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Writers Doubt: The #1 Enemy of Writing
This is a step-by-step guide on how to succeed as a writer mentally. Don't let self-doubt or fear decide whether you have a future as a writer.All writers doubt their ability. But Bryan Hutchinson's story shows doubt and fear don't have to define your writing future. In this part-memoir, part kick-in-the-pants, part step-by-step manual, Bryan will show you how to live out your passion, write books, and become an author, no matter if the so-called "experts" tell you that you can't.Praised by Jerry B. Jenkins, author of the Left Behind series (Over 70 Million Copies Sold), Warren Adler, author of the hit book and movie, "The War of the Roses," Jeff Goins, author of, "You Are A Writer," and so many others. It's a must-read for all writers, at every level."Writer’s Doubt is–without a doubt–one of the best books on writing I’ve ever read. I’ve read dozens of books all about honing my craft, but none quite so unique, practical, and inspiring as this one." —Kate Foley TMV, is an avid blogger and writer, and a contributor to the “Fauxpocalypse” anthology.*Includes additional references and resources, and bonus chapters on publishing, blogging, and marketing.
124 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 8, 2020
If you’re a writer, you are probably familiar with the following scenario: You’ve got great ideas, or so you think. Right up to the point that you’re putting them into a book and WHAM! Doubt settles in. Maybe this isn’t good enough. It’s not original enough. What if no one likes it?!?
Bryan Hutchinson addresses these questions and more in his book, WRITER’S DOUBT. Learn how to tackle the #1 enemy of writing in this slender, quick-to-read volume.
My husband bought this book for me when I was going through the angst (one of many cycles, I assure you). Unfortunately, it sat untouched for several months, because I have an enormous TBR wall. [some people have shelves. Others have stacks. I have a WALL.)
Part One of this book truly tackles Writer’s Doubt. From sharing his own story to actionable steps you, the writer, can take, Hutchinson addresses this crippling threat head-on.
Part Two of this book contains more action steps for actually finishing and publishing your writing. He includes information on marketing, promotion, and becoming a professional, and each section holds little nuggets for the budding author.
Admittedly, the author included some pieces of advice that I can’t get behind, but like any personal or professional development book, take what’s most useful to where you are in your journey now, and leave the rest for another time (if ever). A great pick-me-up for the struggling writer.
Bryan Hutchinson addresses these questions and more in his book, WRITER’S DOUBT. Learn how to tackle the #1 enemy of writing in this slender, quick-to-read volume.
My husband bought this book for me when I was going through the angst (one of many cycles, I assure you). Unfortunately, it sat untouched for several months, because I have an enormous TBR wall. [some people have shelves. Others have stacks. I have a WALL.)
Part One of this book truly tackles Writer’s Doubt. From sharing his own story to actionable steps you, the writer, can take, Hutchinson addresses this crippling threat head-on.
Part Two of this book contains more action steps for actually finishing and publishing your writing. He includes information on marketing, promotion, and becoming a professional, and each section holds little nuggets for the budding author.
Admittedly, the author included some pieces of advice that I can’t get behind, but like any personal or professional development book, take what’s most useful to where you are in your journey now, and leave the rest for another time (if ever). A great pick-me-up for the struggling writer.
October 27, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this book because I've often under the cloud of despair regardless of my numerous efforts through the craft of writing stories as far as I can remember ever since I began after watching a certain Saturday Morning cartoon adventure which was To the Center of the World, an animated adaption of the original novel in a series of thrilling action episodes in the mid-1960's to the 1970's! Despite the disadvantage of no closed-caption dialogues which emerged in the 1980's under Ronald Regan, I focused on the actions! I concentrated on what I could conjure within my active imagination to spread on the pages at the typewriter - sigh!! Now I'm working at my desktop computer workstation as a closet writer who's profoundly deaf and unable to reach out to the markets - at least I'm wallowing in the sheer enlightenment of expressive activity to be honest!!
