked me on amazon, but my book also have a good review. if you believe in prayer, please pray for me. also, i'd be cool for yur books to be adapted to movies n tv shows. have a great nite.
I have depression as well as BPD. I find it hard to stick to anything. So writing is difficult to do on a daily basis. Do you have any advice for people with mental health problems?
I know you wrote this a year ago but I have severe anxiety, agitation and focus problems. The only way I can write a book is to break it down into teeny tiny steps. So I use a beat sheet for plotting, so lots of bullet points breaking down the plot. Then I tend to write a scene a day. I try to take it day by day instead of thinking ahead to a huge, completed novel. Just 1000 words a day (my personal goal). And then every time I finish my daily writing, I jot down what I'm going to be writing the next day so I'm never just staring at a blank screen and not knowing what to write and getting stressed. Hope this helps you or someone else :)
No disrespect but I think your editor was way out of line. They work for you; not the other way around. How do I know? I was an editor for years. Saying derogatory things is unprofessional - and a quick way to lose business in any field cause...people talk. No matter how bad the work is, there are better ways to communicate without being nasty. Sorry you went through that. This was an awesome video, thanks for sharing. ♥️
I'd love to hear more about your journey here in the comments. Have you faced self-doubt in your writing? What ways have you found to help overcome it?
Holy crap. You nailed it on the head when you said that you get to the middle of the book, feel like it isn't working, and then start something new. I've written at least eight novels now and this happened with me while I was working on the last book in my series. I just felt like I wasn't writing it well enough and that it was 39,000 words of NOTHING good. I've moved it into the trash--and I've never gotten to that point where I truly felt like the story was so awful I had to delete it. I have since replotted and now I'm going with what I have, but I think next time I will force my way through the middle. This video was so so helpful, Sarra.
Ugh. I'm going through this right now. Instead of scrapping the story I've hired a developmental editor to look through the outline to make sure it's tight before I add more words (sitting at 12k right now as an *outline*).
I went through years of "shiny new idea" syndrome and never finished anything - then I discovered NaNoWriMo and used it to force myself to finish a first draft. The end result seriously sucked, but the experience gave me the confidence and skills I'd been lacking - I rewrote it from scratch and eventually sold it in a three-book deal :)
My self doubt is what stops me from writing my stories. I have a file box of ideas, partial drafts and bits and pieces. I literally have panic attacks. I'm a writing coward.
I've been trying to write a memoir for years. I must have deleted 4 or 5 drafts as I wasn't happy with it. I find it hard to know where to start and stop and it's hard to find my voice. They say if you want to write a memoir, to read lots of other memoirs, but that paralyses me because my standard isn't as good as theirs. I haven't overcome it yet, but I'll do what you suggest and just power through until I finish.
When self-doubt starts preventing my progress, I try to remember this: Don't get it Right, get it Written!
In an interview, one screenwriting lecturer explained that every now and then he gives his class the instruction to write as badly as they can. Then they read their 'bad' writing to each other in class the next day and laugh at it. Then he tells them, 'See, even your bad writing is entertaining.'
He makes them laugh at their own ego, and tells them 'Take pride in your bad writing.' When I take myself too seriously, I think about that.
Omg I love this, what a great instructor 😄
Thank you so much for this video! I’ve actually been facing self-doubt while plotting my current work. I also had an editor that was negative all the time. She even used curse words in some of her comments. I parted ways with her and found freedom and felt my writing improved much quicker!
Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry you had that experience. No one should ever treat you like that, but it's especially hard hearing it from an "authority". I'm so glad you got out of that toxic relationship with your editor and are seeing that you are valuable!
I’ve been flip-flopping the past few days between feeling good and feeling terrible about my writing. I’m literally at the halfway point of my first, full novel. Three days ago I wrote a great scene and I felt great. Today I feel so blah. I will persist though! I believe in the story. Thank you for this video!
Oh my gosh, sometimes it's like clockwork! You can do this, and I'm sure it's brilliant! Keep going!
Thank you! ❤️ I love your videos. You are so down to earth, and I appreciate your content. 🤗
At 18 minutes into your video, the bit about writing crappy words. It is so true! You just need to keep moving forward. So important.
Thanks for the video. Everyone has their own process, mine is; sleep over it, delete the scene, skip the scene and most importantly rewrite. During the rewriting process most of the story plot elements fall into each other (In this case I throw away all the sentences and scenes that don't add to the experience)
I started grinning as you described that conversation with your husband - I've heard the *exact* same story about Neil Gaiman and his editor (in this case, it happened when he was writing "Anansi Boys"). Another bestselling author to add to your "everybody feels self-doubt" list!
