Many of the writers I know are a mass of contradictions, it left me wondering if this was an important part of a writer’s personality.
The majority admit to being Shy or even Not Very Social and then they go out a give a presentation or an author talk or if you meet them at a writers’ convention and can’t get them to shut up! The lonely Introvert turns into a Show Pony. I myself know I am guilty of this.
A majority of writers suffer from Self-doubt and Insecurity. Along with other creative types, many will admit to suffering from Imposter Syndrome. At times this manifests as a bout of Crippling Insecurity with the fear of not being good enough accomplished enough. talented enough.
In spite of that, most managed to overcome it and submit their work to a critique partner, or even a contest or publisher. If the work is accepted, after the initial rush of pride or satisfaction, it’s likely that self-doubt will surface once again. Yet some compulsion drives us on, to write more, to try again to try and fail, to try and succeed, to improve.
So what my fellow writers also have is courage, the courage to express themselves. To let their work speak for them, to expose their ideas to the judgement of others. My fellow writers, I salute you for your bravery!
Sonia Bellhouse- Author. 