For me, one of the biggest emotional challenges of being an author is that of maintaining confidence in myself and my work.
I know we all experience moments of crippling doubt at times. It has the power to halt all progress.
There is such excitement when a new story idea comes. The adrenaline rush is intense, and we can’t wait to start transferring those vivid images in our heads into words that convey the scenes.
However, as the story goes along, we can lose that momentum and begin to doubt whether we have written anything worth reading.
Some refer to that doubt as a Raven sitting on your shoulder whispering in your ear. Doubt comes to me in the form of childhood memories. I was a misfit and heard people refer to my sister and me as those Smith girls who would never amount to a hill of beans. That’s what it sounds like in my head.
How I Cope with Self-Doubt as a Writer
One of the most effective ways to cope with this emotional challenge is to take a minute and glance at the walls around me, where book awards hang.
That always bolsters my resolve to continue.
I also read positive affirmations I have pinned to my bulletin board next to my computer and absorb them.
I love working with gemstones and find that sometimes just holding a Mookite stone or Silver Leaf Jasper boosts my creativity and confidence.
I practice daily meditation, which is an invaluable tool for staying grounded and keeping emotions in perspective. It’s almost as if I become an outsider looking in at those thoughts and feelings. That makes it easier to let go of them and move on.
Tips to Help Writers Dealing with Scoliosis
I was born with scoliosis. I didn’t know it until I was eighteen, but over the years, it has, at times, given me great pain.
Sitting for long periods can exacerbate that. As an author, I spend hours per day in front of the computer, which can become quite challenging.
Taking the time to stop the flow of work and do the yoga stretches that ease that condition’s pain is another part of the challenge. I often push myself past the point of no return and suffer from it.
Some basic yoga stretches help immensely with my back pain. One is the simple cat/cow. If you’re not familiar with that one, you get on your hands and knees, and with the flow of your breath in, engage your core and start the upward phase of the movement.
Then exhale and push your spine toward the ceiling, allowing your back to round and your head to fall forward toward the floor in alignment with your spine.
Another excellent tool I’ve found to help alleviate long spans of sitting is an affordable adjustable desktop that I can raise or lower, allowing me to either stand or sit to work. That is probably the most remarkable solution I’ve found so far that helps me to keep working. I paid around $150 for mine.
Music Inspires My Writing
I discovered that I have a natural talent for interviewing. It was always my goal to uncover something personal that our readers might enjoy knowing.
So, interviewing music artists and writing their stories was such a wonderful and rewarding experience. Unfortunately, due to the COVID shutdowns, the magazine (Buddy Magazine, The Original Texas Music Magazine) has taken a hiatus, and it is doubtful that it will make a return. The most significant difference between writing for the magazine and writing fiction was simply the story itself. All other rules of writing apply to both.
Music can be very inspiring to me, and many of my short stories are direct extensions of a song. A good example is “Jewel,” which I took from the Bobby Gentry song, “Fancy.” Another story directly inspired by a song is “Brazos Wind.”
I also find that I often include music in my novels, as well. For instance, my character in “Ghostly Interference” plays keys and joins a band. It is an integral part of me that I am unable to separate.
When It Took Three Years to Land a Publishing Deal, I Often Thought of Giving Up
When it took three long years to land a publishing deal for “Ghostly Interference,” I often thought of giving up. But every time I did, I’d get a new idea for a short story, or I’d get a pep talk from my sister, or I’d win another award.
I see no way to stop writing as long as the creative valve is open.
My Most Successful Book Marketing Tool: My Blog
By far, my most successful marketing tool is my blog site.
I have built up a substantial following over the years, and it’s such an excellent way to interact and engage. My “Tarot Tuesday” posts were instrumental in gaining new followers without shouting, “Buy my book!”
And, I just recently came off of a month-long tour launching “Ghostly Interference,” where it was supported strictly through the many blogging friends I’ve made across the globe.
Another tool I am trying to get better at using is a monthly newsletter. That’s still a work in progress.
My Biggest Struggle in Life: Finding Time to Write
That, my friends, is my biggest struggle in life [finding time to writing into a busy life].
