Comments on: Why Writers Need Confidence—5 Ways to Boost Yours

By: Top Picks Thursday! For Writers & Readers 08-16-2018 | The Author Chronicles

Thu, 16 Aug 2018 17:02:08 +0000

[…] Writing not going well? D. G. Kaye lays out how to deal with writer’s block, and Colleen M. Story reveals why writers need confidence and 5 ways to boost yours. […]

By: colleen

colleen — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 06:41:39 +0000

I'm with you, Jenny. I worry about kids now who believe that if something doesn't come easy, it's not worth pursuing. Not a good outlook for life...or for writing. And the happy bubble sounds nice! (ha)

By: Jenny Hansen

Jenny Hansen — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 18:45:35 +0000

Colleen, this is always such an area for me, both as a writer and a parent. I became a parent older so I'm much more of the "work hard so you can improve" school of parenting than "everyone is super gifted." So, yes, THIS paragraph resonated: "A related study showed there has been a 30 percent increase in narcissistic attitudes over the past few decades. Unfortunately, despite popular belief, the “self-esteem” movement that encouraged parents and teachers to tell children to believe they were great no matter what, has not been found to lead to success." As a writer, I try to live in my happy bubble because it makes for better writing. However, I watch Laura, the Little Engine that Could, and she inspires the hell out of me. And, she's kind enough to nag me to add more drive (and submission) to my happy bubble. :-)

By: colleen

colleen — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 16:41:25 +0000

In reply to Julie Glover. Thanks, Julie. :O) Like that--"I'm only good enough if I keep working at it." Possible life motto! :O)

By: Julie Glover

Julie Glover — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 15:51:46 +0000

Love this post! There's a balance I aim for with self-confidence and humility. I'm not the best, but I'm good enough. And even then, I'm only good enough if I keep working at it. I don't ever want to lose that sense that I could be or do better, so I should always be learning. Thanks for a great look at this important aspect of writing success!

By: Fae Rowen

Fae Rowen — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 05:49:05 +0000

In reply to Sue Ward Drake. I should do that, Sue. Mine are scattered in different files. On the rare times I find one, I think, "I should put these all together." Thanks for the reminder!

By: colleen

colleen — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 23:57:11 +0000

In reply to littlemissw. What a great example! And love how you included "and how they would achieve them" (I'm assuming the steps they would take) in the solution. The kids were lucky to have you as a teacher obviously. :O) Nice idea for writers, too.

By: colleen

colleen — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 23:55:02 +0000

In reply to Lisa Ciarfella. Hi, Lisa. Actually, all we have to do is believe we can take the next small step. We don't have to believe we can get a publishing contract—only that we can write a few words today. And tomorrow, all we have to believe is that we can do it again. Self-efficacy is about believing we can improve. That's all that's needed. Baby steps!

By: littlemissw

littlemissw — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 23:49:35 +0000

Absolutely true. Great advice. I found when I was teaching, many kids were high on self-esteem (not all of them obviously) but low on self-efficacy. I found writing out learning goals and how they would achieve them really helped, because they could see their success. It works just as well for me, and helps me push through when I lose faith.

By: Lisa Ciarfella

Lisa Ciarfella — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 23:17:15 +0000

Well, yeah! What she said! ?

Never knew the difference.But basically you're saying we need to force ourselves to believe we can make it even when we haven't yet. Harder done than said I thin