Love this post, Dan, especially the concept of reframing success. That matches my own experience. I was pursuing a best seller. I didn't get that, but I got so much more from my writing/publishing journey, from new friends, to new opportunities, to a new me! I thought it was a good story and was grateful that Christianity Today allowed me to share it publicly! https://www.christianitytoday.com/2024/12/tom-petersen-self-publishing-book-sales-faith-workplace/
I appreciate this post because it clearly contrasts/juxtaposes "New York Times Bestselling Author" with "Imposter Syndrome." I think there is an inner critical voice in me that tells me "You are either one or the other - a Bestseller, or an Imposter."
That inner critical voice gets reinforced by comments of some readers and reviewers, and (I think) by society as a whole. I think your message that forging a real connection with readers is a better metric of success is spot on!
You are so right David. Sometimes when talking about my writing to people I feel like I must validate it by peppering in examples of published work, which is probably just to justify that I'm using the term "writer" to describe myself. I've had several enviable careers that make people go "oooh, dream job" so I've gotten used to the idea of easily impressing people by throwing out a few juicy tidbits, but perhaps I'm just doing that to make them go away so I don't feel so vulnerable talking about my work. I've tried to combat that by talking about my writing more, and have found genuine people to be genuinely interested. The others? Well they can F-off if they are just looking for sound bites.
Thank you for this post Dan. You put into words so many thoughts that rattle through my mind daily. Mostly, the "feeling alone" part which is the physical reality of writing. It is a great reminder to connect not only to the people I am interviewing and writing about, but also to other writers. Ultimately I would like writing to make me feel MORE connected rather than less.
Thank you. Dan. I need that kick in the pants once in a while. I always tend to feel alone as life throws its curve balls my way. Even when struck by said balls, I need to remember, that I'm not alone.
Thanks, Dan, for another wonderful post. Reflecting on these questions helped me put things back in perspective. My debut children's nonfiction book releases early next year. But I've been very stressed out, worrying that I will be a "one book wonder." That I will never be signed for a second book. These feelings intensified after a resounding rejection email back in March. I lost confidence in my abilities for a while. Imposter syndrome big time. How do I want to feel as a writer? I want to feel like I'm making a difference. I want my readers to come away feeling inspired to look at our world with wonder again. We take so much for granted! Also, I want to write the kind of books I loved to read as a child. That's what motivates me.
I want to feel connected to other writers and readers. So far, Substack and your terrific advice and newsletters have been the way to do that. I would have felt in my head and possibly lost interest or felt the imposter syndrome more. I still have imposter syndrome but it doesn't keep me from doing the writing.
Really appreciate this post, Dan. Writing recently has felt burdensome as I think I'm burnt out. It didn't help that someone said to me at a holiday dinner (well intentioned, it just hit me as not intended)...I can't believe you've been writing your weekly column for 3 years! I wouldn't have lasted past the first month...I thought afterwards, why am I doing this? I should be tired! Comparison is the thief of joy oftentimes as a writer and also the need for validation can be draining. Thank you for this!!
Dan, such a solid webinar today, and actionable on several counts (and I even acted, if in a small way, on two things I wouldn't have done without your nudge). Thanks again for the good things you do for writers.
Hi Dan. Just listened to your webinar. The thing that “got me” the most was that strategy and authenticity can work together- that strategy means you are trying. Strategy could actually be really vulnerable because it’s a way to really commit to vision and put myself “out there” (where ever that is).
Thanks for these provocative questions. I haven't considered the 'identity of being a writer' and what that looks like to me. I'm constantly engaged with reading/writing, but find myself hesitant to get to the page. Inner critic and it's sidekick, perfectionism, kick in quickly. Some days I move through them and other days I just read, offer myself a teacup full of grace, and come back manana. Any suggestions?
Thanks for the kind words and honesty Tamy. This is where a short-term challenge can come in handy. EG: “I have to publish one essay a week on Substack for a month.” Or “I have to publish on _____ social media channel each day for 10 days.” Obviously, remix this how you need to. But something that encourages to share work publicly, even if very small.
