Writing is often a journey of self-discovery, exploration, and continuous learning. Like any other craft, it can be intimidating, especially for beginners or those who’ve hit a creative roadblock. You may find yourself doubting your abilities, feeling unsure about your work, or even being apprehensive about sharing your words with the world. In such instances, building your confidence is key.

In this article, we’ll explore practical strategies to cultivate your self-assurance as a writer.

Understanding Confidence

Confidence is a belief in one’s own abilities. Where does it come from, and how do we harness the power confidence provides? Honestly, it could depend on the day. It could even depend on the hour. In truth, confidence depends on countless moments collected over a lifetime.

In the context of writing, having confidence means trusting your skill to craft a compelling narrative, describe a scene vividly, or argue a point persuasively. Do you feel capable of this? Perhaps on some days, you do but others there is a bit of lack. Regardless, building confidence doesn’t happen overnight; it requires patience, practice, and persistence.

Realize that confidence is not static; it can fluctuate depending on various factors including mood, environment, and feedback. Therefore, it’s essential to find ways to maintain and grow your confidence through consistent efforts. Remember that your confidence can be your fuel in times of writer’s block or criticism.

So, what are some ways that a writer can grow confidence? Where should writers be putting their effort?

Embrace a Growth Mindset

Cultivating a growth mindset is the first step towards fostering your confidence. As coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, having a growth mindset means understanding that intelligence and talent can be developed over time with effort. In writing, this translates to believing that your ability to write can be honed and improved, regardless of your current skill level. Embracing this belief makes you more resilient in the face of challenges and helps in boosting your confidence.

Additionally, a growth mindset encourages you to view failures or setbacks not as final judgments but as stepping stones to progress. For instance, if your first attempt at a short story isn’t successful, rather than being discouraged, view it as a learning opportunity, and use the experience to write a better story next time.

Write Regularly

The phrase “practice makes perfect” is just as applicable in writing as it is with any other skill. When asked what the most important aspect of becoming a better writer could be, famous authors across the globe answer the same: write and do so regularly. The more you write, the more familiar you become with your voice, style, and the writing process itself.

Set a writing schedule and stick to it. Daily writing can seem daunting, so begin with what you can manage, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day, and gradually increase as your comfort grows. You’ll soon notice an improvement in your writing speed, flow, and quality, all of which can boost your confidence.

Experimenting with different forms and styles can also be beneficial. If you usually write fiction, try your hand at non-fiction, poetry, or scriptwriting. By doing this, you challenge yourself and explore different aspects of your writing capabilities. This variety can contribute significantly to building your confidence.

Join a Writing Group

Peer feedback is an invaluable resource for growing as a writer. Joining a writing group gives you the opportunity to share your work with others, receive constructive criticism, and learn from their insights. Seeing how others react to your work can boost your confidence and help you better understand your strengths and weaknesses.

Also, community involvement can provide the support and motivation you need to keep writing, especially during tough times. Hearing the experiences and challenges of fellow writers can be incredibly reassuring, reminding you that you’re not alone in your struggles.

Set Realistic Goals

Having clear, achievable goals can do wonders for your confidence. Start with small, manageable tasks such as writing a short story, a poem, or a blog post, then gradually increase the complexity and length of your projects. Each completed goal will give you a sense of accomplishment and bolster your confidence.

Make sure your goals are specific and measurable. Instead of setting a vague goal like “write more,” set a more defined goal like “write 500 words daily.” This way, you’ll have a clear benchmark to measure your progress. Furthermore, there is a wide range of recommendations from different authors regarding daily writing word counts. Some suggest a word count while others recommend focusing on time spent writing.

For instance, in his book “On Writing,” Stephen King recommends a target of 2,000 words a day. This might seem like a large number, but King suggests treating writing like a job and dedicating a significant amount of time each day to just write.

On the other hand, Ernest Hemingway advocated for stopping while you’re ahead. He aimed to write 500 to 1,000 words a day and suggested stopping in the middle of an idea to make it easier to start again the next day.

J. K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, has stated that she doesn’t strictly count words but sets goals for what she wants to achieve each day, which might include a particular scene or chapter.

It’s important to note that while these recommendations can provide guidance, what works best may vary greatly from person to person. Some writers might thrive on having a high word count goal to strive for each day, while others might find it more helpful to set a time goal (e.g., write for one hour each day) or to focus on completing a particular section of their work. Ultimately, the best approach fits YOUR writing process and helps you stay consistent and motivated.

