Your Writing Matters: How to Banish Self-Doubt, Trust Yourself, and Go the Distance

by Colleen M. Story

You could spend years wondering whether you’re meant to be a writer—or you could read this book.

You write day after day. You dream of bestseller’s lists and royalty checks. But despite your best marketing efforts, those dreams remain out of reach.

You start to wonder if you’re wasting your time. Does your writing even matter?

Yes, it’s tough out there, and you have a right to feel the way you do.

Society’s focus on money and fame doesn’t make it any easier. If you’re not producing results in the form of royalties and recognition, others may discount the value of your creations, making it difficult to get the support you need to keep going.

Everything changes once you make “the decision.”

In "Your Writing Matters," author Colleen M. Story — a long-time professional writer and writing coach — will help you discover whether you truly have a writer’s DNA. She examines:

• The scientific evidence behind the pressure you feel to make money with your work
• The reasons why fame and notoriety are so attractive and discouraging
• The myth of the most talented writers
• Why book marketing can seem so exhausting
• Why you feel you have to justify the time you spend writing

Step by step, you’ll gain a clear-eyed look at the challenges a writer faces in the outside world. You’ll also learn:

• What hidden benefits writing may have in your life
• Whether writing is part of your life’s purpose
• When it’s best to leave writing behind

Every writer, somewhere along the way, grapples with the question of whether to continue on the writing journey. Don’t waste your precious time in indecision. Let Your Writing Matters guide you to your truth and you’ll never look back again.

Genres: Writing

263 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2021

About the author

Colleen M. Story is a novelist, freelance writer, and speaker who loves animals, music, and the great Pacific Northwest.

"The Curse of King Midas," her newest novel, was recognized as a top-ten finalist for the Claymore Award prior to publication. Her previous novels include "The Beached Ones" and "Loreena’s Gift," which was a Foreword Reviews’ INDIES Book of the Year Awards winner.

Colleen has written three books to help writers succeed. "Your Writing Matters" was a bronze medal winner in the Reader Views Literary Awards (2022).

Her previous release, "Writer Get Noticed!," was a gold-medal winner in the Reader’s Favorite Book Awards and a first-place winner in the Reader Views Literary Awards. "Overwhelmed Writer Rescue" was named Book by Book Publicity’s Best Writing/Publishing Book in 2018 and was an Amazon best seller.

With over 20 years as a professional in the creative industry, Colleen has authored thousands of articles for publications like “Healthline” and “Women’s Health;” worked with high-profile clients like Gerber Baby Products and Kellogg’s; and ghostwritten books on back pain, nutrition, and cancer recovery. She continues to work as a full-time freelance writer, helping clients create informative and inspiring communications in a variety of media formats.

Colleen frequently serves as a workshop leader, and motivational speaker, where she helps attendees remove mental and emotional blocks and tap into their unique creative powers. Find more at her author website (colleenmstory.com) and motivational website (writingandwellness.com), or connect with her on Twitter (@colleen_m_story), LinkedIn, and YouTube (@ColleenMStoryteller).

Reviews

[Gina Rae Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you a writer facing self-doubt? Then, this is the book for you!

Colleen M. Story will talk you through your self-doubts. She writes like she’s your best friend offering solid, sound advice.

The book is broken down into three sections that explore why writers suffer from self-doubt, the benefits of writing, and that scary introspective self-analysis of whether you should be a writer. Throughout each section, the author has a series of questions and answers to help you better understand your goals about being a writer.

As a reader and book reviewer, it’s refreshing to see Ms. Story point out that perhaps a connection with the reader is more important than the fame of being a published author. Although obviously, both would be even better.

Your Writing Matters is appropriate for those still dreaming of becoming a writer and published authors. In addition, there is an excellent reference section at the end of the book with many valuable resources.



I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.

[Lorie Kleiner Eckert · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you follow Colleen M. Story online via her websites or on social media, you will know that everything she presents is meticulously crafted. The same is true of this, her third nonfiction book for writers. This book is composed of three parts. The first examines why writers are filled with self-doubt. The second looks at the many ways writing benefits a writer’s life – even if fame and fortune are not on the list. The last section considers what life would be without writing, and asks the reader if they need to seriously consider this option.

Through it all, the author uses dozens of sources to amplify her points. (A reference section at the back of the book provides links to these documents.) Additionally, in her career, she has interviewed more than 300 writers and eighteen of these folks are quoted as well. The reader will also find lots of quizzes to take as they examine their own writing career and arrive at a decision to “Go the Distance” or not.