October 27, 2020
If you need a pep-talk, read this book. It’s full of kind encouragement. The author shares his own struggles with doubt and ways he’s overcome it. You’ll feel cheered on while reading this book and realize, or realize again, that you are good enough. You’ll be encouraged to write, whatever you’re level, and to be confident of yourself and your own voice. This book was a breath of fresh air for me and literally caused me to relax. I was able to pull back from the myriad of voices I was letting push me and overwhelm my own thoughts and voice. It’s never said we can’t improve as we grow, but doubt need not stop us from writing now, where we’re at. I highly recommend this book. If you don’t feel you need it for yourself, it might guide you in how to approach and treat other authors who are struggling. It’s a process. We all learn and grow along the way.
September 14, 2018
A great pep talk for those of us who beat ourselves down
I'm a writer but I'm also a skeptic. I consider doubt to be a worthwhile thing but I have to admit that it can be a problem when you turn it against yourself and can't stop it. This book is filled with positive affirmations and solid advice you can use to refocus yourself and regain your confidence when the inner naysayer won't shut up. The author is clearly someone who has dealt with these struggles himself and works to tackle them everyday.
I'm a writer but I'm also a skeptic. I consider doubt to be a worthwhile thing but I have to admit that it can be a problem when you turn it against yourself and can't stop it. This book is filled with positive affirmations and solid advice you can use to refocus yourself and regain your confidence when the inner naysayer won't shut up. The author is clearly someone who has dealt with these struggles himself and works to tackle them everyday.
May 5, 2015
Wow, what a great book it is!
It encapsulates everything a good indie book should have, even to the very last letter: personal experience, authentic voice, an author’s transparency, integrity and genuineness; sound advice and some questionable issues. You don’t feel like it’s a book written by you where you agree with everything. A profound position.
A hero
I can’t imagine a better candidate for discussing writer’s doubt. I could relate well to Bryan because I have experienced similar struggles… however not on the scale he did. When I decided to write, I had no writing experience (Bryan at least attended some writing classes), no authority, and I started publishing outside of my native language. But once I set myself on a writer’s path, doubt did not have a chance with me.
Bryan had it much worse than that… and he overcame everything: naysayers, critics, and the internal, ultimate doubt itself! Wow, he is a hero!
One critical remark
I liked everything about this book. Stop! Not everything. In “Writer’s Doubt,” I found one recommendation I don’t agree with, and that’s fine, because we are all different. Namely, it’s the suggestion that everyone should try traditional publishing. I see no reason why. To bleed my nose on the wall? To build up my character by experiencing rejection after rejection? Well, I prefer different ways to develop my character. If I want to improve the quality of my book, I can hire professionals to edit it. I don’t need to sell my rights for pennies and alms (read: a meager share in royalties).
However, I only wanted to dispute just a fragment of the book―the rest seemed to be written straight from my heart (but much better).
Rejection
For example, I’d like to mention the idea about positive lessons coming from rejection. Bryan is totally right. When I started writing, I decided to write fiction in my own language. I posted my first short story on the biggest Polish Science Fiction forum and was (rightfully) criticized. My doubt had a feeding frenzy. I realized I lacked a lot in the area of craft. At the same time, I was looking for additional income sources. I knew I have to leave my 9 to 5 in order to live a fulfilled life. So, with a little encouragement from a friend, I switched to publishing non-fiction on Amazon. I sold about 10k copies of my books within 20 months. February is the first month when royalties will exceed my salary. If not for that critique, I wouldn’t have been in this place. And I found this kind of writing very fulfilling.
Solid advice
I loved the tone of encouragement prevailing throughout the book. It was so refreshing. Bryan is really a kind soul.
Every time I found some list with tips―whether how to self publish, how to “slay the beast,” or how to develop writing rituals―I found myself nodding. The author of “Writer’s Doubt” has really been there and has done that. Instantly, I felt that the advice came from a practitioner, not a theoretician.
I confirm that writing everyday helps immensely. My doubt has almost starved since I began my writing log in September 2013. Since then, I haven’t missed a day and the beast has almost disappeared.