Thanks for your suggestion, love the idea of short-term challenges. I actually just submitted my first 500word essay this past week and saw that I was well served to be under the pressure of a deadline. It seemed to cut out a lot of dead space and help me get hyper-focused on the task at hand. Appreciate the convo😊🙏
Dan, I’ve changed my measure of success dramatically since I first started writing. A literary agent and big five publisher was the target. Since then I’ve had countless reality checks and am now pursuing a different path. There’s so many ways to publish, each with their own pluses and minuses. When my book is ready I’ll be looking for a small press or possibly a hybrid press.
For now my writing and engaging with readers is largely through my Substack email newsletter I started in August. It’s a different type of writing than my novel, though engaging with readers is fun. I get to test each week what resonates with people.
Thanks for another great post with reminders of how to think about ourselves as writers and push to look inside.
Your experiences lead to such an accurate description of what we writers navigate. I look forward to the seminar and appreciate that it is for your free subscribers, too.
I find it interesting that I can successfully navigate the obstacles you describe in my "day job" and have no trouble reviewing my successes over the past year while setting new challenging goals for 2025.
But sometimes writing my Substack feels like a public diary, and while I've gotten used to this awkard feeling and it no longer frightens me in the way it did I often wonder "why am I doing this?" Instead I often feel pride at how I've told a story way better with words on the paper than in person, for isn't that what a writer does best?
Is my hesitation to redefine what it means to be a writer due to the overwhelming need to help others and be externally validated? Does it even matter why I write? Your post nudged me to reframe these questions, and gave me some direction in moving past small obstacles that hold me back.
Love this post, Dan, especially the concept of reframing success. That matches my own experience. I was pursuing a best seller. I didn't get that, but I got so much more from my writing/publishing journey, from new friends, to new opportunities, to a new me! I thought it was a good story and was grateful that Christianity Today allowed me to share it publicly! https://www.christianitytoday.com/2024/12/tom-petersen-self-publishing-book-sales-faith-workplace/
This was a great read. Thanks for sharing! I love that you got community and a ministry team 💛 there’s a such joy in collaboration.
Thank you Rebecca!
Thank you Tom!
I appreciate this post because it clearly contrasts/juxtaposes "New York Times Bestselling Author" with "Imposter Syndrome." I think there is an inner critical voice in me that tells me "You are either one or the other - a Bestseller, or an Imposter."
That inner critical voice gets reinforced by comments of some readers and reviewers, and (I think) by society as a whole. I think your message that forging a real connection with readers is a better metric of success is spot on!
You are so right David. Sometimes when talking about my writing to people I feel like I must validate it by peppering in examples of published work, which is probably just to justify that I'm using the term "writer" to describe myself. I've had several enviable careers that make people go "oooh, dream job" so I've gotten used to the idea of easily impressing people by throwing out a few juicy tidbits, but perhaps I'm just doing that to make them go away so I don't feel so vulnerable talking about my work. I've tried to combat that by talking about my writing more, and have found genuine people to be genuinely interested. The others? Well they can F-off if they are just looking for sound bites.
You add a really good point about finding "genuine people to be genuinely interested." Thanks!
Aw, thank you David!
Thank you for this post Dan. You put into words so many thoughts that rattle through my mind daily. Mostly, the "feeling alone" part which is the physical reality of writing. It is a great reminder to connect not only to the people I am interviewing and writing about, but also to other writers. Ultimately I would like writing to make me feel MORE connected rather than less.
Yay! Thank you so much Edie.
Kid climbing the doorway brought a smile remembering my own little monkeys doing that. ☺️Thanks for the encouragement as always, Dan.
Thank you Mary!
Thank you. Dan. I need that kick in the pants once in a while. I always tend to feel alone as life throws its curve balls my way. Even when struck by said balls, I need to remember, that I'm not alone.
Thank you Star!
