An Author’s Worst Enemy: Self-doubt…

Ouch, ouch, ouch! Are you done yet?

Last year, I got my gumption up and decided to get a tattoo to not only celebrate a milestone birthday, but also rid myself of any self-doubt I was carrying inside me about being a writer. The tattoo I choose is quite popular—the Superman shield—but it means more to me than what the man of steel portrays in the DC brand comic books. It means breaking free from all those blocks and obstacles I struggled with to first, learn to write a book, and second, to keep submitting until I was finally published. This was a fifteen-year journey to publication, where as you can imagine, self-doubt continued to creep in like weeds strangling flowers in a beautiful garden.

 To find the strength within and smash through those obstacles and (writers) blocks, an author needs to develop perseverance. Once you understand that ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’, then you allow for the Universe to work its magic to help you make your dreams and desires come true. This ‘staying power’ comes from a place deep inside you, and makes sure that you never give up, if you’re willing to keep following your heart. It’s no wonder Superman’s shield is emblazoned on the chest area, directly over his heart. Personally for me, the ‘S’ in the shield stands for Sharon, not Superman, and represents my stamp of self-approval. Go figure. Though, I have researched that the ‘S’ is also the Kryptonian symbol for hope, which is an added bonus for a bright, promising outlook.

Let’s face it. Life is full of challenges and obstacles. Those are the things that makes us stronger, better, faster. That’s what our characters face every time we writers drag them through the muds of hell. Then, like us, our characters evolve and grow. Writing is a tough gig, but so rewarding when you write those final two words ‘The End’. It’s a badge of honor, and feels wonderful and uplifting, like you’ve reached the pinnacle of super hero status.

I’ve found that the hardest part of being a writer is the stick-to-itiveness. Going through the basic training that every super hero has to go through. You learn. You fail. You pick yourself up, maybe fail again, and again. But you get back up until you’ve mastered one level, and then move on to the next one. You excel, you celebrate every word you jot down in your magnum opus. Giving up is not an option when you have something to say. The trick is to make your readers feel what you feel. 

Almost done! Whew!

Have you ever gotten a tattoo to celebrate a milestone or mark a rite of passage? If so, what did you decide on? Would love to read your comments! Cheers and thank you for reading this post!