Bryan’s advice about book marketing was among the best I’ve ever heard. No hype, hard work, and pure grit―this is what gets you results.
I myself have written a book about writing. It is not published yet, but I found so many common causes with this book that it’s almost unbelievable: connection and authentic relationships, writing something dangerous, refusing to blend in and conform… I’m convinced that it was exactly those qualities that made the publishing revolution possible, that this is the unfair indies’ advantage over publishing houses.
For writers… and for others
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who wants to start writing or has already started, but doesn’t consider himself a writer yet. You cannot get a better book at the beginning of your writing career.
But even a “seasoned” writer like me (1st book published on May 2013, 7 titles under my belt) can get something out of this book. I learned I’m a professional writer. It was a relief because as I said, I wrote a book about writing and The Beast was trying to say something doubtful about my right to do so. Thanks Bryan!
Oh, one more thing. I don’t think The Doubt Beast is a thing reserved for writers only. I think it is applicable to any venture which extends beyond your comfort zone. Whatever your internal voice is trying to talk you out of―starting a new business, a marriage, and so on―the journey Bryan shared will help you. Many of his tips are applicable only for writing, but most of his techniques are universal and will help you cope with every doubt.
And the story for the end:
In November 2012, I created my personal mission statement and wrote
I’m becoming a writer
in it. At that time, I had no blog and had never published a single word. At that time, saying “I’m a writer” was too bold for me. It took me 15 months and about 180k words till I changed this entry in my mission statement to:
I’m a writer.
I needed external validation and I introduced this change after my 5th book became bestseller.
But I was a writer long before that, I just didn’t know. “Writer’s Doubt” showed me why.
Read it and you will discover why you are a writer, possibly a professional writer at that.
It encapsulates everything a good indie book should have, even to the very last letter: personal experience, authentic voice, an author’s transparency, integrity and genuineness; sound advice and some questionable issues. You don’t feel like it’s a book written by you where you agree with everything. A profound position.
A hero
I can’t imagine a better candidate for discussing writer’s doubt. I could relate well to Bryan because I have experienced similar struggles… however not on the scale he did. When I decided to write, I had no writing experience (Bryan at least attended some writing classes), no authority, and I started publishing outside of my native language. But once I set myself on a writer’s path, doubt did not have a chance with me.
Bryan had it much worse than that… and he overcame everything: naysayers, critics, and the internal, ultimate doubt itself! Wow, he is a hero!
One critical remark
I liked everything about this book. Stop! Not everything. In “Writer’s Doubt,” I found one recommendation I don’t agree with, and that’s fine, because we are all different. Namely, it’s the suggestion that everyone should try traditional publishing. I see no reason why. To bleed my nose on the wall? To build up my character by experiencing rejection after rejection? Well, I prefer different ways to develop my character. If I want to improve the quality of my book, I can hire professionals to edit it. I don’t need to sell my rights for pennies and alms (read: a meager share in royalties).
However, I only wanted to dispute just a fragment of the book―the rest seemed to be written straight from my heart (but much better).
Rejection
For example, I’d like to mention the idea about positive lessons coming from rejection. Bryan is totally right. When I started writing, I decided to write fiction in my own language. I posted my first short story on the biggest Polish Science Fiction forum and was (rightfully) criticized. My doubt had a feeding frenzy. I realized I lacked a lot in the area of craft. At the same time, I was looking for additional income sources. I knew I have to leave my 9 to 5 in order to live a fulfilled life. So, with a little encouragement from a friend, I switched to publishing non-fiction on Amazon. I sold about 10k copies of my books within 20 months. February is the first month when royalties will exceed my salary. If not for that critique, I wouldn’t have been in this place. And I found this kind of writing very fulfilling.
Solid advice
I loved the tone of encouragement prevailing throughout the book. It was so refreshing. Bryan is really a kind soul.