Thanks, Dan, for another wonderful post. Reflecting on these questions helped me put things back in perspective. My debut children's nonfiction book releases early next year. But I've been very stressed out, worrying that I will be a "one book wonder." That I will never be signed for a second book. These feelings intensified after a resounding rejection email back in March. I lost confidence in my abilities for a while. Imposter syndrome big time. How do I want to feel as a writer? I want to feel like I'm making a difference. I want my readers to come away feeling inspired to look at our world with wonder again. We take so much for granted! Also, I want to write the kind of books I loved to read as a child. That's what motivates me.
Love that. Thank you Thomas!
I want to feel connected to other writers and readers. So far, Substack and your terrific advice and newsletters have been the way to do that. I would have felt in my head and possibly lost interest or felt the imposter syndrome more. I still have imposter syndrome but it doesn't keep me from doing the writing.
Thank you Doreen!
Really appreciate this post, Dan. Writing recently has felt burdensome as I think I'm burnt out. It didn't help that someone said to me at a holiday dinner (well intentioned, it just hit me as not intended)...I can't believe you've been writing your weekly column for 3 years! I wouldn't have lasted past the first month...I thought afterwards, why am I doing this? I should be tired! Comparison is the thief of joy oftentimes as a writer and also the need for validation can be draining. Thank you for this!!
Aw, thanks Grace!
Great insights here!
Thank you!
You're welcome!
So true. Think about writing all the time but so little gets onto the page. Need to commit commit commit
Yay! Thanks Sue.
Dan, such a solid webinar today, and actionable on several counts (and I even acted, if in a small way, on two things I wouldn't have done without your nudge). Thanks again for the good things you do for writers.
Thank you Tom!
Hi Dan. Just listened to your webinar. The thing that “got me” the most was that strategy and authenticity can work together- that strategy means you are trying. Strategy could actually be really vulnerable because it’s a way to really commit to vision and put myself “out there” (where ever that is).
Aw, thank you Leann!
Thanks for these provocative questions. I haven't considered the 'identity of being a writer' and what that looks like to me. I'm constantly engaged with reading/writing, but find myself hesitant to get to the page. Inner critic and it's sidekick, perfectionism, kick in quickly. Some days I move through them and other days I just read, offer myself a teacup full of grace, and come back manana. Any suggestions?
Thanks for the kind words and honesty Tamy. This is where a short-term challenge can come in handy. EG: “I have to publish one essay a week on Substack for a month.” Or “I have to publish on _____ social media channel each day for 10 days.” Obviously, remix this how you need to. But something that encourages to share work publicly, even if very small.
Thanks for your suggestion, love the idea of short-term challenges. I actually just submitted my first 500word essay this past week and saw that I was well served to be under the pressure of a deadline. It seemed to cut out a lot of dead space and help me get hyper-focused on the task at hand. Appreciate the convo😊🙏
Thanks!
Dan, I’ve changed my measure of success dramatically since I first started writing. A literary agent and big five publisher was the target. Since then I’ve had countless reality checks and am now pursuing a different path. There’s so many ways to publish, each with their own pluses and minuses. When my book is ready I’ll be looking for a small press or possibly a hybrid press.
For now my writing and engaging with readers is largely through my Substack email newsletter I started in August. It’s a different type of writing than my novel, though engaging with readers is fun. I get to test each week what resonates with people.
Thanks for another great post with reminders of how to think about ourselves as writers and push to look inside.
Thank you Bruce!!!
Your experiences lead to such an accurate description of what we writers navigate. I look forward to the seminar and appreciate that it is for your free subscribers, too.
Thanks so much, Dan. J
Thank you Janice!!!
I find it interesting that I can successfully navigate the obstacles you describe in my "day job" and have no trouble reviewing my successes over the past year while setting new challenging goals for 2025.
But sometimes writing my Substack feels like a public diary, and while I've gotten used to this awkard feeling and it no longer frightens me in the way it did I often wonder "why am I doing this?" Instead I often feel pride at how I've told a story way better with words on the paper than in person, for isn't that what a writer does best?
Is my hesitation to redefine what it means to be a writer due to the overwhelming need to help others and be externally validated? Does it even matter why I write? Your post nudged me to reframe these questions, and gave me some direction in moving past small obstacles that hold me back.
Aw, thank you Page!