I have an obsession with keeping my email inbox cleared out, and because of the number of blogs I follow, it is an almost impossible task. I’m working on rearranging my workday to write first and then go to emails.
The only way I can do that successfully is simply not to open my email until I’m ready. Otherwise, I’m off chasing rabbits down holes.
Also, my workday ends at 3 pm as I take care of my two granddaughters every day after school until around 7 pm. So, it’s a juggling act for sure!
Advice for a Young Writer: If the Story is There, Write It
Absolutely, go for it. I believe that if you are given a story idea, it is your responsibility to do something with it. So, if the story is there, write it. What you do with it after that is strictly up to you, but in this day and age where self-publishing is super easy to do, there is no reason not to share it with the world.
One word of caution, though ― Please do not publish your work until it is thoroughly polished and edited by a professional editor. Because of self-publishing, there is a lot of work out there, greatly in need of an editor. Typos and grammatical errors can kill you before you even get started.
* * *
Jan Sikes has been called a wordsmith by her peers. She openly admits that she never set out in life to an an author. But she had a story that demanded to be told. It took four books to chronicle her life with Texas singer/songwriter, Rick Sikes.
And now that the story is told, this author can’t find a way to put down the pen. She has published numerous award-winning short stories with a series of novels waiting in the wings. She resides in North Texas, is a doting grandmother, active blogger, member of the Rave Reviews Book Club (RRBC), serves as Vice-President of the Rave Writer’s Int’l Socity of Author (RWISA), sits on the RWISA Executive Council and is a member of The Author’s Marketing Guild, Writer’s League of Texas, and Romance Writers of America.
For more information on Jan and her work, please see her website, blog, and Amazon author page, or connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.
Ghostly Interference: Jag Peters has one goal in his quiet, comfortable life—to keep his karma slate wiped clean. A near-miss crash with a candy apple red Harley threatens to upend his safe world. He tracks down the rider to apologize properly. Slipping into a seedy biker bar, he discovers the rider isn’t a “he”, it’s a “she”, a dark-haired beauty.
Rena Jett is a troubled soul, who lives in a rough world. She wants no part of Jag’s apology, but even while she pushes him away, she is attracted to him. When he claims to see a ghost—her brother—can she trust him? And could her brother’s final gift, a magical rune stone with the symbol for “happily ever after” have the power to heal her wounds and allow opposites to find common ground—perhaps even love?
Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Google Books.
Great blog piece, Jan. You’ve covered many struggles that authors face. My biggest one is time constraint. At times it feels like holding a glass of water, while running at full tilt on a treadmill. If it were beer that I was holding, I’d probably drink it :).
Your success is a wonderful example of what hard work, talent, and determination can do. Thank you, Colleen, for hosting.
Thanks for stopping by, Mark! Love the humor. 🙂
Thank you for stopping by, Mark. I love your analogy of the glass of water (or beer). 🙂 I appreciate your kind words!
Gwen, thanks for hosting Jan’s interview and I am now signed up! Jan, it’s always enlightening to read anything you write and this was no exception! I, too, was a little misfit and still feel the “hangover” from that to this day. Writing is a great outlet for that feeling. Thanks for sharing your challenges and concerns, and fixes as well.
Hi, Maura Beth. Thank you for stopping by. Colleen is the host of this post and she has an awesome blog to follow. I appreciate your comment and yes, we can find our own redemption through our characters sometimes! Have a great day!
What a fantastic blog post, with lots of excellent tips and inspiration!
Jan, I really love your adjustable workstation. I sometimes have to deal with back pain when sitting too long, and like the idea of a station that would allow me to stand up and keep working.
Colleen, thanks so much for featuring Jan today. I am so glad she has continued to pursue her dream and achieve success!
Thanks, Mae! I am too. Always makes me happy to hear about writers who follow their hearts. :O)
I think every writer has to deal with back pain from sitting too long. When we are in that moment of writing, we don’t even think about our bodies. It’s always afterward. 🙂 Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment, Mae!