Early on she gave a fill-in-the-blank prompt: “I know that deep down I’m a writer because.” She asked for three reasons. My answers flowed easily from the heart. Thus, I already trusted myself and already had decided to go the distance as a writer. The sections in the book on these topics went on to validate what I had already figured out for myself.

Where the book was most stellar for me was in helping me get over the fact that fame and fortune are NOT a part of my life as a writer. Colleen helped me see that modern culture plays a part in my need for fame and that the realities of publishing impact my financial fortunes.

Here are a variety of quotes to show what she says:

Regarding Culture:
• “A national survey found that when asked what they valued most in life, more Americans answered ‘money’ than ‘friendship’ or ‘religion.’”
• “A study done on a group of children between ten and twelve years old found that the desire for fame – solely for the sake of being famous – was the most popular future goal.”
• “A poll of 1000 sixteen-year olds from the United Kingdom found that more than half didn’t want a career – they just wanted to be famous.”

Regarding the Realities of Writing:
• “Even the work of great writers doesn’t appeal to everyone.”
• “In the United Kingdom, the Booker Prize-winning titles often have disappointing sales.” Two books were then listed, one that sold 3600 copies and the other that sold 9000, nowhere near the hundreds of thousands I dream of.
• “According to a 2018 Pew Research Center survey, nearly a quarter of American adults hadn’t read a single book in the past year.”

These quotes made my desire for fame and fortune laughable, and gave me a better perspective. I am writing because I have things to say, because I think I have a unique way to say those things, and most important, because I enjoy the time I spend writing.

This final quote from the book says it beautifully. It’s from the movie, Hope Floats: “You find something that you love, and then you twist it, and you torture it, try and find a way to make money at it. You spend a lifetime doing that. At the end you can’t find a trace of what you started out loving.”

As for me, I love to write and I’m going to keep at. No more twisting and torturing for me. I thank Colleen for teaching me this important lesson.

*****

If you like the way I review books, you will like other things I have written. Please visit my website, LorieKleinerEckert.com.

[Reader Views · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m writing this review from both a reader standpoint and a writer standpoint – so you get the best of both worlds. Writing novels for over 25 years now, there are too many days to count when I was faced with writer’s block, self-doubt, worry, and the feeling that I most likely did not have enough talent to pen the instructions on a microwaveable meal, let alone the next literary blockbuster to hit the shelves. Along the way, however, I came across a book by Stephen King called “On Writing,” which helped me a great deal. Decades ago, this master of horror – a name everyone knows and one that generations follow no matter how old he gets – wrote about a wall he had that was covered in rejection letters from publishing houses. When he had about two “squares” left, he finally received a deal for his first book. But, up until that point, he went through every depressing emotion a writer can face during their early years, so to speak.

Now, out of the blue in late 2021, I receive this book. And, I have to say, this particular woman gave instructions, presentations, and emotions—both professional and personal—that will no doubt help all writers out there continue on their quest, and not give up just because they’re having a bad day. From a reader’s standpoint, I must say her words and direction gave me insight into how difficult it would be to write and choose it as a career to pay the bills. From the author’s standpoint, she did a fine job by taking the book in a new direction and offering up information on how to create characters and their stories, as well as entirely imaginary worlds that could appeal to all the book lovers out there. Now, that’s important. After all, if J.K. Rowling had stopped because she convinced herself she wasn’t cut out for this, we would have never seen Hogwarts. And THAT would have been a huge shame.

This introspective story is split into sections, with an exercise for the writer at the end of each that offers up questions and answers. No, there’s no boredom or “textbook” analogies in here; it’s written so that the author having trouble can reflect and mull over what this woman wrote and, hopefully, increase their skill and enthusiasm on days when the energy level is definitely waning.

With the primary focus being on fiction, I can see where it would also help those on the side of non-fiction when it comes to gathering motivation to make their books, blogs, etc., reach a wider audience. And, surprisingly, Colleen Story also showed the physical and mental health benefits that come from writing and conversing with those out there who truly love to read.

In the end, like King’s aid from decades ago, I feel Colleen Story has put together a resource that will help many writers trust themselves more when sitting down to create and keep them writing even on days when they simply want to forget the whole thing. With so many discouraging things in this world to read about, hear about, and view on television, it’s refreshing to have someone write something encouraging nowadays. Perhaps Ms. Story will be responsible for extremely great books appearing in the New Year!

