40 Life Changing Tips to Help You

Write More Confidently

Discover Your Inner Power and Achieve Your Writing Dreams

Every day I hear from fellow writers and aspiring writers. Many of them struggle
with confidence. It affects their:

Writing quality
Writing productivity – procrastination is a sign of low confidence
Writing enthusiasm

and so much more...

It’s quite sad. These amazing writers could be feeling empowered and have a
thriving writing career but confidence, or a lack thereof, is getting in the way.

Many average writers have tons of confidence. They’re able to create, market,
and profit from their books. Yet phenomenal writers draft manuscript after
manuscript only to leave them half polished and covered in dust.

The difference..?

Confidence breeds success.

“With confidence, you can reach truly amazing heights; without confidence, even
the simplest accomplishments are beyond your grasp.”
-Dr. Jim Loehr

So while it’s certainly important to improve your writing skills, it’s more important
to improve your writing confidence. Here are 40 tips, ideas, and strategies to help
you do just that. Read through them. Embrace the ones that resonate with you.
Try a few and see how your confidence soars.

The benefits are well worth the efforts.

Copyright 2012 Annette Elton All Rights Reserved

www.MakeaLivingWritingRomance.com
1. Read – A Lot!

Reading helps you accomplish two things. The first is that it helps you
realize, “Hey, I can write better than this,” which gives you confidence.
Secondly, it helps you appreciate good writing which you can then absorb
and try to include styles and techniques you appreciate into your own
writing. Most of the top writers attribute some of their writing success and
education to learning from other master writers.

2. Practice, Practice, and Practice Some More

Write journal entries, blog posts, short stories...write anything but write
often. There’s an old saying that practice makes perfect. It may or may not
be true. Surely if you practice many things incorrectly like throwing a
basketball you’re going to perfect your skill incorrectly. However, writing is
one of those skills that improves with practice. You’ll become more
comfortable with the process and thus gain confidence.

If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others:
read a lot and write a lot. There's no way around these two things
that I'm aware of, no shortcut.

-Stephen King

3. Success Breeds Success

Ask someone you trust to read some of your work. Ideally it will be
someone who is skilled in the art of constructive criticism. They’ll be able
to point out what you’re doing well and the areas that you can improve
upon. Seize those words of praise and use the constructive criticism to
grow and improve. Then as that same person to read the parts you re-
worked.

4. Join A Critique Group

Share your writing passion with others. There’s nothing quite so good for
confidence than knowing that others are going through the same ups and
downs as you.

Copyright 2012 Annette Elton All Rights Reserved

www.MakeaLivingWritingRomance.com
5. Join A Romance Writing Association

Again, share with others. Learn from others. And take advantage of the
writing advice and experience. Knowledge breeds success.

6. Be Okay With Writing A Shitty First Draft

No one writes a perfect manuscript the first time around. Most writers write
several drafts before they’re remotely happy with it. Let loose and write
your first draft without worrying about the quality of writing. Write from a
place of joy and then really dig in during the editing process. That’s when
you focus on making it the best manuscript it can be.

“Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people.

It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life, and it is the main
obstacle between you and a shitty first draft. I think perfectionism is
based on the obsessive belief that if you run carefully enough, hitting
each stepping-stone just right, you won't have to die. The truth is that
you will die anyway and that a lot of people who aren't even looking at
their feet are going to do a whole lot better than you, and have a lot
more fun while they're doing it.”

― Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

7. Experiment With The Possibilities

Try different approaches to writing and plotting. If you normally write from
the seat of your pants, then try plotting. If you normally plot then try free
styling.

8. Learn About Writing

Take an online course. Sign up for a workshop or head to your local

community learning program or university and take a class on writing.
Even seasoned writers can benefit from a little education. Read books
about writing too.

However, take caution and don’t use writing education as a means of

procrastination. I recently came across this quote and while it made me
laugh, it’s true.

Copyright 2012 Annette Elton All Rights Reserved

www.MakeaLivingWritingRomance.com
 “Writing is like sex. You don’t need experience to begin doing it.”

9. Submit Your Work for Publication

Yes, this takes fortitude. However, you’ll feel proud of yourself when you
click “send” on that email or drop the manuscript in your mailbox. It’s a
step toward living life as a writer. And it’ll be easier to submit your work in
the future.

10. Learn to Accept Praise and Criticism

No doubt, praise feels wonderful and it’s a real confidence booster.

