How to Battle Self-Doubt as a Storyteller

Three Timeless Tips!

Welcome to the Apple Hair CANON!

Here, I’ll explore creating a fictional universe, and I’m hoping you’ll follow along with your own world. I’m by no means an expert, so let’s discuss how to create a believable, magical, and captivating world. Let’s be storycatchers together!

Want to read Apple Hair, the boy band fantasy novel, from the very beginning? You can start here! Apple Hair is a fictional, Asian American boy band from Hawaii.

Welcome to the newsletter, and I’m excited to lay down the foundations of our storyworlds together, one word at a time.

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Photo by Melanie Deziel on Unsplash

Hi, storycatchers! Last time, I discussed five tips to create your very own story universe! How has your world been? Have you been building the little details of a fictional world? Or perhaps you’re focused on your own story as a brand and creative. Whatever it may be, we will all inevitably battle some self-doubt.

In fact, you may not know this, but I battle self-doubt every single time that I write. When I get into the zone, letting the words flow out of me, I regain confidence. I tell myself that I have the ability to be a great storyteller. Someone who can craft something brilliant with their words. Have you ever told yourself something like that?

Honestly, even though I would like to hype myself up and always think of myself as a great author, the self-doubt leaks in through everyday life. Just reading my posts back and finding a typo can fire a whole new round of negativity within me.

But what about those characters that we love so much? I think about the boy band I created, Apple Hair. Of course, they have belief in the dream that they’ll debut. But how many times did they consider throwing in the towel? The dancing, the singing, all the endless practice just seem to be too much—it’s something I voiced in all five members of the group.

But that doesn’t stop them from being great main characters. I don’t necessarily think we have to be a main character, but we can learn a lot from these characters that we end up believing in—no matter their flaws, or the mistakes they might make.

Do you have an immediate reaction whenever a bit of doubt enters your mind? I say a prayer sometimes during writing, asking for clarity and the ability to write the right thing, the word that will give someone hope and strength.

That’s related to my name as well! Airen comes from Aaron, and it means “mountain of strength.” I would hope that my story, Apple Hair, gives the reader strength to pursue their dreams.

Should we dive into some practical tips on how to battle self-doubt?

First, remind yourself of who you are. I’m not just talking about your name and a few of your defining attributes. Don’t get me wrong, those are helpful! But I think diving deeper is the key thing here. For example, some things that I say to myself are: I am a person of faith. I’m the author of many successful stories. I have people around me who believe in me and are rooting for me.

These affirmations are not only true, but they are so powerful. What is one affirmation that you can tell yourself right now?

My second tip goes back to another article I wrote in the CANON. Make a document titled “Why I’m Awesome.” Put everything into it! All of your successes, big and small. When you look back at the person you’ve become, I bet you will smile, pat yourself on the back, and tell yourself that you did a good job.

Trust me, it’s not about being sappy and babying yourself. I firmly believe everyone should have a document listing their awesomeness.

And the third and final tip I have for you: jump off that treadmill. I’m talking about the cycle of achievement that we often get caught in. When we get one thing, we naturally want the thing right in front of it that’s “barely” out of reach. This can look like trying to double your sales for your book or trying to gain another few hundred viewers on your blog. No matter what, the chase never ends.

When we don’t get what we want, we call ourselves a failure. But what if we just stop where we are and practice gratitude?

I am guilty of not doing this too! For instance, I am finally publishing my debut novel, Apple Hair: A Boy Band Fantasy Novel. I found myself getting caught in the next thing, when I need to lay back and celebrate that success!

Thank you very much for joining the CANON and being such a great community. I love and appreciate you, and I’m praying for your creative journey. What would you like me to discuss in the next post? Comment below! Or jump into my Chat or on one of my Notes, and I’ll be happy to hear your input. Live well while writing this week!