[L.R. Trovillion · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe Colleen M. Story is psychic because she always comes out with a book just when I need it most. This latest work came at a time when I was asking myself the central question addressed therein: Does my writing matter? Am I just wasting my time? Should I give up and quit? What writer has not at one time struggled with self-doubt, wondering if she had the talent necessary to go on? (More on that talent question later). Story leads readers through these critical questions and more, providing her trademark neurological research findings to back up claims as well as providing helpful assessment quizzes and exercises for self-evaluation.

This book is not your typical “feel good” book about the benefits of writing (although she explores plenty of them), but instead gets down and dirty with the hard questions of whether writing is giving you what you need on a soul level to make it a life’s work and some surprising facts about what it really means to be successful. She does not sugar-coat how hard it is to pursue a writing life but does provide uplifting information on how to derive your “writing worth” not from sales, money, fame, or a social media platform, but rather from more intrinsic motivations. Equally important, she addresses a major concern with which all writers struggle: the talent issue. If you take nothing else away from this book, hear this message: no one is qualified to judge your writing talent. Don’t give away that power over how you view your writing. If you are asking yourself the question whether your writing matters, dig into this book and maybe find some answers.

[Marilyn Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 4th book review for this author and the 3rd book she has written in support of those of us who are struggling to put "pen to paper." In the two previous books she focused on a wide range of topics from procrastination to marketing and offered exercises to get your moving. Your Writing Matters, her latest, is the most personal and soul baring. It goes deep.

In this book Story helps authors really open the door on our insecurities and shine a light on what is causing them. She offers a chance here to look clearly at our demons: not feeling we are good enough, struggling to respect ourselves and our work, defining our success only in terms of money and fame, not knowing our purpose and more. She keeps the dialogue simple and walks us step by step through each area offering questions at the end for us to consider to help us find the answers hidden deep inside. And that is the key here - you have to let go of what others say and instead find your own truth. Only you have the answers for you.

For some, the questions asked at the end of the each chapter will be the pause you need as you go along to really dig deep and then incorporate the answers you find. For others, like myself, you'll want to read the book from end to end to set the stage, and then return and go through each chapter slowly and dive deep into the exercises one at a time. This is the way I've approached all of Story's books in support of writers.

Whether a published writer struggling as to get new work finished, or a budding one just starting out, Your Writing Matters offers new ways of looking the hurdles you are facing and guidance on how to discover your own truths.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your Writing Matters: How to Banish Self-Doubt, Trust Yourself, and Go the Distance by Colleen M Story is a good book for aspiring writers. It is even one that should be read by currently published authors, as well. I found it to be a great confidence builder for those who have doubts with their own writing. It has a lot that many would find very helpful tips and advice for their writing endeavors. It is broken down into three sections: Why Writers Doubt Themselves, The Many Benefits of Writing, and Make the Big Decision. There are sixteen chapters that are short at about ten pages and less than twenty pages long and the style is so easy to follow. The author includes a list of Recommend Reading for continued support and advice, as well as, gives a list of other authors that she endorses.

I am giving Your Writing Matters: How to Banish Self-Doubt, Trust Yourself, and Go the Distance a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who are looking for tips and inspiration in their writing. They will gain so much by reading it. I am sure they will not regret it. I would love to see what other books by Colleen M Story has released or will release in the future.

I received a paperback copy of Your Writing Matters: How to Banish Self-Doubt, Trust Yourself, and Go the Distance from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Teena Raffa-Mulligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The release of Your Writing Matters was timely for me. After many years of writing (and being published) I wasn't sure I had any more stories to share. For more than 12 months I hadn't written anything new and the two novels I'd been working on had completely stalled. While it didn't look like that to the outside world because I was till releasing new titles, I was certainly asking myself if my writing days were over and if they were, did that matter?
While I can't credit this book with giving me a kick-start back into writing mode - that happened spontaneously a couple of days before I began reading it - it does offer writers at any stage of their journey a practical approach to deciding whether to keep going.
As I had come to expect from Colleen Story's Writing and Wellness blog, the book is well researched and written in a reader-friendly style. It encourages writers to consider important questions such as why we are writing, reflect on the benefits writing brings to our life, and seriously consider what a life without writing would be.
The book is presented in three parts that explore why writers suffer from self doubt, the many benefits of writing and how to reach that all-important decision on whether the writing life is for you. The individual chapters feature question/answer sections to assist with greater awareness about ourselves as writers.
If you are a writer looking to 'banish self doubt, trust yourself and go the distance', this book is for you.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS ON Your Writing Matters: How to Banish Self-Doubt, Trust Yourself, and Go the Distance by Colleen M. Story

Author Colleen M. Story has written a book that every author wants to read, and needs to read. Story knows the ups and downs an author goes through during their writing career. In the book Your Writing Matters, you will learn how to face the issues challenges that are sure to come your way.

