How to Build Confidence as a Writer

Many writers struggle with low confidence and feeling insecure about their work. It's a normal problem, but that doesn't make it easy to overcome. If this is something you struggle with, here are a few ways to help develop your confidence!

TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Intro
0:33 - Enjoy being a beginner
2:34 - Have goals beyond positive feedback
3:20 - Write what you love
3:58 - Only get feedback when you're ready
4:44 - View feedback objectively
5:59 - Celebrate your strengths

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[calliopesvoice]

These are so on point. Number 4 is like when someone is reading over your shoulder while you're writing and says you spelt a word wrong. 😤

[zebulynnhanson]

It just takes time. You have to write, write, write. If you can't think of ideas. Write in a journal. Try to challenge yourself & write different things every now & then. Raps are good for similes & description. Poetry is great for the beauty of language. Short stories build big worlds. Letters express emotions & thoughts. Lyrics build a rythm of point A to point B. Essays build a character, etc etc

[ianlovell]

I like it when I get constructive criticism. It makes me think bout what the criticism is, and it feels good to work out the problem. It pushes me to do better. Constructive criticism is good. Straight criticism is not. It can take away the pleasure of writing . That's what I feel

[rachelthompson]

Confidence can be a statement of emotion or it can be an intellectual consideration that reflects reality. Be competent then you don't need emotional confidence. Writing well creates emotional confidence.

[milestrombley]

Ray Bradbury once said love your writing.

[phangkuanhoong]

On feedback, I find it helpful to read it, go away to let the emotional stuff settle for an hour or two, and come back to reread again and assess what is actually applicable.

[spikeprotein]

Always be a beginner, and give it the time it takes. Strive to be a better beginner.

[pjalexander_author]

You give the best advice. Love your perspective and attitude.

[KyrieW]

I may have to watch this several times this year to remember all this great advice! I need to work on #2 and 6

[WholesomeBookworm]

Thank you for doing these videos they have been very useful throughout the years. I am in a unique position as English is my 3rd language and I have to put an active effort into grammar and sentence structures this has caused me to be worried about sharing my work publicity.

Another tip to add to this list could be sharing short stories online through Wattpad or similar platforms.

[u_t_d_s_h-_a]

A lot extenuatting factors contribute to authors confidence .

[clairehelenswain]

Thank you for your very helpful video 😊

[mageprometheus]

#1 is so important. Do some research on "the beginner's mind".

[durona]

This came at the perfect time! Thank you!

[MsBD-xwch]

Oh, my! Stop letting insecurities be a problem (ME), and I'm not even a beginner 🙂 Burden of my own confidence. Finding joy in my work. Faith projects -- that I enjoy, love. VERY difficult not to take it personally ☹ Celebrate my strengths. THANK YOU 😀

[DrewTrox]

This is my problem. Where I come up with a great story concept, but end up just thinking it's dumb.

[nantoka_neko]

I always read about (amateur) writers who hate their own work. I never get that ... why write, then? I always love reading back my own stories and falling in love with my own characters again and again. Never really got the "artist always hates his own work" sentiment. Yeah, it might not be good, but still, YOU wrote it yourself, and you can always fix or change things. Being self-critical is still important, but you shouldn't hate everything.

[RosheenQuynh]

Since you mentioned not doing feedback until you're ready... What if you're never ready? 😕

[dhruvpaliwal]

Sir in your site login error is going on when ever we try to login error 403 forbidden comes

[viralhurt]

My account is not registered please team reedsy look into the matter as early as possible