Every time I found some list with tips―whether how to self publish, how to “slay the beast,” or how to develop writing rituals―I found myself nodding. The author of “Writer’s Doubt” has really been there and has done that. Instantly, I felt that the advice came from a practitioner, not a theoretician.
I confirm that writing everyday helps immensely. My doubt has almost starved since I began my writing log in September 2013. Since then, I haven’t missed a day and the beast has almost disappeared.
Bryan’s advice about book marketing was among the best I’ve ever heard. No hype, hard work, and pure grit―this is what gets you results.
I myself have written a book about writing. It is not published yet, but I found so many common causes with this book that it’s almost unbelievable: connection and authentic relationships, writing something dangerous, refusing to blend in and conform… I’m convinced that it was exactly those qualities that made the publishing revolution possible, that this is the unfair indies’ advantage over publishing houses.
For writers… and for others
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who wants to start writing or has already started, but doesn’t consider himself a writer yet. You cannot get a better book at the beginning of your writing career.
But even a “seasoned” writer like me (1st book published on May 2013, 7 titles under my belt) can get something out of this book. I learned I’m a professional writer. It was a relief because as I said, I wrote a book about writing and The Beast was trying to say something doubtful about my right to do so. Thanks Bryan!
Oh, one more thing. I don’t think The Doubt Beast is a thing reserved for writers only. I think it is applicable to any venture which extends beyond your comfort zone. Whatever your internal voice is trying to talk you out of―starting a new business, a marriage, and so on―the journey Bryan shared will help you. Many of his tips are applicable only for writing, but most of his techniques are universal and will help you cope with every doubt.
And the story for the end:
In November 2012, I created my personal mission statement and wrote
I’m becoming a writer
in it. At that time, I had no blog and had never published a single word. At that time, saying “I’m a writer” was too bold for me. It took me 15 months and about 180k words till I changed this entry in my mission statement to:
I’m a writer.
I needed external validation and I introduced this change after my 5th book became bestseller.
But I was a writer long before that, I just didn’t know. “Writer’s Doubt” showed me why.
Read it and you will discover why you are a writer, possibly a professional writer at that.
February 2, 2018
More geared towards authors of non-fiction and memoir and beginners. Offers a pleasant colloquial writing style and some keen observations on the inner critic and doubt and fear. Nothing new under the sun, but still full of good advice with a highly personal touch.
Recommended for beginners, cause more seasoned writers might have already read the advice elsewhere.
Recommended for beginners, cause more seasoned writers might have already read the advice elsewhere.
July 26, 2017
Great Info
Even though I'm a more experienced author, every once in a while feelings of doubt creep in, and I need to be reminded that I'm in charge of my own destiny. This book would be especially useful for new authors who lack the confidence to embark on their writing journey.
Even though I'm a more experienced author, every once in a while feelings of doubt creep in, and I need to be reminded that I'm in charge of my own destiny. This book would be especially useful for new authors who lack the confidence to embark on their writing journey.
December 24, 2017
This book is a big help on me. Five stars!
Very helpful book for me. It opened my eyes on having my own doubt on myself. I am pushing my doubt aside and moving forward with my life. I am conquering my doubt. Thanks Bryan Hutchinson!
Very helpful book for me. It opened my eyes on having my own doubt on myself. I am pushing my doubt aside and moving forward with my life. I am conquering my doubt. Thanks Bryan Hutchinson!
October 19, 2014
Writer's Doubt has easily become one of my favorite writing reference / inspiration / guidance books. I discovered Bryan Hutchinson thanks to another inspirational writer, Jeff Goins.
Bryan brings all the fears and doubts that I have kept unnamed and hidden to the surface, and shows me how to deal with them. For example, his personal stories and advice have helped me face doubts and fears that I have had about letting others read my writing. I have always been cautious about telling too many people about my writing projects or even sharing with my writing groups, but I didn't know why. I thought maybe I was just feeling insecure or too picky with who I trusted my first drafts. I felt guilty and compelled to let others read my work before I was comfortable, because that is what I thought was expected of me.