Study the Craft

Read books on writing, attend workshops, watch online tutorials, or take a creative writing course. Understanding the mechanics of writing, from plot development to character creation, can provide a foundation of knowledge that supports your writing process. This can significantly improve your confidence in your ability to write.

Honestly, you are never too old or knowledgeable to learn more. Studying writing and other novelists, playwrights, and poets offers you a wide range of tools and techniques at your disposal. Knowing that you have a reservoir of knowledge to pull from when you’re stuck or looking for a way to make your writing more engaging, can be a huge confidence booster. It empowers you to take creative risks and innovate with your writing. Building your confidence as a writer depends upon your consistent need to grow.

Read Widely

Reading is a writer’s training ground. It exposes you to different styles, genres, and voices, which can serve as inspiration for your work. Additionally, understanding how other authors tackle various literary challenges can give you the confidence to handle similar situations in your writing.

By reading widely, you also gain insights into the diverse perspectives that can enrich your storytelling. When you connect with a piece of literature, try to dissect what makes it appealing to you. Analyze the author’s style, tone, or character development, and consider how these elements can be incorporated into your own writing. Such analysis improves your craft and bolsters your confidence as you recognize the array of techniques you can employ.

Celebrate Your Successes

Take the time to acknowledge and celebrate your writing accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. Finished a difficult chapter? Jotted down a perfect sentence? Received positive feedback from a reader? Celebrate it. These moments of success can build your confidence and motivate you to keep going.

Additionally, sharing your milestones with friends, family, or your writing group can create a sense of community around your achievements. When others celebrate with you, it reinforces the importance of your accomplishments. Don’t underestimate the power of positive reinforcement on your confidence.

Embrace Imperfection

Recognize that no piece of writing is perfect, especially at the first attempt. Even accomplished authors go through multiple drafts before they’re satisfied with their work. Don’t let the pursuit of perfection hinder your progress or dent your confidence. Embrace your mistakes as opportunities for learning and improvement.

Also, understand that your unique voice and perspective are what make your writing special. What you might perceive as imperfection might actually be the quality that sets your writing apart. Embrace the quirks and idiosyncrasies of your style; they contribute to your authenticity as a writer.

Learn to Handle Rejection

Rejection is an inevitable part of the writing journey. You might face rejection from publishers, peer critique, or even readers. The key is not to take it personally or allow it to shake your confidence. Instead, treat every rejection as a chance to learn and improve. It’s important to remember that every successful author has faced numerous rejections along their journey.

Building your confidence means gathering feedback from these rejections when it’s available, and use it constructively. Sometimes, rejection can offer insights into aspects of your writing that can be improved or refined. It can be the catalyst that propels your work to greater heights.

Practice Self-Care

Writing can be emotionally taxing. Building your confidence often comes from within. It’s essential to take care of your mental and physical health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate rest, and time spent on hobbies or with loved ones can help maintain your overall well-being.

Moreover, give yourself permission to take breaks. If you’re feeling stressed or experiencing writer’s block, stepping away from your work for a while is okay. This can help you return to your writing with a fresh perspective and renewed energy.

Remember, self-care is not a luxury but necessary for a sustainable writing career. A healthy mind and body can enhance your creativity, productivity, and, consequently, your confidence in your writing.

Reflect and Reaffirm

Finally, practice regular self-reflection and positive affirmations. Reflect on your writing journey, acknowledging your growth and progress. Recognize your improvement, no matter how slight, and validate your efforts.

Use positive affirmations to bolster your confidence. Repeat phrases such as “I am a good writer,” or “I can write this story.” It may sound trivial, but the power of positive thinking can substantially impact your self-belief.

Also, keep a writing journal. Documenting your thoughts, ideas, and reflections about your writing process can be therapeutic and enlightening. It allows you to track your progress and observe patterns or breakthroughs that occur over time. This act of self-awareness can significantly bolster your confidence as a writer.

Practice, Patience, and Persistence

Building your confidence as a writer is a gradual process that comes with practice, patience, and persistence. It involves developing a growth mindset, setting realistic goals, seeking constructive feedback, celebrating successes, and caring for your well-being.

As you grow more confident in your writing, you’ll find that the quality of your work improves and your enjoyment of the craft deepens. So, trust in your abilities, keep your pen moving, and let your confidence flourish.