Are you sure you're a writer??

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   lorlie6posted 12 years ago

   I've been going through some self-doubt recently and wonder if I am alone.  Sometimes it just seems so overwhelming.
   Thanks.

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   travelespressoposted 12 years ago

   Hi Lorlie
   Those thoughts can overwhelm you, but only if you let them.  Get rid of the parrot on the shoulder squawking at you.
   
   Sometimes our own thoughts are so negative and say things to us that we would never say to another human being. 
   
   Be kind to yourself and believe, believe, believe.

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   kimberlyslyricsposted 12 years ago

   You seem to do pretty well with all thar doubt, meant as a compliment.
   
   I suspect any writer doubts and feels alone more often than let on, and if you see me with 12 hubs in 6 months, completely not me why?  overwhelmed by too many things so i'll chill, just give yourself a break, clearly aware i am in no position to offer advise
   
   pps
   
   yes iam lorlie6 for those still asking me, hence the 100 score
   
   whatever, at least get creative
   
   be well lorlie, i mean me
   
   out.

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   sofsposted 12 years ago

   HI Lorie, Wow to hear that from you, Travel is right why do you even listen to such crap your mind flinging at you, just look at your scores lady it speaks for itself..and perhaps the hundred scores of those following you... sorry haven't read your work but I can say this You cannot be lousy and reach where you have reached!! Go on throw those out of the window,relax, enjoy yourself and soon you will be brimming with confidence. Go easy on yourself. (((hugs))))

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5. 75

   lorlie6posted 12 years ago

   I really appreciate your thoughts, but sometimes it just seems like too much. 
   The inner editor is hard at work!
   She's the most awful bitch I've ever had to deal with.  I'm pretty sure my writings don't really suck, but simple confidence is lacking.  Today!

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6. 75

   lorlie6posted 12 years ago

   I think this is really a bit of self-pity, but I'm not sure what to do with it-perhaps write through it???

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7. 80

   sofsposted 12 years ago

   YuP, no better medicine than that.. beat that b*&%$ back into submission and show her who is master here.

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   1. 75

      lorlie6posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      THANKS, sofs, that's exactly what's called for!

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   sofsposted 12 years ago

   Lol now you go back and punch the mirror out. lol

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9. 75

   Diane Insideposted 12 years ago

   I'm sure I can write, not sure its any good. 
   I'm sure I have a story, not sure it translates.
   I'm sure I know more than I did, not sure it's enough.
   I'm sure I know more than you, not sure of what.
   I'm sure I have what it takes, not sure of what it takes.
   
   Am I a good writer? I'm sure, I am not sure.

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10. 75

    lorlie6posted 12 years ago

    Thanks, DI, and sofs, I will be punching out the mirror, for it's only a reflection of myself.  I only know that the HP algorithm seems to enjoy my stuff...sometimes!!!
    

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    sofsposted 12 years ago

    Hey, just kidding, now don't you get serious on that!!! 
    Hope you are feeling better now!

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    1. 75

       lorlie6posted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks, sofs-I'll get over this shit-soon!

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12. 75

    lorlie6posted 12 years ago

    I did not know they would censor my words!  Good thing. 

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13. 80

    sofsposted 12 years ago

    I guess all you need is a break and some good rest...ha that brings me to point.. have you slept at all, all night  ... it was your bed time a long while ago I guess... Take care.

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       lorlie6posted 12 years agoin reply to this

       You are so very right, sofs.  A break and good, good sleep are what is in order.
       I appreciate the feedback and the advice.
       

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14. 67

    waynetposted 12 years ago

    Doubts are there for anyone but keep on writing is the best thing any writer can do. I just look at writers like Stephen King and Clive Barker, they go through many drafts of each book they write and still aren't happy, they must have doubt somewhere in there, but they persist.

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15. 0

    china manposted 12 years ago

    Remember it is ONLY self-doubt.  You seem to be doing ok from where I stand and it is par forhte course that you will probably do better yet as you go along.  If you must compare yourself take a look at a few hubs from a religious fundie you will look like a genius

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16. 91

    Pcunixposted 12 years ago

    Stephen King??? Horrid writer.  I can't stand his stuff.
    
