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At some point we have to trust in ourselves as writers. Honestly? I think it took me longer than other writers to do this – and my trust is still growing.
I think this trust can happen at any point: during your first manuscript, your fifth, or maybe it won’t happen until your tenth. Before that trust happens we might rely on writing crutches whether it be over-editing, over-plotting, an addiction to rewriting, cutting our best scenes or snippets based out of fear. It will be different for everyone.
Even though I’m not doing Nanowrimo, I’m rounding into the last stretch of a first draft of a new series (possibly) and I’m fighting to trust in my muse and let go of my crutches.
With this story, I’m letting go, jumping off the cliff and letting the wind hold me up. I’m trying my hardest to trust in the story, the characters and how they reveal themselves to me. My theory is that our best writing, our best stories will come when we fully trust ourselves and let go.
And fly.
What about you? Do you struggle with this kind of trust?
I’ve been having some trust issues myself lately — facing the third book in a series. I worry about wrapping this up with style and flair and a really big bang. I worry about new characters who are still mushy on the page.
I need to trust that it’s okay for the first draft to be weak and that once I get it written, I’ll see exactly where I need to fix it.
Trusting myself enough to let the writing stink at first … that’s what I’m working on.
Trusting the first draft – always a challenge esp. when we want it to look polished!! 🙂
Self trust and self belief is a continual evolution for writers; at least it is for me. Your first few statements really hit home with me. How do I stop questioning myself? Did I make the right decision with my situation at the time? Blah …. As you can see, I’m still working on it. 🙂
I’ll always be working on it, I’m pretty sure!
Like Sheri, I’m still working this all out. I’m more in the doubting myself stage these days. But I’ll try to work on trusting myself more.
I’m not sure if the doubting stage ever goes away completely. I read blog posts by authors I love expressing doubt and I”m like, what?
I have to be careful with this. When I’ve let my self/writing go, I end up with a big mess that needs heavy editing and restructuring. Though once I have my story figured out, then I can let myself go. (Hmm. that doesn’t sound quite right. lol)
Spread your wings, lady! I loosely structure my stories and give the characters license to lead the way. Sometimes they drag me down a new or unexpected avenue, and periodically I have to pull them back and point down the right path. Enjoy it, eh?
In the early stages of a novel, I have trouble trusting myself and my writing skills. Even when it’s done and polished, I can still have moments of major doubt! But by the time I click “Publish”, I’ve pretty much reached the point where I can say, “I know I’ve done the best job I could do.”
Good luck with trusting your muse!
Love the idea with the newsletter! 🙂
And I’m right there with you on this trust thing. It’s different for each manuscript too. I’m feeling pretty good about one, but the other I still don’t trust myself, my plot, or my characters to make the story what it needs to be. Of course, I keep on writing because I’m hoping I’ll find what I need to fix things (or find out it’s not as bad as I think).
I love this advice. I’ve been brainstorming a new project and fighting doubt every step of the way. Must trust that I can do it!
I agree, I think our best writing comes from the heart when you don’t worry about any constraints or any expectations and see where it leads you.