A good point, too, about lack of self-doubt indicating that maybe your writing isn't there yet. Classic example of the Dunning-Kruger Effect - or, as Shakespeare put it, "The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool" :)
Oh my gosh! I will have to seek out the story about Neil Gaiman. It's always hard to believe someone with that level of talent has doubts, but it's good to know it's normal and universal!
@@HeartBreathings I tracked down the place I heard it to an early episode of Writing Excuses (writingexcuses.com/2008/06/01/writing-excuses-episode-17-this-sucks-and-im-a-horrible-writer/). BTW if anyone reading this hasn't come across the Writing Excuses podcast yet, I heartily recommend it - especially from Season 6 onwards, when Mary Robinette Kowal joins the guys as a regular presenter
I've lost count of the number of notebooks I have, each representing a kernel of an idea or a partial manuscript. I get a great idea, start writing, writing, writing... and when I run out of steam, I abandon the notebook and move on to another. Your honesty lets me know I'm not alone, and your encouragement has fueled my motivation to stick to it and not give up when self-doubt sets in! 😊
I can hear you!
When you said your husband told you to stop, I knew exactly what he was going to say, LOL!
I think it's SO HELPFUL to have someone in our lives who can tell us things like that, because I think we all get so into our heads when we're writing that we lose awareness of ourselves and our patterns.
You are so right about this! It's like we are just too close to it to be logical! Haha.
Okay, that was exceptionally helpful. I found out my major malfunction is finding out how to write, edit, take breaks, etc. and NOT APPLYING WHAT I'VE LEARNED. I can test to see if something works or if it doesn't, but I have to TRY IT FIRST.
Needed this today. Thank you.
I love your videos so much! Comparisons have been a problem for me, too, until I think about how far I've come. My books are meant to promote PTSD healing in a fantasy light, but impostor syndrome arises when I recognize I'll always struggle. That's not fair to me or anyone else. Even if you struggle, you can push through and do what's right for you. Disabled doesn't mean unable.
Just found you, so just commenting. I've worked through a lot of doubt and now have 6 novels self-published. What I'm finding is that my biggest self-doubt comes after they're published. I'm so proud of myself for having completed each book and now a series, but I haven't done any promotions because now my fear is that they just aren't good enough. I get down because no one is leaving me reviews, but it's because I haven't asked anyone to. Smh
This was great I was thinking of abandoning my story and moving on to another but this helped me see that my story needs to be finished. I also face self doubts when I read my rough drafts. Honestly watching videos like this helps a lot or talking about my story with a supportive friend or just reading about writing.
I have dreamt of being a writer since I was in high school, but I always thought I was inferior to others. I have been struggling going from idea to idea without completing any of my writing. I enjoyed your video so much, and I agree that it is this self-conscious self-doubt that overwhelms me. Your video taught me some good pointers to put into practice to finalize my first book. Thank you. Frances.
My self doubt isn't overcome, but I think I wrestle it in control. So every day that I actually write, some part of me is hopeful with this creativity. When It's out of control, I push the writing aside, then go on social media and getting further depressed because of book tubers' likes and dislikes or authors whose complaints overshadow their accomplishments...and my soul is open to all that negativity. It's a daily struggle.
This is a really good point, Mich. Social media is a really tough place, sometimes. Just know that you are valuable and talented and the world needs your stories!
I always feel that every book I am currently writing sucks about 2/3rds through. I am terrified to read it and it usually ends up sitting on my desk like a giant, hairy spider. But then I go back to read it and I'm surprised every time that all that plotting worked and it makes sense - not that there aren't things to fix and there aren't things for me to improve on, but it's never as bad as I'm fearing!
I feel like this on Every project ever!!! (I'm not a writer, but a programmer, but this still definitely applies.) Imposter Syndrome wreaks havoc on me in all my projects. This really helped. Thanks so much. I love all of your videos. (You planner addiction is almost as bad as mine..haha.) Thank you for all your tips. Keep it all comin'. You're awesome.
My husband is a programmer, and I see the doubt he goes through too. I guess it's universal when we are creating!
This video and your upcoming series on editing is EXACTLY what I need right now!! I almost wanted to take a break from editing my WIP, because I've been working on it for so long and I'm just exhausted, but I'm going to just keep pushing through! :)
Sarra, you are like a friend who takes me by the hand and tells me that everything will be alright :) Thank you so much!
I'm in the middle of writing my book at chapter 10 and am losing it with self-doubt. Can totally relate, although I get more angry than sad. The plot part is a nightmare.
I am going to have to watch this every day as a pre-writing ritual. Really inspiring and motivating.
Thank you, thank you for this video. It's difficult as a new writer because my taste in books and my skill are miles and miles apart.
You are one of my fav writers, Sarra, I loved the Fairhope series so much, I just couldn't put them down, I have never read something so fast as these books. I always have self-doubt issues when I start, after I started it starts to decrease, the first words, the first sell, the first everythings are what makes me doubt myself, the second time is always easier, at least for me. Thank you for this video! It helped me so much! Have a blessed day!
