by Jennifer Chastain, @JenniferCwrites
I don’t know about you, but for the past couple of years, I’ve ridden a rollercoaster of emotions as I’ve gotten closer to publication. Trying to stay positive while receiving a rejection is, frankly, tough. The odd thing is, I’ve been able to deal with rejection. But the one area I struggle with lately, as a new author, is that I’ve allowed some unwelcome thoughts to take root. I call it “Writers Doubt.” Believe me, it’s real and as writers we all struggle with this.
The range of emotions I’ve been experiencing swing from “man, when I wrote that scene, I was on fire!” to the opposite end of the spectrum, “This stinks. I can’t believe how bad this is,” to my favorite, “nobody is going to want to read my book.” Or “if they do read it, they won’t like it” and the worst one of all, “I’ll never be published.” I find that I dwell on the negatives, I stay unmotivated.
All these sneaky thoughts can derail my writing goals.
So how do I combat these thoughts? Here are some suggestions that have helped me:
- Gratitude. Counting my blessings changes my entire perspective.
- Remember your calling. If God has placed in you the desire to write, who am I to say “no”? If my book only reaches one person, it will still be worth it. I guess we think our words don’t matter, but they do. I posted something the other day that really made me stop and think. “Never think that what you have to offer is insignificant. There will always be someone out there who needs what you have to give.” As writers we can replace the word “give” with “write.” Someone out there needs to read your story.
- Find a Support or Critique Group. Seek encouragement from other writers. Find a writers group, either online or in your hometown. Sometimes I need a good push from other writers.
- Writer Friends. Finding friends who are also writers, is a huge plus. No one else can empathize quite like another writer! No one else knows the daily struggles we face as we try to balance work, home, family, and writing life. If you’re not a member of an MBT Huddle, sign up. It’s a great way to connect, receive encouragement and prayer for this crazy writing journey.
- Don’t compare yourself to others. How many times have we heard this at writing camps, writing retreats, writing conferences, from other seasoned writers, etc. I admit it, I’m human. I’m going to do this at least once a week! Seriously, though, what am I accomplishing by comparing myself to another author? Other than becoming discouraged and quit, comparison only hurts one person, yourself. And I’m pointing four fingers back at myself. This is a dangerous trap to fall into. You and I have completely different and unique writing voices. Tell your story. Don’t try to pen your prose in the style of your favorite author.
- Finally, stay optimistic. It’s contagious.
I hope these words have encouraged your heart today. I just want to leave you with one last thought: “Someday, you’re gonna be somebody’s favorite author.”
Don’t give up. Hold fast to God’s calling on your life.
Jennifer Chastain writes contemporary Christian romance novels set in small southern towns with themes of redemption, grace and second chances. A Yankee transplant, she has embraced all things Southern. Well, almost everything except sweet tea. Jennifer’s debut novel releases on November 6, 2020. Married for more than twenty-five years, she and her husband make their home in the beautiful state of North Carolina with their rescued black cat.
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