Am I a real writer now???

Imposter syndrome:  "Imposter syndrome (IS) is a behavioral health phenomenon described as self-doubt of intellect, skills, or accomplishments among high-achieving individuals." This definition is straight from the NIH (National Institutes of Health).

I've always heard the term and have known the basic definition BUT didn't know it was among "high-achieving individuals" supposedly.

I'm fairly open with my mental health. Good days. Bad. Weird. It's whatever. And I don't struggle with imposter syndrome often...but when I DO...ugh.

"They" (other authors):

More fans

More books published

More connections

Farther along than I am

All over the news

More sales

FILL IN THE BLANK

What do I do when this happens?

First...I take a deep breath. In through the nose...out through the mouth. About five of these bad boys. 

I remind myself that every journey is not the same. This is important. I've been through it. I'm still working through it. I'm proud of myself. Periodt.

I love the connections I have. I'll make more over time through my work and other book conferences and conventions.

EVERYONE is somewhere different on their author journey. This is a good reminder.

I am where I'm supposed to be right now. I'm a firm believer in this one. Keeps me grounded and thankful.

It's easy to be downtrodden when you think, perhaps, you've not lived up to some expectation in your head or compare yourself to someone else's highlights. Part of that is human nature. But we have the capacity to remind ourselves how amazing we truly are. We can look back at OUR journey and marvel at accomplishments. We have every right to have pride in what we can and are capable of. Don't dismiss yourself out of hand. 

Don't dismiss yourself at all. 💖

Am I a real writer now? 

I was a real writer the moment I tapped key to monitor with intention back in 2005. Now? I simply need to remind myself of it.

Crystal*

Solitary pursuit

I often forget that writing is a solitary pursuit.

You sit in front of a screen and transcribe all the ideas that flow through your cranium.  No one else need even be in the same room.  And, if you're like me, you prefer it that way.

But when you finish a story???
You want to shout it from the rooftops!  You want banners and parades and people.  You want everyone to read those words that you labored over so intensely.  You, at this point, want to share.
But you kind of don't.

Let me explain.

Writing, as well as reading, is subjective.  Not everyone will like everything.  I've given a work to three different review sites.  One loved it.  One liked it.  One thought it was meh.

You must develop a thick skin for any business.  But I will add that it best be EXTREMELY thick in any creative business because that business is basically...YOU.

Whether it's the words or designs or art, it's all part of you.  And when someone looks at part of you and doesn't like it.  Well now.  That sort of stings, doesn't it?

Rise above it.
Sure.  It's easy to say and hard to do.  But it bears repeating.  RISE ABOVE IT.

Because the only person that matters when it comes to expressing what you love is you.  Become your own critic, if you can.  Examine your work with a critical eye.  Is the story too wordy?  Are the colors too dark?  Do the patterns clash?

I find it best to step away from a finished work for at least a month and write on something else.  It clears my palate and allows me to view the work from a distance when I reengage.

Do not let the mortal coil wrap around you and drag you down.
Disengage and rise above.
Your work will be the better for it.

Always writing*