100 Tips to Alleviate Self-Doubt

100 Tips to Alleviate Self-Doubt

I've just read Matthew Turner's blog and must admit that I completely and totally related to every word he said. I swim in self-doubt constantly. It's only when I dog-paddle hard and desperately that I manage to come up to the surface and smell the sweet scent of confidence. So here are my three suggestions for paddling out of the mire:

1. I pretend my mother is sitting next to me saying: "Cynthia, you have as much right to your thoughts and opinions as anybody. Since you can't please everyone, concentrate on pleasing yourself. If nobody likes what you wrote [or did, etc.], it doesn't matter if YOU like it and are pleased with it." Hearing her voice [even in my head] always makes me smile.

2. I have many distractions at home and often can't get a break. My 12-year-old boy doesn't take my writing seriously and constantly demands my attention, distracting me from my thoughts. There is only one place I have complete, uninterrupted privacy -- my bathroom. It's my thinking room and I take full advantage of it.

3. I try to do one bold, unCynthia-like thing everyday. I've always struggled with insecurity and this exercise seems to help me.

I can't wait to read everybody's suggestions.

Thanks,
Cynthia Triplett

Character Development

It seems to me that it would be insane to begin a story with characters you don't fully know or understand.  Or is it more spontaneous and therefore more believable to learn about your characters as you write?  Do you need to have the entire story written in your head before you put it down on paper?