Success only flourishes in perseverance -- ceaseless, restless perseverance.
--Baron Manfred Von Richtofen

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Qualities of a Writer Part VI: Confidence

con·fi·dence [kon-fi-duhns] noun -- belief in oneself and one's powers or abilities; self-confidence; self-reliance; assurance:

There are other definitions of confidence, but this is the one that best suits this post. Belief in oneself! It takes a great deal of confidence to become a writer. I know it took me a long time to find the confidence to even begin writing. I didn't know if I could do it. It seemed so far out of reach. I spent my college days writing critical essays, but fiction? I didn't have the confidence to try. Thank heavens my husband gave me the encouragement to get going, and my confidence has been growing ever since.

Believe that you have important stories to tell.

Believe that you have the ability to tell them.

Believe that others will want to share them.

It may seem like arrogance, believing that you have something to say that others will want to hear. Believing that they'll pay for the privilege of reading your words. You may have self-doubt plaguing you. But don't listen. You can do this. I know it.

Just believe it.

11 comments:

Angela said...

I love this post. Such a timely reminder. :D

tiffany said...

thanks for the reminder i struggle all the time with self confidence i have to constantly remind my self im loveable

Elizabeth Mueller said...

Angie, amen sistah! Yes, belief takes us to far away places and then they don't seem unattainable any more.

Thanks for the inspiring post!

♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥
Can Alex save Winter from the darkness that hunts her?
YA Paranormal Romance, Darkspell coming fall of 2011!

Shallee said...

Confidence helps me get through some of the tough times as a writer. With each rejection, I try to square the shoulders and remind myself I'm okay. I'm a writer. I'm always getting better. I believe in myself and have confidence in my own dreams. Sometimes I need reminders of that confidence, and my hubby is great at that. :)

Angie said...

Tiff, I love you! So glad you are here.

Elizabeth, thank you. They don't seem unattainable, do they? Thanks so much for stopping by.

Melanie Goldmund said...

Hoo, boy. My confidence? One day it's up, the next day it's down. And some days I'm so confident (I will not say arrogant) that I think, "One more bit of praise and my head just might ex--"

BAM

*scrabbles around to find pieces of brain, which add up to a depressingly small amount*

No, but seriously now. I do have down days, but on the whole, I think I'm getting better, so those days are getting rarer. *g*

Stephanie Black said...

Great post, Angie!

Angie said...

I know what you mean, Melanie. I'm so there too.

Thanks, Stephanie. =)

Kelley said...

Great post and points :)

Maeve Frazier said...

Angie, great post. Once again leaving here with a wonderful feeling.

Angie said...

Aw, thanks so much Kelley and Maeve!