To be or not to be is the question on every writer’s mind. There are as many definitions for a writer as there are books in the world, and all too often emerging writers find themselves out in the cold. Friends, family members and even co-workers often impose unwritten rules of what makes a writer legit or not.
An unpublished writer often feels the sting of criticism stronger than their seasoned counterparts. Without the validation generated through published works, the failure to impress peers at the onset may inflame nagging self-doubts that all too often fire the question: Do I have what it takes? Am I the real thing?
Criticism can not only hurt, it could even cause enough damage to prevent an emerging writer from joining the ranks among the greats. But these dark moments can also signal the rebirth of an unstoppable will to keep going despite negative feedback or tortuous self-doubt.
Back to the Beginning
Some writers write from instinct. Rules, styles or techniques are secondary to that raw urge to scribble up a blank page with intriguing thoughts, ideas, or stories. Writing is a natural part of being human, so when harsh criticism hits, writers draw on the same force that drew them to writing in the first place. Scribbling up a blank page with free form may be all that it takes to hold on until the wounds completely heal.
The Joy of Writing Rediscovered
Being surrounded by ‘unbelievers’ can cause lower expectations to write good material and thereby encourage the harsh, inner critic to go into hibernation. Writers find themselves freed from any pressure to produce high-quality work and soon rediscover the joy of writing. The good thing is – the best material comes out when writers just write for the fun of it!
Join a Writer's Group: Everyone Needs Support
A writing group can easily become a writer’s second family. Writing groups often provide much needed support when doubts threaten to obscure the creative flow. Listening to other writers recount tales of lost hope can help emerging writers understand that losing the faith, from time to time, is all part of the fun.
The Will to Write
At the end of the day, writing is an act of faith. No one can discern the “real” writer until after the fact. Writers have come in all shapes and sizes. Some writers started out when they were young while others began much later. Some writers failed many times before discovering their hidden talent; while others never lived to appreciate their grand literary accomplisments.
The first stretch in becoming a writer is definitely the hardest. Without that published work, an emerging writer can find themselves blindsided by that deep inner doubt that can momentarily distract them from their writing goals. With some time and patience, the drive to compose will eventually recover and give birth to a more talented, resilient writer.
Being a writer, after all, is more of a personal choice to honour the joy or meaning writing brings to one's life regardless of financial or literary success.
