When Your Best Doesn't Feel Good Enough

Anytime we get into creative fields, I think we tend to struggle with self-esteem.

Except maybe at the American Idol auditions. (Have y'all noticed that? Doesn't it seem like every person who auditions is convinced they are the next American Idol even though they sound closer to my squeaky file cabinet drawer closing or, well, like me in the shower?)

Side note: I will never try out for American Idol.

Writing is a very personal thing and because of that, I think it's VERY easy to constantly second-guess ourselves. I read back through almost everything I write and wonder how I could have rewritten it better.

To our dear Scribble Chick readers out there struggling with these feelings, you are not strange, weird, or crazy - you are very normal.

So how do you overcome those feelings of inadequacy?

* Start where you should ALWAYS start - with prayer. God is the One who has given you this desire to write, so go to your Heavenly Dad for encouragement. One of my all-time favorite verses to read when I'm working on a novel is this: "My purpose in writing is to encourage you and to assure to that the grace of God with you no matter what happens." (1 Peter 5:12)

* Remember why you are writing - are you writing to a specific audience? Are you writing a specific story that God has laid on your heart?

* Read, read, read and then learn from other authors. Who is an author you admire? Why? Break down their stories - are they great with character development? Do they write killer plots? Are you drawn to the rhythm in their writing?

* Read back through past things you have written. Sometimes it is SO encouraging to me to realize that I have gotten better - by the grace of God - over the years.

* When all else fails, go buy a venti caramel macchiato and a jumbo sized bag of M&Ms - there isn't a lot in life that is more encouraging than caffeine and chocolate. :)

And keep us posted - even if you just finished the first chapter in a new WIP, we love to help celebrate! :)