Unlocking Your Inner Author: 4 Strategies to Overcome Self-Doubt and Write Your Friggin' Book Already
Your story has the power to inspire, educate, and uplift others within your community and beyond. But first, you have to overcome self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism. Here's how.
Yes, you are a writer. If you post on social media, pen letters to friends, journal, or even send long voice messages talking about your life to the group chat, then you are a storyteller, which means you’re also a writer.
But being a writer isn’t enough to become an author.
What’s the difference between a writer and an author?
Writing is accessible, easy, and something we do subconsciously every day. Most of us are writers and don’t even realize it.
Authorship tends to refer to writing something in long-form – like a book, essay, or collection – and therefore requires longer term commitment.
To write is easy. To be an author takes perseverance, dedication, and overcoming obstacles.
You possess a unique perspective shaped by your lived experiences, struggles, and triumphs.
And, you also possess a unique set of obstacles, doubts, and barriers that come in the way of you feeling confident in telling your story.
You are confident and strong AND also full of societally places self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and this idea that we have to be perfect – especially if you’re from a historically silenced, oppressed and marginalized community.
Both/and.
Below are four strategies for overcoming self-doubt that are especially tailored for those of us who have been silenced for far too long.
Four ways to overcome self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism as an author:
1. Embrace Your Unique and Authentic Voice
Society often tries to silence the part of us that is most important to embrace.
Every time you were told to shut up, every time you were told to sit down, every time you were told to shrink – that is all a silencing.
To become an author, you’re doing to have to tap into that inner child who didn’t yet have a teacher, parent, stranger, police officer, boss, etc. tell us that it was unsafe to be your true authentic self.
As an author with multiple marginalized identities who teaches writing to people from all walks of life and has decades of experience in this field, I can tell you this: straight, white men aren’t asking if there’s a point to telling their story.
They’re not pointing out the other books like theirs that already exist. They’re not wondering if people would want to read it. They just assume they have something important to say, and then say it. Loudly. To everyone around them. Even if we don’t want to hear it. Even if it harms and oppresses us.
You get to be as loud as that guy. Your story and voice matter just as much as his – maybe even more. Because your story matters now more than ever.
As politics become even more homogenized and polarized, each of our unique, authentic voices are needed to help other see things from various perspectives, have empathy, and build bridges in our community and world.
To have a positive impact on this world, it is essential to recognize that there is tremendous value in sharing your authentic self with the world.
Whether you're writing fiction, memoir, self-help, non-fiction, or poetry, your voice matters, and your story deserves to be told.
Embrace the richness of your experiences, embrace your unique perspective, and trust that your authenticity will resonate with readers on a deep and meaningful level.
Looking for a place to find and use your authentic voice amid a group of diverse and supportive writers? Check out my Write Your Friggin’ Book Already® program.
2. Cultivate Self-Compassion and a Practice of Self-Care
The journey to becoming a published author is fraught with challenges, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt. Anyone who tells you it’s easy is probably trying to sell you a get rich quick scheme. And sure, some people win the lottery, but most of us have to work for the rewards.
While writing a book isn’t easy, there can – and should! – be ease to the process. But you can only get to that place of ease if you cultivate self-compassion and practice self-care.
That means embracing the fact that “the work” includes rest. Which is why we have breaks built into our Write Your Friggin’ Book Already® program (WYFBA).
That means understanding you’re in it for the long-haul and this is going to take longer than you want it to. Which is why we have lifetime membership in WYFBA.
That means working through the overly critical voice in your head that will compare yourself to others and be overly critical of your work. Which is why we have camaraderie, coaching and mentorship to support the practical and the psychological blocks in WYFBA.
Self-compassion and self-care are essential tools for navigating the ups and downs of the creative process. Treat yourself with the same kindness, understanding, and encouragement you would offer to a dear friend facing similar challenges. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and remember that imperfection is a natural part of the creative process.
By cultivating self-compassion and a practice of self-care, you can silence your inner critic and approach your writing with greater confidence and clarity.
Looking for a book writing program that has self-care and compassion built it, while also holding you accountable to doing the damn thing? Check out my Write Your Friggin’ Book Already® program.
3. Set Goals That Take Your Life Into Consideration
There are as many ways to write a book as there are books, so no one plan is right for everyone. You have to pick the book journey that works best for you and your life.
Whatever your book journey, when you’re setting your goals, remember to take these five things into consideration:
Break it down into drafts. Thinking about your published book can feel like looking at the top of Everest and trying to get there immediately. Instead, focus on the step in front of you and getting to the next rest point.
Walk away and rest between drafts. This will not only help you to not burn out, but it will also give you a mental break to help return to your book with fresh eyes.
Give yourself hard deadlines with rewards. Procrastination hits all of us at some point, and deadlines are a great way to make sure we actually do the damn thing. I don’t like deadlines with consequences and instead like to build in rewards like dinner out or a trip to the mountains when I hit my deadlines.
Build in buffers. Giving yourself longer breaks than you expect to need between drafts will allow you to have a bit of a buffer if you happen to run behind those deadlines.
Be flexible. Life is going to life. Making a plan that takes situations coming up into account from the beginning will help you keep going when they do.
Whatever your goal, remember to take self-compassion and self-care into account when you’re setting it. Writing a book is a marathon, so remember to plan equally for the sprints and the rest.
Looking for a book writing program that helps you set realistic goals based on your life and has both craft and structure built in? Check out my Write Your Friggin’ Book Already® program.
4. Surround Yourself with Support from People Who Understand Your Life Experiences
Navigating the challenges of writing a book can feel daunting, but you don't have to go it alone – in fact, you shouldn’t.
You are 92% more likely to achieve a goal if other people know about it and help hold you accountable to doing it, according to the The American Society of Training and Development.
Accountability on its own isn’t enough – you need a support team that gets your own unique journey.
Here are the three types of support I suggest having:
Coaching from someone who has been there before. Check out this post on how to find the right coach/mentor.
Camaraderie from your peers on the path with you.
Classes, coursework, and/or books to help you learn both the craft and practical aspects of the book writing process.
If you want to finish a book, not just start one, seek out a supportive community of mentors and peers who understand your unique struggles and triumphs. Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you, and don't hesitate to lean on them for guidance, encouragement, and feedback when self-doubt creeps in.
Sharing your experiences with others can provide valuable perspective and reassurance, reminding you that you're not alone on this journey.
Looking for a diverse group of supportive writers all cheering each other on as you write your book? Check out my Write Your Friggin’ Book Already® program!
Writing a book is a powerful act of self-expression, resilience, and community-building.
By embracing your authenticity, cultivating self-compassion, setting realistic goals, and surrounding yourself with support, you can overcome self-doubt and unleash your inner author.
Your voice matters, your story deserves to be told, and the world is waiting to hear it. Embrace the journey, trust in your abilities, and believe in the transformative power of your words.
Because the world needs your story now more than ever.