However, criticism can be powerful too. Criticism can help you identify
areas where you can improve. The key is to receive it with an open mind.
Not all criticism is useful. By opening your mind to receive criticism, you
can begin to learn what criticism to take action on and what to let go.

11. Treat Writing Like it’s Your Job

You’re a writer, correct? Then write.

Don’t find excuses to do something
else. There is nothing else. Sit down
and write. Follow Nora Roberts’s
writing rule – “ass in chair.”

12. Create Rituals and Writing Habits

Writing rituals can help you establish a positive mindset. They should be
supportive and simple to do.

For example, you might walk your dog before you sit down to write. The
fresh air and physical activity stimulates blood flow.

Or you might plan your book by writing longhand in a notebook before you
type it on your computer. You might wear the same fuzzy slippers when
you write or write in the same place.

13. Step Outside Of Your Writing Comfort Zone

Push yourself to write scenes that challenge you. Or push yourself to write
with a voice or style that is challenging. The more you face your fears and
push yourself, the more confident you’ll become.

Copyright 2012 Annette Elton All Rights Reserved

www.MakeaLivingWritingRomance.com
14. Approach Each Day With A Positive
Attitude

Each day is a new opportunity to do your

best. Let go of past mistakes and difficulties
and write from a positive place. The more
positively you feel about the writing
process, the easier it’ll be. Writing can be
fun.

15. Appreciate That Writing Is A Process

Some days will be good, some not so good,

and you’ll learn along the way. Take some
confidence in the fact that the more you
write, the more comfortable you’ll become
with the process, and the better your writing
will be.

16. Uncover Your Fears and Limiting Beliefs

What do you dislike about writing? Why do you lack confidence? For
example, maybe you received a negative comment about one of your
manuscripts and it has affected your confidence. Write down your limiting
beliefs and explore them. If you received a negative comment about your
writing, assess whether the comment has any truth to it.

17. Rejoice

Celebrate your writing accomplishments, no matter how small. For

example, when you publish a story or write a scene that you’re proud of,
celebrate. You don’t have to throw a party. However, you can take five
minutes to pat yourself on the back. You can post something on Twitter or
Facebook about your post and combine celebration and marketing.

18. Retain Your Successes

When you have significant writing success, for example, you published a
story or book that receives great reviews frame it! When you win a
contest, print the email and keep it as a reminder that you are a good
writer.

Copyright 2012 Annette Elton All Rights Reserved

www.MakeaLivingWritingRomance.com
19. Set Writing Goals You Can Achieve

One of the reasons many struggle with

writing confidence is that their goals are
overwhelming. Don’t try to write 5,000
words a day.

Take small steps. Write for an hour a day.

Aim to write five pages or 2000 words or
complete a scene – find goals that work for
you.

20. Appreciate Skill In Other Writers

It’s okay to emulate the style, voice, and approach other writers take. In
fact, that’s how many bestselling writers get started. Find a few authors
that you enjoy and take a look at how they write. Dissect their style and try
to emulate it.

21. Take Good Care Of Yourself

Confidence is practically impossible if you feel lousy. Practice good self

care. Get enough sleep. Eat well and exercise. Take time off from work.
Play and relax. The healthier you are, the more you’ll be able to face your
fears and doubts with a positive attitude.

22. Write When Inspired

Writing confidence can wax and wane. When it’s expanding, take
advantage of it. When you have a great content idea, record it
immediately. Use your phone to dictate it. Send yourself an email. Or keep
a notebook with you. If you’re having a day filled with writing confidence,
arrange your schedule so you can write as much as possible.

23. Collect Inspiration

Gather writing quotes, sayings, and images that make you feel proud
about being a writer and inspired to pursue your dreams and goals. Post
them on a bulletin board in your office. Or if you are active on Pinterest
you might create a pin board that reflects your writing interests and style.

Copyright 2012 Annette Elton All Rights Reserved

www.MakeaLivingWritingRomance.com
24. Write with Passion

When you’re writing, make sure you’re writing about topics and people
that you find engaging and fun. If you don’t like the topic, your writing may
suffer. And it’ll definitely be a less enjoyable process.

If you’re at a point in your book where your passion is fading, it’s the
perfect time to take a break. Assess why your confidence is flagging and
make adjustments. It’s a lot easier to write confidently when you are
excited about what you have to say.

25. Put Your Readers First

Before you sit down to write, or put your fingers to the keyboard, make
sure you’re writing something that your readers will appreciate and value.
Put them first and write for them, no one else.