I really enjoyed reading this book. As a reviewer o found some of the things that are very helpful to me. I found that a lot of the questions answered was was really nice for all writers, especially the new writers. You will find a wealth of information in this book. There is so much to talk about with authors and upcoming authors.

Here are three questions that authors need to ask themselves when writing a book. Why Writers Doubt Themselves, The Many Benefits of Writing, and Make the Big Decisions. All three of these questions should be in every book. Did he/she follow these questions?  I strongly encourage you to check this wonderful book out. This one gets Five Stars from me.

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Cover Lover Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know a single author who hasn’t experienced some form of doubt concerning the craft of writing. Whether a first-time author or you have dozens of books under your belt, worries and concerns creep into your brain from time to time. Your Writing Matters helps to quiet those doubts and encourages and inspires you to overcome any author challenges, or it may give you “permission” so-to-speak to realize the dream of authorship isn’t for you.

I enjoyed perusing the benefits of writing listed in chapter 12. And the strongest impacts on me were the questions in the Dig Deeper Into Your Psyche and the Your World Without Writing sections.

Overall, I found this book thought-provoking, helpful, and remarkably reassuring. If you’re a writer or have wondered if writing would be an artistic avenue you’d like to journey on, this book might boost your confidence and dispel most doubts that have probably held you back from progressing forward in the writing craft.

Kindle Release date: 06.28.2021

Dɪsᴄʟᴏsᴜʀᴇ: I ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟɪᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʀʏ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ᴏғ ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ. Mʏ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ᴡᴀs ɴᴏᴛ ɪɴғʟᴜᴇɴᴄᴇᴅ.

[Stephanie Ward]

To be (a writer), or not to be (a writer)? That is the question that so many of us ask ourselves. Writing is so shrouded in mystery that it can be hard to admit, even to friends and family, that we choose to spend our free time writing. It seems that if we can’t show a profit from writing, then we might as well just watch Netflix. This is why YOUR WRITING MATTERS matters. It’s a guide for writers, by a writer, that offers a step-by-step process for determining if writing is something to commit to and then how to own that decision.

YOUR WRITING MATTERS is relatable and highly readable. Like talking to a friend, this thought-provoking and well-paced book asks all the right questions and gives relevant background data from a broad array of sources as well as conversations with dozens of authors.

I particularly enjoyed digging into the concepts of fame and money, dissecting why the allure of these things might not be the right reason to write. Overall, Your Writing Matters is a great resource for writers who struggle with self-doubt and question whether or not to be a writer.

A sincere thank you to the publisher and author for a review copy of this book.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Your Writing Matters is a helpful guide full of advice on how to overcome doubt about your writing, as well as other challenges you may face on your journey to prove yourself a writer.
Deciding to be a writer is just the first step. Sticking with it, regardless of the obstacles that may come up, is the hard part.
The book offers helpful tips, advice, and exercises to utilize, as well as makes you think about your life as a writer. Is this what you absolutely want? Would your life feel empty without writing? Should you "Go the Distance" and continue down the path you're on?
And, considering the culture we live in, where so many people want to be famous just for the sake of being famous (or, in other cases, having fame AND money), this book also tackles the reality of "fame and fortune" as a writer, and how it can hinder more than help.
Whether you're writing for yourself (perhaps like in a journal) or for others (as an author), this book can help you decide whether or not your writing matters, and if it's the right path for you.
4 stars.

[Westveil Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was granted eARC access to Your Writing Matters as part of my participation in a blog tour for this title with iRead Book Tours. Thank you to all involved in affording me this opportunity! My thoughts are my own and my review is honest.

Hey look! I'm finally reviewing a writing resource on one of these tours that's targeted at fiction novelists! (Yes, I absolutely volunteer for the writing resources tours for selfish reasons.)

This book explores how to find inspiration and confidence, how to push through writer's block, how to realistically evaluate publishing goals, and even bravely asks the question "What if you never publish?" As in, is that fine with you? Your answer determines how much the rest of the advice applies.

