3 Lies Your Brain Tells You About Writing
So many of the people I’ve talked to have a major case of imposter syndrome. But here’s the thing: You can’t believe everything you think. Our brains, while wonderfully complex and amazing, also don’t always tell us the truth. If your self-doubt is warring with your drive to write, you’ve come to the right place.
Lie #1: I don’t really have anything worth writing about.
False. Everyone has something worth writing about. Maybe you scan the memoir shelf at your local bookstore and see pages written by celebrities or by people who have endured intense tragedy. But can I tell you a secret? My favorite memoirs are ones about ordinary life. I love memoirs about the inner life of the author. Think about the stories you default to telling at parties—those are probably worth writing about. Or what about the feelings you had at a particular chapter break in your life—going to college, a first job, a divorce, a career pivot. Those are worth writing about.
The idea that nothing in your life matters enough to put to paper is a lie. Everyone has something to write about.
Lie #2: I’m not that great of a writer, so I won’t write.
Okay, pump the brakes. This one is a little tricky. It’s true—some people are more talented writers than others, but that shouldn’t preclude you from writing at all. For those who are insecure about their own writing, I have a writing hack for you: Find an editor. Partner with someone who can view your work objectively and give you constructive feedback. Remember, a good editor is there to make your writing sound like you, not to tear you apart.
Even if you can’t afford to work with an editor just yet, book a consult call to get you started on the right foot. (You can book your consult call with me here.) Then just start writing. You can pull in an editor at any time.
Lie #3: No one will want to read what I have to say.
Guess what? There will always be someone out there who needs to hear your story. It’s true that not every book is for every reader. I have read plenty of novels and memoirs that just weren’t for me—and that’s okay. And I’ve also found innumerable books that are for me. I guarantee you that your story is exactly what another read needs. Make a list of all (or at least some) of the books that felt like they were written just for you. I promise that your story is that for someone else.
Writing isn’t easy. It can be lonely, overwhelming, exhausting, and rife with self-doubt. And writing is also worth it. Once you just start, you’ll find that your story has likely been waiting a long time for you to give it life. When you’re feeling stuck, repeat these affirmations to yourself:
My story is worth writing.
I may not be a confident writer, but I can learn and seek help.
There is a reader out there waiting for my story.
You’ve got this.
