Hey, Better Writers! Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been at it for a while, chances are you’ve faced that nagging voice telling you your writing isn’t good enough. The plot feels flat, the characters are one-dimensional, the dialogue just doesn’t pop. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Every writer struggles with insecurity at some point. The problem is, without confidence, your growth stalls. It’s like trying to run a marathon with a backpack full of rocks. But here’s the good news: confidence is a muscle, and you can strengthen it. That’s why we’ve created our GRIT Series—to help you push through the doubts and build the resilience you need to succeed. Ready to tackle it?
Let’s go over 5 ways to boost your confidence and write with power:
1. Trust your voice
Your voice is what makes your writing yours. It’s the way you tell a story, the rhythm you use, and the perspective you bring. Trusting your voice means believing in the authenticity of what you have to say—and that’s what readers will connect with the most. When you try to sound like someone else, your writing loses that spark. You might find your writing stiff, lifeless, and impersonal. Forget the fear of what others might think, and let your true self come through. The more you write, the more confident you’ll feel in your voice. A great trick is to read your work aloud—it helps you hear your true voice and spot when something feels off.
2. Tune out comparisons
It’s so tempting to scroll through social media and see other writers posting about their latest book deal or getting praise for their newest novel. But comparing your journey to theirs is a total confidence killer. Every writer is on their own path, and growth happens at different paces. If you spend your time measuring your success against someone else’s, you’re just setting yourself up for frustration. So, how do you tackle this? Start by muting those triggers. Follow writers who inspire you, not those who make you feel inadequate. Celebrate your small wins, whether it’s hitting a word count or finishing a chapter. And remember, social media is just a highlight reel. You don’t see the struggles behind the posts, so stop comparing your messy first draft to someone else’s polished final.
3. Tackle rejection
Rejection is an inevitable part of a writer’s life. But it doesn’t mean your work is bad. Every author has faced it. J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter was rejected by 12 publishers before it hit the big time. Do you think she let that first rejection stop her? Rejection is about finding the right fit, not about being “not good enough.” So, don’t take it personally. It’s not a judgment on your writing skills or your worth as a writer. Instead, ask for feedback when possible, so you can learn where you can improve. And most importantly, keep going. Every “no” is one step closer to a “yes.”
4. Track your growth
It’s easy to get bogged down in what you haven’t accomplished yet. But tracking your growth can be a game-changer for your confidence. Keep a writing journal or document your wins and setbacks. When you take the time to document milestones—whether it’s finishing a first draft, hitting a word count goal, or learning a new writing technique—you can see just how far you’ve come. Take the time to look back at older work—it’s amazing to see how much you’ve improved. By tracking your growth, you’ll stay motivated and remind yourself that you’re moving forward, even when it feels slow.
5. Tap into constructive criticism
If you want to grow as a writer, feedback is essential. It’s one of the quickest ways to sharpen your skills—often faster than reading craft books or scouring the internet for advice. A good critique partner or mentor can offer insight that you wouldn’t see on your own. But don’t just accept any feedback—make sure it’s constructive and specific to your work. Constructive criticism helps you spot your blind spots and improve faster. Seek out a critique group or find a mentor who can guide you. Don’t be afraid of feedback—embrace it! Be open to hearing what works and what doesn’t, so you can level up your writing. Quality feedback can be just as valuable as attending an expensive writing workshop—if not more so.
Conclusion
Confidence doesn’t just magically appear. It’s something you have to build, day by day, word by word. The key is to trust yourself, embrace the journey, and keep moving forward—no matter how many rejections or setbacks you encounter. So, next time that little voice of self-doubt creeps in, remember these five tips and use them to quiet the noise. You’ve got this! If you’re looking for more tips on pushing through the ups and downs of the writing process, check out the rest of our GRIT Series here.