I connect with so much of what you’ve written. You’ve offered great insight for authors of all stages. I never knew you had scoliosis. I love the cat/cow yoga exercise. I LOVE your desk setup. I have two monitors so, I’m not sure everything would fit on there. Lol! This was a wonderful post, Jan! 🙂
Hi, Yvette. Thankfully, my scoliosis doesn’t keep me from living a somewhat normal life. There are just a few adjustments I have to make. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post and I appreciate you leaving a comment! Have a great week!!
Excellent advice, Jan! Music often inspires me to write as well, and I’ve created playlists for my novels. And we all have those moments of self-doubt.
I suffer from osteoarthritis and sometimes sitting for long periods isn’t good. It’s important to get up and move around. And I love your desk! I’m thinking of upgrading mine and should check into getting something similar.
I love it that you create playlists for your novels, Joan. We share a love of music. 🙂 It is important for all of us to move around. I hope you find the perfect desk upgrade for your needs! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. Much appreciated!
I enjoyed learning more about Jan and hearing some of her great advice. Terrific feature, Colleen!
Thank you, Jill! I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and leave a comment!
Wonderful advice, Jan, I must do more stretching! How awesome both you and your sister are authors. Congratulations on gaining a publishing contract. I enjoy your stories and I look forward to reading many more!
Thank you so much, Wendy! I appreciate you stopping in and leaving a comment. Yes, we must stretch and move. You do a great job of that with all of your outdoor activities. Have a wonderful week!
As someone who was just told he has scoliosis for the first time, I was interested in your thoughts about that. After I got over the initial shock of wondering how come no doctor ever mentioned this to me before, I’m trying to do what I can to manage my pain. The worst times are when I first get up and if I sit at the computer too long. What helps? Walking and stretching. I’ve started some physical therapy. While I haven’t seen great results, I suppose any tiny improvement is good.
Sitting at the computer is always bad for the back for sure. Have you tried one of those cushions with the cut-out for the tailbone? I talk about some helpful tools at the link below. Standing part-time helps (though not all the time). Good luck, Pete.
http://writingandwellness.com/2017/10/18/how-to-ease-back-pain-from-the-comfort-of-your-chair/
Hi, Pete. Walking and stretching definitely helps, and how wonderful that you are getting physical therapy. I have gone that route many times throughout my life and always learn a new technique for managing my condition. Yoga stretches are the best. The cat/cow stretch and superman pose are my go-to when I’m in pain. Good luck dealing with your situation. If I can offer any help, I most certainly would be happy to do so! Thank you for your comment!
You’re a gifted writer, Jan, and a wonderful encourager. I loved Ghostly Interference and can’t wait for the next book! Thanks for sharing, Colleen!
Thanks for stopping by, Patty! :O)
What wonderful advice Jan. Like you my childhood can haunts me at times, and stones do help energize me again. I just got a desk riser and look forward to using it, I also deal with those back issues. Thanks, for the fantastic and inspiring post!
I have a feeling we share a lot of similarities, Denise. What I love most about your most recent stories is the inclusion of Angels. I am a full force believer and have witnessed them working in my life. 🙂 I am so glad you got a desk riser! You’ll have to let us know how it goes. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. Hugs!
Hi, Patty. Thank you for those wonderful words about “Ghostly Interference!” I am so glad you enjoyed it and thank you for taking the time to read it! I’m happy you stopped by and left a comment. Have a wonderfully blessed day!
Wonderful feature. I like that reference to the raven of doubt. (He appears on my blog from time to time.)
Hi, Craig. Yes. I totally related to your reference to that raven of doubt. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment here! Much appreciated!
You share such wonderful energy. I am always learning something great, reading something enjoyable, and celebrating your presence in my life! WTG Jan!!
Thank you, dear Annette. You are such a great source of inspiration for me as well. 🙂 We exchange energies. I’m so happy you enjoyed the post and I appreciate your comment! Hugs!
Oh, thank you SO much for this feature, Colleen. I’ve been out of town, but heading over to share it!!
What a great feature, Colleen. I loved reading about how Jan maintains balance and fosters joy. Terrific read and great advice. Bravo to both of you. ❤️
Thanks, Gwen! Lovely to have Jan here. :O)
Thank you for your awesome comment, Gwen! I appreciate your support and kind words! Hugs!
Thank YOU, Jan! Great to have your thoughts here on WW. :O)