This means so much to me, thank you!! And thank you for sharing your experience, too.
this is such a great video. When you were talking about ten years passing with a bunch of unfinished projects, I literally had to side-eye all of mine xD it's so accurate!! I did finish some projects, but then got stuck in the editing phase or what have you..... the grass always looks greener literally anywhere else during that 2/3 hump lololol
I go back and read old versions of my MS. It shows me how far I've come and the things I've learned. It proves to me that I can get better and my story can always get better. I am on Vs 4 and it now looks so much better than the first draft. It makes me excited to continue on.
Thank you so much for this advice. I always self doubt when I am writing. Then I try to talk myself out of it.
This video pleasantly surprised me. I’ve just reached about half way through my novel and loved every minute. Knowing that even established writers such as yourself and King go through self doubt is enlightening. So, thanks for sharing!
I found your channel just three days ago as I'm struggling through plotting out my first novel and I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you. Thank you for being a light in the darkness.
Oh, I felt this video to the marrow. I recently put down another story because I don't think I'm at a good point with my writing to actually complete it. I think I have some growing up to do first, but I recognized that I always get a little wiggy around 20-30K into the draft and that's just how I work. Thank you for bringing us such an awesome video!
I am feeling overwhelmed today with so many things, including my writing. I needed to hear this video today. Thanks!
I discovered your channel only a few days ago. I found this video particularly relatable and helpful. I started writing in middle school and due to crippling self-doubt all I have to show for it is a handful of unfinished first drafts. Knowing that someone as successful as you (or Stephen King) feel the same way I do gives me hope. Thank you.
*Thank you.* 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
journeling was my favorite
You’re glowing, Sarra!
This is exactly what I've been struggling with for the past couple of weeks. It's really hard to just give myself permission to write terribly, but I'm working on it. Also, comparison is a big problem for me, so I'd really like to work on that, too. I love that you addressed this topic and provided useful, actionable tips for how to deal with it, because I feel way more motivated to get back up and try again now. Thank you!
This is incredibly supportive. I know it interweaves into other areas of my life too, especially the comparison aspects of it. I often get that way when there are many options and deciding which one to work on at the time vs work ethic and self deadlines for multiple projects can be hard. I find that continuing to write and make those 25 minute sprints count each day does help, and being able to track them simply also means at the end of the month I can look back and see where I did my best, and that simply writing and working towards those goals and tasks helps with the doubt. I think my biggest doubt comes when I don't do the writing, because it gives me more time to thought stack and create self stories.
I can't even say how helpful this is right now! It speaks right to all my insecurities about writing. Love your encouragement to just commit and get through it. Thank you!
Your video is so inspirational! Thank you for sharing. I currently am trying to write more...usually poetry and short stories. I did a lot more writing with my 4th grade class. At one point I wanted to be a YA author and they were the best audience! Now I am retired, which is nice, but I’ve been feeling very unmotivated without my kids. The theme of your video really touched me. Thank you. I can’t wait to get my pen and paper out! 💜 -Christine
Sarra, I am so thankful for people like you who give back no matter what. I have been following you from early on, and have noticed how consistently helpful you stay whether 100 people are watching you or 1000.
Your videos give me hope. I am not even a writer, but I have found that your advices are applicable to various points in life. I just found out I have been waitlisted in a programme I was really, really hoping to get into, and this video kept me from getting into the rut I was almost slipping into. Thank you very much ♥️
Such awesome advice! I definitely struggle with self-doubt and mostly I get attacked by it during the rough draft period. I've found during this past year that the Nano WriMo/Camp Nano's are the best times for me to start a rough draft because I do keep that "I don't care attitude" and just write those words. However, now I'm struggling with self-doubt during editing and even though I'm a professional editor, editing one's own book is totally different, so I'm really looking forward to your editing videos, I think they will be so helpful! Thanks so much for sharing!
This video had perfect timing for me. Thanks for tips and motivation.
Thank you!
Thank you for this video!
Your videos are inspirational.
I'd love to hear more about your critique group. How did you find them? How often do you send them stuff or they send you? Thanks!
I'm currently suck in a middle of writing my first completely original book, and this really helped. Thank you so much for uploading this! I hope you have a nice day!
So happy you found this helpful!! Those middles are tough, but you can do this!!
@@HeartBreathings Thanks, That means so much coming from you!
Oh wow! What a great and inspiring video! Thank you thank you 🙏
Most of the time I feel like Ralphie writing his theme. But sometimes I finish a chapter and I here the loser buzzer. Lol
This helped a lot I have those feelings at similar times as yourself.
Thank you so much!!!
Such a positive video! Thanks for sharing your tips Sarra!
Great tips and truths.