    The purpose of writing is communication. If you have communicated your thoughts to others, you are a writer.  As Mr. King shows us, that's true even if some other people toss your writing across the room in disgust. Stephen King is still a writer in spite of his being unable to communicate anything to me.
    
    You are a writer.  In my little world, you are a better writer than Stephen, because I won't read what he writes but I do read what you write.  So there, Stephen: I like Lorlie6 better!

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17. 80

    Karandaposted 12 years ago

    Pcunix is spot on Lorlie, writing is communicating. While I don't have a problem with Stephen King, he too, is communicating, your writing is superb. From what I have read of your hubs I see that you pick a topic and work your way through from a beginning, a middle to an end. Self doubt is never a worthwhile pursuit. Keep writing girl, we'll all keep reading.

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18. 60

    MPG Narrativesposted 12 years ago

    Lorlie, we all have doubts in general but I find we writers have them more so. I sometimes wonder whether what I do is of any interest to anyone and these doubts get me down at times. Luckily, I don't listen to them too often so life goes on.
    
    Keep writing girl, you're worth it.
    
    Pcunix - I'm with you, Stephen King doesn't communicate to me either. He must be doing something right though.

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19. 80

    Shadesbreathposted 12 years ago

    Groucho Marx famously said, "I would not join any country club that would have me as a member."  The point being, we all want to "be writers" but we all look at our work and compare it to the writers we admire and go, "Ugh, I suck."
    
    As writers, we read.  The two skills, writing and reading, move together through the creative universe like binary stars.  The problem for many is that, often, the gravity of one star out-weighs the other.  This usually happens due to focusing on one over the other.
    
    I know I do it all the time. I read all the time, writers I consider to be great (James, Wharton, Wilde, Roth, Barth, Cather, Anthony, Zelazany, Salvatore.... this list is insanely long) and, if I push too hard, I start to see my writing as shit.
    
    It is shit, honestly.  Especially compared to those amazing writers.
    
    However, it's movement.  Everything we write moves us closer to the place we strive for.  As long as you are READING and WRITING in equal measure, then you rule.  You are growing as an artist and as a human.  If you feel you are out of balance, look at your discipline: how much are you reading, how much are you writing.  If you're writing all the time and haven't read any great and challenging writers, then, well, there you have it, that's the balance out of whack.  You have to internalize the greatness of, well, greatness.  If you are reading all the time, and writing a little, but what you write sucks, it may be that you are reading too much and your writing practice is not standing up to the voices you have internalized, so it only SEEMS like it sucks.  We ALL suck compared to Shakespeare. 
    
    My point is, don't despair.  Find the balance.  You literaly can read and write your way to better writing. The only thing that is a "maybe" in that is whether or not you have the discipline.  And even in that, you have to allow your personal energy to ebb and flow. Nobody crams their nose to the grindstone 24/7 (except Shakespeares and the like).  So, be realistic.

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       sofsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       So beautifully put!!  and so simply said!! 
       
       @Shadesbreath..  your  point...........  find your balance is something that everyone needs.. .. oh how much  we need it in everything that we do..
       This is so forcefully said ... and I think most people here, myself included need it sometime or the other!!
       
       Thank you!!

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       Karandaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Shadesbreath, you have said it all so well there is nothing left to do but go and read your hubs. Looking forward to seeing how a writer puts it all together. I am feeling most humble after reading your response.

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20. 79

    starme77posted 12 years ago

    Oh lorilee6 Your a writer all right ya do a great job

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21. 68

    Pearldiverposted 12 years ago

    I came here to find out if I could write... so I have used my self doubt as a motivation rather than a negative.  In that way I think my writing takes a purer form and I get to judge it's quality from the comments that I get from my peers. But this way you don't allow yourself the privilege of giving up or you will never write again.... so the stakes are pretty high.
    
    I guess we are all different writing-wise, but I know that we are all the same when it comes to getting encouragement from others.
    
    You will be fine... take in all the life around you and be thankful that the birds only fart in the early morning.
    
    
    See???
    Starme tells it as it is

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    maruthirpposted 12 years ago

    Writer may not be accepted by every one. If he is accepted by one, that is enough to be a writer.