26. Know When To Walk Away

We’ve already mentioned that some days, heck come weeks, are just
plain difficult. If you’re feeling awful about your writing and it’s not
happening for you, walk away. Relax. Come back to your writing when you
feel more positive.

27. Try Different Tools

Writing doesn’t mean you

have to put pen to paper or
fingers to keyboard.

There are a number of tools

to support you to create
exceptional content.

Consider, for example,

speaking your scene. Use a dictation tool like Dragon Naturally Speaking.
Consider planning your book and brainstorming with mind maps, writing
software, or note cards.

Copyright 2012 Annette Elton All Rights Reserved

www.MakeaLivingWritingRomance.com
28. Mix it Up

Earlier we mentioned creating writing habits and used the example of

writing in the same place every day. However, that doesn’t work for
everyone. Some people thrive on variety. Try writing in different settings.
Visit coffee shops, parks, and even shopping malls.

29. Be Proud Of Being A Writer

Being a writer is a wonderful profession! Even if you’re not earning any

money as a writer at the moment, you’re still a writer. Tell people you’re a
writer when they ask you what you do.

30. Read Memoirs From Other Writers

You’ll be surprised how much you have in common with some of the
world’s best writers.

31. Have Faith

Trust yourself as a writer. Trust that the

words you have to share and the story you
want to tell are valuable. And believe that
you have what it takes to communicate
your message effectively.

32. Be Grateful

Gratitude is one of the most powerful

emotions. Simply thinking about one thing
you’re grateful for can change you entire
perspective.

For example, how wonderful is it that you

get to spend time creating stories that
come from your beautiful imagination!

Be grateful for that imagination and the time you have to play with it.
Create a gratitude journal to truly amplify the power of gratitude.

33. Try Something New

Change the way you write to explore the possibilities. For example, if you
always write in the mornings then change it up and write at night. You may

Copyright 2012 Annette Elton All Rights Reserved

www.MakeaLivingWritingRomance.com
 find that a different writing voice emerges. You can then tap into that voice
when you need it.

34. Become Fearless

Confidence can seep into your writing life from other areas of your life.
Push yourself in all areas of your life. Embrace things that frighten you and
face them. Be bold, be courageous. Go skydiving, speak in public, move
to a new city – what ways can you become fearless?

35. Contemplate

What’s your story? Why did you

become a writer? Why is writing
important to you? How do you identify
with other writers?

36. Journal

Write about your writing processes,

successes, failures, and thoughts
along the way. Keep a notebook or
online journal (or even a blog) and express yourself.

37. Engage

Many writers tend to turn inward. They hole up in their writing spaces and
cut off from the world. That’s fine for those productive days when you’re
cranking out an abundance of material.

However, when you’re not writing it’s important to be engaged in life. Be

curious about the world and other people. Be present when you’re with
others. Consume life and then go home and write about it.

38. Live Passionately

Life isn’t always full of joy. Sometimes there’s heartache, pain, suffering,
and anger. Embrace the emotions you feel and feel them completely.
Being able to tap into your own emotions and experience them will help
you create characters who do the same.

Copyright 2012 Annette Elton All Rights Reserved

www.MakeaLivingWritingRomance.com
39. Find Tools You Love

Fill your office or writing space with your favorite writing books. Buy good
tools that you feel confident and happy using.

For example, I have a favorite pen that I use when I’m planning a story.
It’s actually a pen that my critique partner gave me. She visited London
and bought a pen for me that says, “Elementary, my dear Watson,” from
the Sherlock Holmes museum.

It makes me smile. Many writers love a

writing software called Scrivener. Find
tools you love and embrace them.

40. Believe

The final, and perhaps most important

way to build your writing confidence, is
to believe that you’re a writer. If you
write, you’re a writer. Trust that your
words have power and you have the
ability to use them well.

Know that every day provides you with

an opportunity to grow and improve as
a writer and that there’s always something to learn.

You are a writer!

“Put all excuses aside and remember this: YOU are capable.”
-Zig Ziglar

Copyright 2012 Annette Elton All Rights Reserved

www.MakeaLivingWritingRomance.com
What’s Next?

Start writing!

Pull out that old manuscript or start a new one. If you’re looking for ideas, check
out 1001 Romance Story Starters. Use the coupon code JA36H to save 50% on
the cover cost of the book at Smashwords. You can also find the book at:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
iBooks
Kobo
Sony
and other online book retailers

Copyright 2012 Annette Elton All Rights Reserved

www.MakeaLivingWritingRomance.com