Thank you
Fantastic video! And btw your skin looks amazing!! ❤
Thank you!!
That helped me so much. I definitely relate. I actually got that Alanis song in my head, right before you quoted it. The line she used was originally from a Robert Frost poem. 😃💝
Yay! I'm so glad to know that, because I always figured it must have come from something but I didn't know where! Thank you!
@@HeartBreathings You're welcome. 😃💝
Really helpful video! Thank you so much.
I think the person who said: "If you're going through hell, keep going", was Winston Churchill. This post is just for me. And I haven't done anything, yet! 😳
I’ve been watching your videos on and off for a few months now, and I really love the advice you offer, along with the messages behind your videos. As a fellow writer, your content appeals to me greatly. I’m also a new subscriber!
Hi!
Thank you so much Janet! This means a lot to me.
You look great, happy pregnantcy to you - and ty for this lesson, too
My struggle is having one idea, then getting an idea in another genre that grabs me really hard and takes over all my thoughts. :( I need to work on that. :) As far as comparing yourself to other authors and how fast they write, keep in mind - James Patterson and Stephen King put books out frequently but George R.R. Martin takes years for one book. That doesn't make his less of a book that ones by Patterson and King. :)
This is such a good point!! And you're not alone in the struggle to stick to one story or genre!
Thank you.. This helps alot... :D
Sarra, this has been helpful. I am a first year doctoral student and have had a supervisor in the past who told me that I am a horrible writer. I often hear her voice in my head when I am trying to write papers for class. I dwell on it so long that I end up with nothing on paper. I end up with a mental block and can't get the stuff out of my head onto paper. With this procrastination, I have missed deadlines and then start freaking out because I've started writing so late and have run out of time. Since I have been in the business world for over 25 years, my professor made the comment that business writing is concise and that academic writing you must elaborate. That is another area that I get stuck on and have self-doubt. How do I elaborate/expand my writing? My last paper was short a page and an hour late. How do I go about expanding to increase my paper length? Thanks.
Thanks, this was really helpfull :)
this was a wonderful talk. thank you for being so vulnerable and authentic. cheers!
Hey! I think I said this in another video but not sure where I wrote it... but I really love your videos and would love if there was an MP3 version or especially a podcast version where I could chuck pep talks like this on when I'm walking/ running etc
I don't have this available right now, but I've been wondering considering starting a podcast! Good to know someone would be interested!
Love, love, love this video! Thank you so much for all your advice!❤️❤️❤️
I have self doubt nearly all the time!
I keep thinking my story is not good enough, but I try and push those nagging thoughts aside.
Phew! It’s an uphill struggle at times! Lol
It really is! Just know that you are not alone, and it's totally normal. It doesn't mean that it's true. You are better than you know!!
Heart Breathings
I think it’s about realising your potential and aiming to achieve those goals..
I completely agree with allowing yourself to be crap! Lol.
When you feel you’re at a “ dead-end”, just free-writing and penning whatever comes to mind really does work!
Sometimes just looking at a particular scene at a different angle can make all the difference!
Tnx for your words of encouragement!
Love your videos! 💖
This is so great, thank you!
thanks 4 the tips my sister author. some these tips might help us authors with mental illnesses. my army service caused me to have huge depression. also, a very hateful former friend caused doubt, stress n depression. he personally ayttacked me on amazon, but my book also have a good review. if you believe in prayer, please pray for me. also, i'd be cool for yur books to be adapted to movies n tv shows. have a great nite.
This was so helpful, thank you! 💜
I have depression as well as BPD. I find it hard to stick to anything. So writing is difficult to do on a daily basis. Do you have any advice for people with mental health problems?
I know you wrote this a year ago but I have severe anxiety, agitation and focus problems. The only way I can write a book is to break it down into teeny tiny steps. So I use a beat sheet for plotting, so lots of bullet points breaking down the plot. Then I tend to write a scene a day. I try to take it day by day instead of thinking ahead to a huge, completed novel. Just 1000 words a day (my personal goal). And then every time I finish my daily writing, I jot down what I'm going to be writing the next day so I'm never just staring at a blank screen and not knowing what to write and getting stressed. Hope this helps you or someone else :)
@@HolziWolziWooo Thank you
i do lots of online classes i can find one writing
No disrespect but I think your editor was way out of line. They work for you; not the other way around. How do I know? I was an editor for years. Saying derogatory things is unprofessional - and a quick way to lose business in any field cause...people talk. No matter how bad the work is, there are better ways to communicate without being nasty. Sorry you went through that.
This was an awesome video, thanks for sharing. ♥️
Thank you for the kind words! It was a critique partner, not an editor, who said those things to me, but it was still a hard thing to process!
When you're feeling the weight of self-doubt, remember, only mediocre writers are always at the top of their game. ;)
Thank you