For Authors: The 1000 Why's and Why Nots

For Authors: May 27, 2026 Issue [#13762]

The 1000 Why's and Why Nots

Editor: Gaby

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All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then success is sure.
~ Mark Twain

In the past six months or so, I've listened to so many different books that they all blend together. While my preferences are genre-specific, in order to broaden my horizons it's rather commonsense to read/listen to books which are usually not on my radar. In doing so, I've enjoyed quite an array of different things, some I've never even considered. However, the more I listened the more my confidence in my own writing shrunk away.

I'm more of a hobby writer. I'll write when the muse strikes, when a contest inspires, when I feel I've got a story or poem which simply has to be told. And that is not often enough. Once I feel the need to write, my confidence in myself doesn't waver until I'm finished. Only when I look back at some of my work do I question myself.

Is this really good?

Who, in reality, wants to read something I wrote?

Is it interesting?

Is my lack of English a barrier?

Is my writing simple?

Is it even worth it?

Why bother?

And so it goes. The doubts circle like vultures with their never-ending questionnaire. It also makes it harder to keep writing. Hence the hobby part when ti comes down to it. Procrastination might also play a part in it, but that's a whole different story. It's the lack of confidence after the fact that impacts my writing. I question it all.

On one hand, it's just part of the writing process. How can I better myself as a writer if I don't try? On the other hand, the doubts seep in making it hard to continue. A vicious circle.

What do I do when it comes down to it? I take a break. I read other people's writing. I expand my horizons. I try something different or something completely off the beaten path. Then, once again I come back to my own words and realize, it's really not that bad, and besides, I write because I feel the need to do so, not to please anyone else.

What do you do in a situation like this?

'Til next time!
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