Overcoming Self-Doubt

Overcoming Self-Doubt

I used to be amazed at the madness of my mind. One day, I think my writing is brilliant, and the next I’m cringing with embarrassment.

It’s difficult to have objectivity when we’re in the middle of our story. For first-time novelists it’s particularly challenging because we have no evidence that what we’re doing will ever bear fruit.

Don’t make too much meaning out of your feelings. There will be good days and bad days, and you might be surprised at the wildness of your mood swings, particularly in the beginning. Just make your goal the completion of your daily page count. Only then can you step back and see what you’ve got.

How do you deal with the ups and downs of writing?

Alan Watt with L.A. hills behind

by Alan Watt

About the author

Alan Watt is the author of the international bestseller Diamond Dogs, winner of France’s Prix Printemps, and the founder of LA Writers’ Lab. A teacher for over two decades, Alan believes stories are not owned but discovered — and that every writer has a voice worth sharing. His workshops and 90-Day Novel method have guided thousands of writers to transform raw ideas into finished works, with humor, compassion, and a deep respect for the creative process.