I appreciate the fact that this book is full of references to sources and covers self-help and survey sources that aren't necessarily about writing but apply to this goal of ours nonetheless.

If you truly love writing and you want to get started, this is the perfect resource for you!

[Corinne Rodrigues · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was eager to read Colleen’s new book, Your Writing Matters, having read and reviewed three of her books, two of which were very useful and interesting for writers – Overwhelmed Writer Rescue and Writer Get Noticed.

Self-doubt is something that plagues a lot of writers and this book is really a great resource to find ways to battle this. In her usual practical and thoughtful manner, the author makes the reader feel that s/he is not alone in this. She delves into self-doubt, what motivates writers, the challenges they face and how to press on with writing despite these challenges.

The book has 3 sections: Why Writers Doubt Themselves, The Many Benefits of Writing, and Make the Big Decision. The chapters are short and easy to read. The book has a lot of resources including self-reflection questions and practical things that a writer can do to overcome self-doubt. It also includes a list of recommended reading.

I would certainly recommend this book to a writer wondering about the way forward – whether s/he should continue writing.

[Theodene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does my writing really matter? I write these book reviews to remember the books I read without spoilers and people seem to at least look at them. But is it a waste of time? I’ve also desired to write my own book series like some I’ve been reading. But does anyone really care? It sounds simple enough. Then I came across this book: Your Writing Matters by Colleen Story. This stirred a lot of emotions and storyline ideas for the book series I’m working on!

This book is complete with suggestions for why your writing does matter as well as tips for when writing may not be the best thing for you. Everything is discussed, including how writing is not the answer for instant popularity nor making millions overnight. Writing is something that anyone can do, even if it’s an expressive journal that no one else reads. It’s great for healing and for overcoming obstacles. Getting those thoughts on actual paper is great for the soul!

I enjoyed reading this book as it stirred up ideas for the book I’m working on, but haven’t exactly started yet. It’s helped me gain ideas for backgrounds and lifestyles for my characters. It’s also helped me to stir up memories of my past and how some situations would make great storylines for my books! There’s so many that now I need to narrow them down!

Anyway, Your Writing Matters by Colleen Story is an excellently written book to guide you towards, or away from, writing your own journal or book. Thank you to iRead Book Tours and Midchannel Press! I give this book 5 out of 5 tiaras as it encourages me to not only work on my book, but to also encourage my family to journal, even if it’s just to reflect on the day.

[SmallPressPicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This inspiring book helps writers confront one of the greatest challenges they will encounter, self-doubt, and offers lots of thoughtful advice on addressing this doubt, thinking through the benefits that writing can offer despite the challenges, and deciding whether or not to keep going. The book’s friendly, supportive voice--and its insights from a range of authors--will help writers feel less alone with their struggles. Also, it includes lots of engaging activities and self-questioning prompts, which encourage the kind of reflection that can help writers figure out next steps and break free of negative thought spirals.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book as much, or more than reading her first book on writing, Overwhelmed Writer Rescue. She makes you feel like you're not alone in your writing journey. All writers and authors should read this book. Coleen Story delves deep into self-doubt, your motivations for writing, whether you should continue to write, and the challenges involved. I especially liked the question/answer section at the end of the chapters. A time of self-reflection. Writing for me is fulfilling and a desire to create.

[Sara]

It was such an honor to copy edit YOUR WRITING MATTERS for Colleen! If you're a writer who still questions whether you're meant to be writing, this insightful, analytical, reassuring book will help you re-evaluate your reasons for writing, remind you of why you started doing it in the first place, and give you the clarity and purpose to keep going.

[Caitlin Loggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! It really felt like Colleen was speaking directly to me as the book addressed all of the concerns I have about becoming a writer.
I would highly recommend that anyone looking to start writing as a career read this book 🙂

[Diane Bator · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curled up reading this book was soothing and comforting! As creatives, we all get hard on ourselves - most of the time for no reason! Story's book was just the best friend I needed to break me out of a funk and motivate me to keep moving forward!

[Linda Sienkiewicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive and helpful for any writer dealing with that pesky imposter syndrome!

[Natalie Bright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colleen Story always produces helpful, practical books. Add this one to your writer's reference library.

[Esther]

It's good

[Tyrean · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book for writers who want to explore what it means to write or deepen their writing journey with more confidence and understanding of what motivates them.

[C.S. Kjar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, especially for writers who struggle with imposter syndrome. Colleen gives great suggestions on dealing with it and how to overcome it.