“The stories we tell literally make the world. If you want to change the world, you need to change your story.” — Michael Margolis
I often hear writers talk about how young they were when they started writing, how they’ve always been avid readers. And I admire them for that, but my journey was different. In the past, that cast a shadow over my confidence, adding to my writers fraud like complex. Oh my, I’m not a real writer… I haven’t been writing since I was five… or I didn’t complete my first MS at 16.
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” — Maya Angelou
The first story I wrote was in junior school about an alien coming to earth. The story flowed; words filled the pages of my little red text book. The problem was, I couldn’t stop. I struggled to fit an ending into the alotted time of my English lesson. I remember rounding the story off with a blunt, awful ending. I felt defeated and decided I was a terrible writer.
As a teenager, I stuck to crafting cringe worthy pop rifts and filling journals with my darkest fears and faraway dreams. I didn’t once consider myself a writer. Yet I’ve always crafted stories. I’d stare off into space and daydream: Plotting, planning, defining characters and building worlds. I had no idea that I was writing stories in my mind. I had no need for pen or paper, because I was playing out the tales in my imagination.
“There’s always room for a story that can transport people to another place.” — J.K. Rowling
We have all lived different lives. Beauty doesn’t lay in the repetition of tales, it’s in the uniqueness. Never compare yourself to others, instead revel in your own journey. No matter how difficult or ordinary it may seem… there is splendour in each tale told.
“Storytelling is the most powerful way to put ideas into the world today.” —Robert McKee
Tell my something about your life that’s special, extraordinary or perfectly simple. I’d love to get to know you a little better.
Until next time, thanks for reading and Much Love xx
Lorraine Ambers 
I’ve felt that way too. I still do. Thank you.
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I have a sneaky suspicion most writers do. But you shouldn’t, your doing great things.
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Thanks again!
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A fraud? No. A work in progress. I remember in grade school we had to write a story and read it in front of the class. Mine was ‘The 12 Ghosts of Grim Castle.’ I remember having classmates on the edge of their seats up until the ending, which they didn’t like, and I got booed.
When I started my novel it was terrible. There’s no counting the thousands of edits I made. But I confident I had a great storyline. I just had to keep pounding the keys until I got better.
I’ve always heard that everyone has at least one book in them. That thought has always encouraged me. But that book is written. Now I’d like to think I have several more that are trying to get out.
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Love your spirit and confidence Ron, I’m sure you have many books to come. Great story title.
I feel nauseous thinking about reading in front of a class. Yikes!
Thanks for stopping by. 😊
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Definitely splendour in each tale. Great post, Lorraine. You’re far from a fraud 😊.
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Thank you Kate. 😊
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I was like that when I was in primary school! I’ll admit I always loved when we had “creative writing” time, but my brain clearly did NOT understand how to write a short story. I always had BIG ideas, but I lacked the focus and experience needed to finish them. I think I drove some of my teachers a bit batty because I never seemed to finish anything!! 😀
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It’s a sign that we were destined for novel writing. 😁
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If I am being totally honest, I do not know if I feel like a fraud or maybe I am just not a real writer. My passion has ALWAYS been to write a book someday, but then I get in my own mind and think is it really ever going to happen? I made goals for myself to get my actual writing career started. I said I would start a blog, which I have been doing for over a year now. I then wanted to get into freelance writing, which I am slowly working on. And finally I really want to write a book. I even have an outline completed. I have been so passionate about writing since I was a little girl and now I am almost 37. I think the older I get the harder I am on myself, which I do know is never good for anyone. I have been looking for advice from others, but then I say, maybe I should just do it instead of talk about it! I hope you have a lovely weekend!!
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Blog writers are still writers. I started writing my first novel when I was 35, it’s never too late to start. The only way to write a novel is to actually start. Go for it. 😊
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Thank you Lorraine! Time goes by no matter what we are doing, so we should make the most of it and never give up on our dreams!
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Hi Lorraine, your post reminds me of the quote “comparison is the thief of joy”. That’s always been one of my biggest challenges, feeling never quite good enough with what I write and constantly comparing myself to others. But I’m realising, as I get older, that we all have our unique voice and journey. You’re no fraud. And neither am I. Thanks for an inspiring post. 🙂
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Thanks Miriam, I’m glad it resonated with you. 😊
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I read this title and I was like, “Yes. All the time.” I’m starting to learn that self doubt is just part of the process, though. You can’t really escape it, you just have to learn to write anyways. Great post. 🙂
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I think it help overcome these feelings when we realise we’re all in the same boat, all processing the same hopes, fears and doubts. Thanks for you comment. 💙
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What a great post. I believe Imposter Syndrome is considered quite common among writers. Its why so many still refer to themselves as “aspiring” which is quite an unnecessary title. Only those who don’t write anything but think about doing so should use that word.
Our journeys make us who we are and those doubts and fears can rise up, fade away or ebb and flow like the waves on a beach. It’s how we deal with them, how we push past that voice saying we’re bad writers that make the difference.
I always hated creative writing in school and yet I did so well in it. But in truth, I am not a short story writer. All these write a story in 1 hour was a nightmare for me. Having to spill all the ideas in such a short time left me feeling unfulfilled.
I believe many famous published authors still battle with such feelings of doubt. 🙂
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Beautiful written Ari. And I believe you’re right, these fears seem to universally bind us. I’d love for all writers to embrace this and not allow those insecurities bind them. 💕😊
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That would be great and I think each time someone talks about it, it lets others know they aren’t the only one 🙂
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I never seriously thought about writing, even though I was making up stories before going to sleep probably since before my early teen years. I gave writing a try when I was 25 with the single goal of giving myself a different kind of mental challenge. Now, three years later, I am still working on the first book with probably another year of drafting to go.
Do I sometimes feel like a disgrace to serious writers? Yes. I often feel like I have no clue what I am doing. But I have fun and that’s what matters for me, at least now. It’s a hobby and a challenge in one package – and I enjoy both parts of it. I now follow the path with joy even though I don’t know where it might take me.
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That’s exactly how I felt when I drafted my first novel. And even now, writing my third, I still enjoy the challenge of learning, creating and growing.
Thank you so much for sharing your journey. If you write, you are a writer.
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Wow this post hit me!! So good:)
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Thank you, it’s something we all struggle with at some point or another. But if you write, you’re a writer. 💕
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