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23. 81

    skyfireposted 12 years ago

    You need NANOWrimo or similar contest to get yourself on track. 

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24. 61

    evvy_09posted 12 years ago

    I know what you mean. Every hub I publish seems so bad.  But I did figure out a little trick that sometimes helps my negativity. After you are done with it, reread it and pretend that someone else wrote it.  Sometimes it doesn't seem quite so bad to me then.

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    dutchman1951posted 12 years ago

    you are not alone in your feelings, but just proceed with confidence, keep working at it, it is what we all do I think.
    
    don't give in to self doubt. It is never a good thing to do that in anything you do.

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26. 59

    Randy Godwinposted 12 years ago

    I think we all wonder if we are really writers!  And also if we are really readers!

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27. 61

    Jane@CMposted 12 years ago

    I think you are terrific & I agree with Randy, I think we all wonder if we are writers.  Don't let self doubt get you down.  Pick yourself up, dust yourself off & you'll be fine

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    Mighty Momposted 12 years ago

    Lorlie,
    There is no way you COULD be a writer if you didn't have self-doubts! When you stop questioning your ability, it's time to hang it up, because then you're coasting into mediocrity.
    This is a community. It's not a contest (popularity or otherwise).
    We come here to get better at -- a lot of things that relate to writing, including the writing itself.
    Suggestion -- go back and reread the very first hub you ever wrote.
    Now read the last hub you wrote.
    See what I mean?
    You rock, girlfriend!

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    whooopsposted 12 years ago

    I wonder about that all the time.
    
    I do know that I am a reader. And writing just flowed out naturally from that. Karma, I guess.
    
    Don't worry, I;m sure that you are a better writer than about 90% of the world's population.
    
    Keep on writing!

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30. 75

    lorlie6posted 12 years ago

    Thanks, EVERYONE!  Your posts have indeed encouraged me when I had such overwhelming doubts.  I am grateful for the support and advice!

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31. 63

    Daniel Carterposted 12 years ago

    You're a proven writer because you have good hubs to prove it. And I like what you have to say.
    
    I go through the same with composing music at times. But after the doubts disappear, I find a project I'm passionate about and start composing again. No one can stop me. Not even me!
    
    I think your idea of writing through the doubts is a great one! And writing through your self doubts is the best self defiance of your own doubts that I know of.
    
    So moral of the story: Don't believe the little lies your mind tells you. You know better.

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32. 79

    frogdroppingposted 12 years ago

    Oh of course you can write. I bet I could come up with a random though sensible topic and you could go away and write something engaging
    
    I never consider that I'm not. I don't have a 'real' job. I write, it pays the bills, I keep getting to write more - so when I'm asked what I do, I say 'I write'.
    
    You're doing just fine lorlie

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33. 67

    Flightkeeperposted 12 years ago

    Hi lorlie, I'm not the best writer in the world -- everyone can always improve, but I do love to write and I think that's enough to call yourself a writer.

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34. 75

    lorlie6posted 12 years ago

    If not for this community, I'm pretty sure I'd be out of here.  I've been on other writing sites, and there's no comparison.
    Encouragement is balm for the writing soul!

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    Denise Handlonposted 12 years ago

    Hey lorlie-you share company with most everyone here.  Sometimes it is difficult to see how our own writing makes such a contribution to other people.  That's why it is so great to have the community 'cheer leaders'.
    
    Great advice here from so many people.  It's not always easy to put a sock in the mouth of the self critic...but, basically that is what is needed. 
    
    When you get that self doubt, tell it to take a hike and stop listening to it.  Your inner center of wisdom and creativity is the only voice you need to listen to.  That is your muse.
    
    Keep on writing...this (self doubt) too shall pass.   

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    kids-toy-boxposted 12 years ago

    Hmm i feel the same..My problem is literally writing! am a terrible typist. I have ideas but putting oen to paper is the challenge.
    
    lorlie6 I don't think you have much to worry about your hubs are well written:)

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    Lisa HWposted 12 years ago

    I don't think of myself as a writer at all.  I just think of myself as "me, who happens to write".  I'm good and sure that I'm "me", and writing has always been something I just do.  Beyond that, I don't think about writing or what I am much.  Maybe I ought to, but I don't. 

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