My first sweet romance was self-published in March 2019.
It’s exciting to have two books self-published already this year, but even though the books are doing well, I still struggle with self-doubt.
I dabbled with writing in the past few years, but this year decided it was time to take it seriously and get some books written.
Writing Under a Pen Name—Will It Stop Self-Doubt?
Many times when writing I’ve found myself stuck—filled with self-doubt and worry about whether anyone would want to buy my books or read them.
I’d thought about writing sweet romance and decided it was time to try writing clean billionaire romance. I chose to write under a pen name, Melody Archer.
My hope was that writing under a pen name would stop the self-doubt and I wouldn’t have to deal with the constant nagging worry any more.
No such luck.
Despite writing using a pen name, everyday I still battle self-doubt along with the fear of not being a good enough writer.
Three Practices that Help Me Push Past Self-Doubt
Even though there are many times when self-doubt threatens to immobilize me and stop me from writing, I’ve found good daily habits like saying affirmations, reading encouraging books and regular walks help put my head on straight.
Forming these helpful routines helps me overcome the challenges of self-doubt each day.
I have found that sticking close to helpful daily practices brings me the encouragement I need to push past self-doubt.
When I’m Discouraged, I Give In To Snacking
One of the biggest physical challenges I’ve found of being a writer is that when I’m discouraged about my writing, I give in to snacking on whatever food is handy.
My default has been to give in to the urge to eat some munchies and sweets. However, when I do that ,I’ve learned I don’t feel very good the next day.
So, I’ve learned to listen closely to what makes me feel better as a writer and I try to stick closer to what makes me feel good.
I’ve started to keep a small bowl of snap peas and baby carrots on the counter, so that when I feel like a snack, it’s a healthy one. I’ve found my energy increasing when I choose to eat clean foods.
If I didn’t have these positive daily habit for each day, it would be really difficult to stay motivated to write my books.
How I Refill the Creative Well
The more I write, the more I recognize that a big key to my creativity is finding ways to continually fill my creative well.
Some tips I learned from reading Julia Cameron’s wonderful book to help creatives titled, The Artist’s Way. I’ve written my daily morning pages, gone on regular walks, and most weeks I take myself on a creative date to a craft store or museum or some place that inspires me.
It’s important that I keep filling up my creative well regularly to help me keep writing.
I Love It When I Have an “Aha Moment” About My Characters
My reasons for writing are to write stories that readers love as much as I do, and to make an income that will help pay the bills. Right now that’s my motivation and it’s a big one that inspires me to write every day.
So far, so good. I’ve written two sweet romance billionaire books and now I’m writing book #3. Each month I’ve been earning a little more income with each book I’ve self-published, so that’s been encouraging.
But, earning an income isn’t the only satisfying thing about writing for me. I really love it when I finally have that “aha moment.” When I understand the main hero and heroine’s biggest fears and false beliefs, and ask enough questions until I understand what they need to transform those fears and false beliefs so they become their best selves. I love those moments!
From the Moment I Finished My First Book, I Realized I Could Do This
Some of my greatest triumphs as a writer are when I hear readers tell me: “I love this book. It really touched me.”
Sometimes I need to remind myself that the reviews I see on Amazon aren’t representations of all who read my books. I love the days when I get a Facebook message or e-mail from a reader that tells me one of my books touched them in some way.
It’s so encouraging. And that’s the sort of thing that reminds me that I really am meant to be a writer.
From the moment I finished my first book, I realized I could do this. Not only could I do this, but it lit a fire under me to want to do this. I started thinking of all kinds of story ideas that I wanted to write.
Honestly, I think writing has started to become a part of me and that feels really good.
Advice for a Young Writer: Give Yourself Permission to Write the Book that’s In Your Heart
My advice for young writers would be to give yourself permission to simply write the book that’s in your heart.
I have a daughter who just finished high school who loves to write. I’ve encouraged her to read widely and to let her imagination take her wherever it wants to go.
Sometimes she’s too hard on herself, thinking what she’s writing isn’t good enough. I guess the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. When she tells me that, I really encourage her to let go of the self criticisms and the self-doubt and just write.
I encourage first time writers to get that first draft done before you go back and tweak and edit. If you continually go back and edit as you’re writing, it will really slow down how long it’ll take you to write your book and get it into the world.
Give yourself permission to simply write. Then immediately after you’ve finished the edits on the first book, begin writing the next book. Keep writing and don’t stop. You’ll be so happy you did.
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Melody Archer writes contemporary sweet romance that’s loosely based on fairy tales. Her novels feature small towns, family relationships and five brothers who are very protective over the women they love.
Her most recent release was The Billionaire’s Marriage Contract (loosely based on Beauty and the Beast), which is the second book in the Clean Billionaire Fake Marriage Romance series.
For more on Melody and her work, please see her website, or connect with her on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Goodreads.
The Billionaire’s Marriage Bargain (Book #1): Billionaire Adam Stevenson, must marry in 30 days to receive his great- grandfather’s inheritance. The walls around Adam’s heart, won’t let him fall in love. With his heart firmly caged in and with no intention of being tied down longer than a year, Adam proposes a marriage in name only to the girl-next-door, Elle Jennings.
Elle is desperate to save her dad’s ranch from foreclosure. She has 3 weeks to do it. All alone in the world, except for a stepmother and stepsister who dislike her, Elle wants to hold onto the one thing that brings her a sense of belonging… her father’s ranch.
When Adam asks her to be his fake wife, she agrees… with certain conditions. They agree to strict guidelines: 1) keep this a business arrangement 2) do not fall in love.
It’s only for one year. What could possibly go wrong with a marriage bargain?
Available at Amazon.
The Billionaire’s Marriage Contract (Book #2): Billionaire Jack Stevenson has hardened his heart to love. The town calls him the Beast of Paradise Lake. So, he stays hidden in his mansion on the hill.
However, his great-grandfather’s will states he must marry in 60 days to receive his inheritance… the Silver Mine that he’s wanted since childhood.
Beautiful Bella Campbell is determined to prove her independence to her father. But, with her Dad’s sudden heart attack, she is forced her to finish his design contract with the beastly Jack Stevenson.
Love wasn’t part of the plan.
Available at Amazon.