How to Fight “The Doubts”

Last month I received an email from a screenwriter client who, after receiving a “thanks but no thanks” letter, wanted to know what I tell myself to fight off the doubts that I’m not good enough. – and stay focused on finishing my story…

It was such a great question and it really started me thinking – what exactly DO I tell myself to fight off the doubts and keep going?

Self-doubt affects just about every writer I know and I’m certainly no stranger to it. Being a writer means endlessly seeking validation and approval from the outside world. And sometimes we just don’t get it. Cue the doubts aka the dark vortex of doubt aka the creeping fingers of dread aka the paralysing, grey corset of doom.

So what do I tell myself to get the crazy under control?

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10 Excellent Reasons To Join A Writers Group

I’m frequently asked by writers how they can keep themselves motivated and keep their project moving forward. This is a challenge I’m very familiar with so I duly offer up a bunch of tips and techniques I’ve developed over the years, and the one that really works for me consistently is – be accountable to somebody.

There’s nothing like somebody waiting for you to deliver to give you a case of the giddy-ups.

And how would it be if it wasn’t just one person waiting for you to deliver but a whole bunch?

Ladies and gentlemen – I give you – the writers group.

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9 Ways to Improve Your Story’s Chance of Winning

It’s lovely to win writing competitions and god knows there are hundreds of them out there.

So how about making 2017 the year you improve your chances of winning a competition? (Or that scholarship, residency, award.)

Sometimes winning these comps can be lucrative but I think the real prize has more to do with visibility and public acknowledgement of your genius ability. Yes?

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