Writers are well known for their self-deprecating attitude.

But I think it’s time we all stopped saying our writing sucks.

I’m not saying we don’t write terribly adjective, adverb-laden pages that need a serious slashing from an editor’s pen from time to time.

But try looking at it in a positive light. Instead of declaring that your work sucks, recognize that it just isn’t ready yet.

Realize that the magic comes in the editing process, when you shape and mold your words, add depth and strengthen imagery, hoist your pen as if it was a Fender and thrashing out  the literary equivalent of the punk rock power chord.

If you have already decided that you are going to write just for the hell of it but you know it’s going to be crap, why bother? Why exert the energy you could be putting into something you really care about?

What do you think it does to your Muse when you say your work sucks? Or – if you are of the mindset that one having a Muse is a load of B.S., then just imagine what it does to your psyche. Those negative thought have a way of burrowing like a splinter and can only serve to fester and infect your confidence.

The thing is – that doubt? You can make it work for you. Not by completely denying that it exists, but by figuring out where it comes from, then using that as fuel for overcoming it.

That’s meat, baby. Full-fledged grist for the mill. Depth you can use in your writing and to give your characters their own flaws – not to mention fight. Human experience that your readers can relate to.

No matter what stage your writing career is in, the doubt will be there in some way, shape or form. But so will the faith. The key is not falling into the trap of bending fully to one or the other. You need to balance the scales between blind optimism and all-embracing despair.

Self-hatred is not a badge of honor one should covet. Sure, it’s all cool and magical and mysterious to be a self-loathing, brooding writer. But that’s so stereotypical. And so last season.

If you don’t have faith in your talent, why should anyone else?

Miss Write’s Exercise in Creativity

Ready to get schooled? Sharpen your pencils – Miss Write has suggestions for ways to use those not-so-stellar writing sessions to your advantage!

Loosen Up
Get in the habit of undertaking a 5-minute writing session at the start of your writing day.

Write gibberish. Vent. Or take a thought, idea, symbol or problem you are having with your WIP and brainstorm on it. Write quickly and without editing. Purge the noise in your brain onto the page so you will be clear-headed and ready to get down to business when you switch over to your WIP