True facts! Self-doubt affects just about every writer I know at some point along the road, and I'm certainly no stranger to it.
When we seek external validation for our work but don’t get it - cue doubt. Which cues even more doubt which can lead to creative paralysis.
One minute you're happily working on your latest masterpiece, the next you're wondering whether you're actually any good at this writing business.
You barely draw breath before that whisper of doubt turns into a stream of discouraging thoughts. Suddenly, a setback is tangible proof that you're a terrible writer.
Or you compare yourself to someone talented and established and decide that you're wasting your time.
All of which can stop you in your tracks which sux.
So, let’s deal with those doubts before they start running the show.
Consider This: Do I Have Evidence That My Doubts Are True?
Here's an interesting thing about our brains.
We're wired to remember negative experiences, including failures and criticism, more readily than positive ones. Something to do with evolutionary survival or some such malarkey.
Which means we can spend an awful lot of time dwelling on the things that went wrong while conveniently forgetting everything we've done right.
And when doubt strikes, our brains can be remarkably selective about the evidence.
That rejection? Proof we're hopeless.
That difficult chapter? Proof we can't write.
That lovely piece of feedback we received last month? Apparently completely irrelevant.
But hang on a minute.
What about the things you've achieved? The problems you've solved? The positive feedback you've received? The writing you've finished?
Before you accept your doubts as gospel, consider whether they're telling you the whole story.
Reflect On This: What Has To Happen For Me To Never Doubt My Ability Again?
Hate to be the bearer of bad news but the magical day when all your writer doubts disappear is never going to arrive.
As a breed, writers are constantly uncertain, and any external approval we receive is invariably short-lived.
Your doubt isn't proof that you're a bad writer. It's simply part of being one.
You can be talented, experienced, successful AND uncertain about your abilities. All at the same time.
It’s surprisingly common.
Mull On This: Which Aspect of Writing Do You Wish You Were Better At…
And then ask - how you could improve that one aspect?
The world is awash with ways to upskill and grow as a writer.
Facing your doubt head on and taking action will help you diminish it so you can get on with things.
Taking action or putting together a plan always makes me feel better because movement is the opposite of paralysis.
And by action, I don't necessarily mean churning out 2,000 words.
It might mean seeking advice, playing with some new ideas, revisiting your original story concept or doing a workshop.
“Doubt can only be removed by action,” said Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once upon a time, and never a truer word has been said.
And remember the next time you find yourself trapped in that swirling self-doubt vortex - your doubts aren't necessarily telling you the truth.
©Kathryn Burnett 2026