1. Writing a near-perfect first line on the first try. (It will never happen, will it? Sigh.)
2. Believing that even their worst ideas are worth considering.
3. Figuring out how to write when there are 5,000 other things going on, almost always all of equal importance (or so it seems).
4. Not letting imposter syndrome stop them from reaching their goals.
5. Worrying about what other people might think of them/their writing.
6. Feeling like they still aren’t “good enough” and never will be.
7. Quieting their self-doubt just enough so that they can concentrate on the stories they’re desperately trying to tell.
8. Asking for help.
9. Not letting other people’s negativity or criticism stop them from writing.
10. Reminding themselves why they wanted to start writing in the first place … and letting that drive them forward even on their toughest days.
11. Facing their fears and writing about/doing things that absolutely terrify them.
12. Remembering that in one way or another, hard work does pay off. Eventually.
Meg is the creator of Novelty Revisions, dedicated to helping writers put their ideas into words. She is an editor and writer, and a 12-time NaNoWriMo winner. Follow Meg on Twitter for tweets about writing, food, and Star Wars.
A great list.
Thank you for highlighting the many problems that we writers face! I myself suffer from 6 doubting that I am no good and never will be???