Writer's Doubt assured me that it is perfectly fine to ask for feedback from the right people, when I'm ready. This has allowed me to write freer and more creatively, since I know that I don't have to show my work until I'm ready to share.
I appreciate Bryan's openness, honesty, and his advice on all aspects of the writer's life.
Bryan brings all the fears and doubts that I have kept unnamed and hidden to the surface, and shows me how to deal with them. For example, his personal stories and advice have helped me face doubts and fears that I have had about letting others read my writing. I have always been cautious about telling too many people about my writing projects or even sharing with my writing groups, but I didn't know why. I thought maybe I was just feeling insecure or too picky with who I trusted my first drafts. I felt guilty and compelled to let others read my work before I was comfortable, because that is what I thought was expected of me.
Writer's Doubt assured me that it is perfectly fine to ask for feedback from the right people, when I'm ready. This has allowed me to write freer and more creatively, since I know that I don't have to show my work until I'm ready to share.
I appreciate Bryan's openness, honesty, and his advice on all aspects of the writer's life.
May 7, 2016
Just finished reading this book, and while it's packed with tips on writing and overcoming the internal fear of creating your art via writing your own personal story, it seems a bit on the lean side compared to similar books (I'm mainly thinking of "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron and "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield).
Hutchinson tells a lot about his personal journey—the one he already told in his book "One Boy's Struggle." I felt there was too much time spent on justifying why he felt he was allowed to be a writer simply because he had written his memoir. The bleed-over into this book is a bit too much for my taste, and it's a while (about midway through the book) before you get into the meat of overcoming your own doubts about your abilities as a writer.
Maybe it's just me, but even with the special Part II bonus section on publishing and marketing your writing I was far more impressed with other books (see above) that seem to have more to say on the subject. Hutchinson is a fine writer, don't get me wrong, but "Writer's Doubt" didn't leave me feeling as impressed as I'd hoped to be.
Hutchinson tells a lot about his personal journey—the one he already told in his book "One Boy's Struggle." I felt there was too much time spent on justifying why he felt he was allowed to be a writer simply because he had written his memoir. The bleed-over into this book is a bit too much for my taste, and it's a while (about midway through the book) before you get into the meat of overcoming your own doubts about your abilities as a writer.
Maybe it's just me, but even with the special Part II bonus section on publishing and marketing your writing I was far more impressed with other books (see above) that seem to have more to say on the subject. Hutchinson is a fine writer, don't get me wrong, but "Writer's Doubt" didn't leave me feeling as impressed as I'd hoped to be.
April 17, 2014
What writer doesn't experience doubt? Even the seasoned ones.
In Writer's Doubt, author Bryan Hutchinson does a masterful job of addressing the issue. From "Overcoming Your Internal Naysayer" to "Finding Inspiration and Motivation" to "Writing Rituals" Hutchinson offers concrete help for all writers. I especially liked the internal naysayer chapter, as I've been my worst enemy in the realm of doubt. Now I have the tools to fight back.
Hutchinson struggled through elementary and high school. Furthermore, a college professor called him out in front of the class and told him his writing was terrible and that he would "never be a writer." Thank goodness, Hutchinson put all that aside and did it anyway.
His advice comes from real world experience and what has worked for him. You'll find the book filled with practical, bulleted tips on how to overcome your doubt. And he includes bonus chapters on self-publishing and blogging.
You can be sure this is a book I'll refer to on a regular basis as I navigate the world of writing, and of course, whenever doubt bears its fangs.
In Writer's Doubt, author Bryan Hutchinson does a masterful job of addressing the issue. From "Overcoming Your Internal Naysayer" to "Finding Inspiration and Motivation" to "Writing Rituals" Hutchinson offers concrete help for all writers. I especially liked the internal naysayer chapter, as I've been my worst enemy in the realm of doubt. Now I have the tools to fight back.
Hutchinson struggled through elementary and high school. Furthermore, a college professor called him out in front of the class and told him his writing was terrible and that he would "never be a writer." Thank goodness, Hutchinson put all that aside and did it anyway.
