Today, we’re launching a new series: The Aspiration Series. What is an aspiration? Put simply, it’s the hope or desire to achieve something; a strong ambition or wish. Is it your desire to start a book, finish a book, or get published, but you find you lack the confidence to believe in yourself? This week, we’ll focus on batting away the lies that are slowing you down in exchange for a more optimistic outlook. Let’s get started!
Here are 5 lies that hold aspiring authors back:
1. I’m not good enough
Your story is full of plot holes. You can’t believe you have so many typos. You’ve already been rejected by agents. What’s the sense in trying? Because you have a story inside you that only you can tell in the way you tell it. Your voice matters, and there’s nothing you can’t improve. Run your story by an editor or more experienced writers. Share your story with readers who can point out what you’re missing. Embrace your weaknesses and focus on making them strengths. And pretty soon your confidence will be that much stronger.
2. My story isn’t good enough
Every story’s been told before. At least that’s what we all hear. But that doesn’t mean every story has been told by you. How many different versions have you read of Cinderella or The Three Little Pigs. Some of the most entertaining stories are simply classics told from a different perspective. (Wicked ring any bells?) Again, the best way to improve your story is to reach out to other writers. It can be a little scary at first, but the more you try, the easier it gets—and the stronger your story will be!
3. No one cares what I have to say
It’s a big world out there, and there’s always someone who can relate. It doesn’t matter if you’re writing a faith-based story about a missionary in Ecuador or a quiet literary piece about an elderly man’s chess tournaments at the park. There are all types of different people in the world who can relate to these stories—or maybe don’t relate at all but are interested in seeing what that type of life is like. What matters is that you tell the story and tell it well, and someone is guaranteed to care!
4. I’m just going to get rejected (again)
My first manuscript was rejected. My second manuscript received an offer of representation within 5 weeks. If I’d given up on my first, second, or thirtieth rejection, I never would’ve landed my dream agent. Traditional publishing in particular can be a very temperamental business. Rejections are shot out like baseballs from a pitching machine, and you may never know why. Don’t let one agent’s personal taste (or indigestion) stop you from pursuing your goal. And don’t forget, you can always self-publish.
5. My chances of success are too slim
I know. I even shared in the beginning of our Start Series that only 3% of those who begin writing a novel actually finish, and even less actually land an agent or get published. But you’ll never know your fate until you try. So start that book, finish that book, get feedback, revise, and revise again. The best way to fail is to simply not try.
Conclusion
The lies we tell ourselves can leave us paralyzed with fear and keep us from achieving our heart’s desire for years. The ultimate disappointment. Don’t let this be you. Set your goal and establish a plan. Little by little, you will get closer to your dream. As Norman Vincent Peale famously said: “Shoot for the Moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” Still have a few more lies buzzing around your head? Join us as we discuss 5 more lies aspiring authors tell themselves.
