When I decided I wanted to start writing for a living, my main obstacle was self-doubt. I put off sending pitches to editors and publishers because I thought I should wait until I was a better writer. The trouble is that I am my own worst critic, being a perfectionist comes as naturally to me as breathing. Therefore I often never feel good enough and fail to even start because of this self-doubt.
Never Being Good Enough To Start Writing
I worried about being wrong about my writing ability. What if, like those people on Britain’s Got Talent (who are so utterly convinced that their playing of the triangle is legendary), I’m actually completely off-tune and not at all entertaining? I worry that my spelling and grammar isn’t as good as it could be. What if I just haven’t got what it takes?
I thought to myself, I could do a writing course, to give me a flawless grasp of the English language. Then I would surely feel worthy of showing my writing to publishers. However, this would take a long time and I think, knowing me, I would still doubt that I was ready.
To Become a Writer You Must Start Writing!
Thanks to the wise Jeff Goins, I realised that waiting to be ‘good enough’ was the least helpful way to go about things. In his book, ‘You are a writer so start acting like one’ Jeff talks about practising in public*. What he means by this, is that although developing writing skills is important, the crucial thing is that I must put my words in public.
Facing The Doubt – Putting My Words Out There
My practising in public started with submitting short stories to magazines. I had an idea that was where my future as a writer may lie. However, I had no luck with that avenue. Then, I turned to what I was already doing well, content on mental health and LGBT topics. Eventually, I began to receive some acceptance emails. It filled me with huge joy, to see my first piece published!
What practising in public has given me, is far more than published work. By bravely putting my words out there, I have gained confidence and self-belief in my writing. Importantly, practising in public has helped me to find my path as a writer. I am so grateful to Jeff for that wise and direct book as it really has changed my life.
Next Steps
I am still experimenting and feeling my way forward. As a writer, I am still finding my feet on this path and the direction has changed a lot since I began. However, the act of practising in public is one I still fully embrace. Being brave and risking new things is the only way to find yourself and your direction. Most importantly, it feels good to know my writing is no longer hiding inside a harddrive!
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Catherine H McGrew
Yes! Be brave! Develop a thick-ish skin (rejection wise), and keep sending your stuff. If your little blurbs on this space are any indication, your writing rocks! Sending love and light dear friend.
Finlay Games
What a lovely comment! Thank you so much you have no idea how much your kindness helps in making me persevere!
Ruth Livingstone
A good idea to submit. Perfection is never achieved. The late, great Ray Bradbury used to submit a story a week. The first year, he got every one rejected. The second year, he had a few successes. The third year, he was getting regular acceptances. I tried to follow his example, but only kept it up for a few weeks! Good luck with the submissions.
finntheinfinncible
Thanks so much Ruth! Perseverance is key!