The other day I was reading the book “Becoming a Writer” (1934), by Dorothea Brande, undoubtedly one of the best books on the subject in history. She rightly emphasizes that learning to write goes hand in hand with learning to be a writer. Self-confidence is the key for the beginning writer to present his ideas to the world. Not knowing how to critically read their productions is part of the problem when it comes to novice writers. Critical dialogue with one’s work is never easy. One must remember that the toughest opponent he will ever fight is worry. In fact, the concerns of writers are many and varied. Obviously some are real while others are sheer nonsense.
The truth is that beginners give too much credence to popular notions about the writer’s craft and life. Lack of self-confidence is responsible for not facing the traps of the trade.
The surest way to ensure safety on the journey of writing is to faithfully accept the old saying: the day of man’s salvation is now. In short: extinguish, with a metal curtain, the doubts and criticisms of others. Beyond that, you need to separate the different parts of the writing process. Then you are sure: safe for today. Remember the line: “there is a time for everything” (Ecclesiastes 3: 1).
You have a purpose and that purpose will carry you forward. The first step is to believe that if you put your whole life into your work, you will be successful. When we honestly and faithfully work on our calling in life, life will reward us accordingly. That is a law of prosperity by which all people can be guaranteed success in life.
Now, it is important to understand that writing is never mastered once and for all; it is a lifelong learning mode. It will separate two parts of the process: planning (consultation) and converting plans into written language (writing). There will be several editing and review drafts. Then write your ideas regardless of organization, vocabulary, and grammar. Second, review what you have written. Writing and proofreading are different activities, and you have to get used to the movement of writing. There is no fixed order. But you must separate both stages. Each part of the composition is really a very separate activity. Your writing becomes problematic every time you forget this. So let me repeat it: writing and proofreading are two completely different activities. I hope this simple observation can help you increase your self-confidence as a writer.