His advice comes from real world experience and what has worked for him. You'll find the book filled with practical, bulleted tips on how to overcome your doubt. And he includes bonus chapters on self-publishing and blogging.
You can be sure this is a book I'll refer to on a regular basis as I navigate the world of writing, and of course, whenever doubt bears its fangs.
October 18, 2015
Bryan Hutchinson struggled with learning as a child. It wasn’t until he reached adulthood that he was diagnosed with ADD. It’s pretty impressive to me that he writes books, runs a blog and tries to help others with similar issues. One of those ways is by giving his books away frequently. That’s where I picked this one up.
Here he goes through all kinds of practical advice to deal with some of the problems peculiar to writers - mostly self doubt and finishing your projects. (Snort… just what I need.)
He talks about publishing his memoir ‘One boy’s struggle’ and how he used self publishing and print on demand to produce it. It has received critical acclaim and is often given to kids struggling with the same issues to read.
It is a pretty good, helpful guide and his blog is also worth checking out.
You’ll find it here:
http://positivewriter.com/
4 sensible stars
Here he goes through all kinds of practical advice to deal with some of the problems peculiar to writers - mostly self doubt and finishing your projects. (Snort… just what I need.)
He talks about publishing his memoir ‘One boy’s struggle’ and how he used self publishing and print on demand to produce it. It has received critical acclaim and is often given to kids struggling with the same issues to read.
It is a pretty good, helpful guide and his blog is also worth checking out.
You’ll find it here:
http://positivewriter.com/
4 sensible stars
January 2, 2015
In this book, Hutchinson offers practical, helpful advice on how to find inspiration and motivation, and how to overcome our doubts. This book demonstrates that when it comes to writing there is nothing to fear but fear itself, and that we, as writers can be our own worst enemies. I appreciate Hutchinson's honesty in sharing his story and grateful that he managed to overcome his own writer's doubt in order to help others. This is an encouraging book for writers, especially those interested in writing memoirs and personal essays.
April 3, 2014
With his trademark humility and honesty, Hutchinson has offered another round of encouragement for writers struggling in the trenches. He puts forth a round of solid advice on ditching the negativity that too often surrounds the writing life and moving forward to embrace the blessings of living a creative lifestyle. His thoughts are solid, practical, and always encouraging.
December 13, 2015
3 stars because I've heard most of this before. I'm not saying you can't get anything from it. It didn't do anything significant and ground breaking for me.
My favorite section: Where Bryan discusses why your first rough draft DOES NOT SUCK. Loved that piece.
If you're bogged down, I'd recommend it possibly. I prefer productivity books myself though.
My favorite section: Where Bryan discusses why your first rough draft DOES NOT SUCK. Loved that piece.
If you're bogged down, I'd recommend it possibly. I prefer productivity books myself though.
November 3, 2014
This is a great pep-talk to overcome the bunch of doubts that assault every writer. Moreover in the second part there are a few chapters with very useful tips about blogging and self publishing. Great read for every writer!
February 15, 2015
Inspirational read which will motivate you to keep writing! Gentle guidance, some much needed positive reinforcement, and some other bonus material that could benefit the writer that is just starting out, trying to finish or publish their works. Enjoy the journey!
March 9, 2015
He had a few good points but there was a lot about self publishing in here. Some good comments about first drafts though.
October 13, 2015
Some of the best advice to keep writing through fear, doubt or anything else that tends to stop you from writing. I enjoyed this book a lot.
Read
May 1, 2017This book wasn't for me.
The author is a memoir writer, and it shows--this book is about himself, too.
If there had been more examples of how his experiences/advice had been helpful to other people in various circumstances, it might have held my interest.
I'd rec this to folks who enjoy motivational lectures or testimonials.
The author is a memoir writer, and it shows--this book is about himself, too.
If there had been more examples of how his experiences/advice had been helpful to other people in various circumstances, it might have held my interest.
I'd rec this to folks who enjoy motivational lectures or testimonials.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews