self doubt Archives -

Persistence – the unsexy secret to success

By Madeleine D'Este

On November 7, 2018

In challenge, my writing life, nanowrimo, Uncategorized, writing, writing tips

Today’s post is for the NaNoWriMo people amongst us and part of #NaNoInspo blog tour.

Hello NaNoers

It’s Day 7.

By now you’re probably over the initial blush of excitement which spurs on your Nano project.

If you’re lucky, the words are still flowing and you’re riding high.

But the fairy dust has probably fallen from your eyes and you’re staring into a white abyss with a stupid blinking cursor wondering what the fuck you signed up for.

I’ve done NaNoWriMo a bunch of times and for the first seven times, I flailed at about 20,000 word mark.

I learned the secret over time.

It’s not sexy.

It’s not cool.

It’s boring and hard and takes lots of time and it’s unrelenting.

But it’s the secret to writing success and probably the tip you don’t want to hear.

It’s the one thing that all successful writers have in common. No matter which genre.

#15 – Angela Ackerman – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On January 28, 2018

In characters, feedback, interview, non fiction, podcast, resistance, steven pressfield, write through the roof, writing, writing tips

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode 15 with Angela Ackerman – best-selling writing reference book author

“Embrace the fact that there’s always more to learn.”

Episode 15 – Angela Ackerman – Show Notes

Chocolate Boyfriend of the Week
Helping writers with descriptions for emotions and setting
Wounds, flaws and negative character traits
Learner’s mindset
Critique partners who encourage you to grow and extend yourself
Building structural tools for writers helped Angela to become more structured
Ransom Riggs, Laini Taylor, Alli Sinclair
Madeleine’s tip – The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

“Understanding what your character’s wound is in the story, is a critical element in understanding their behaviour.”

“Emotional wounds are critical in a transformative arc.”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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#05 – Beverley Lee – Write Through The Roof

By Madeleine D'Este

On November 13, 2017

In discipline, gothic, horror, paranormal, podcast, write through the roof

Welcome to Write Through The Roof, the podcast for writers who want to improve their craft.

Episode o5 with Beverley Lee – Writer 0f modern gothic

First drafts, Tea and Exploring the Shadowy Places

“The one thing a story hates is a nit-picky writer”

Episode 05 – Beverley Lee – Show Notes

Being a planster
Battling to find the right genre
Don’t compare your work effort to others
Lewis, King, Rice and Schwab
Always listen to your story even if you think it’s wrong
Madeleine’s tip: the Emotional Thesaurus

“With a global community, there’s always someone around to hold your hand or kick you in the pants.”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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What went well in 2016 – 3 good things

By Madeleine D'Este

On December 13, 2016

In book review, my tips, my writing life, publishing

Now 2016 has been one of those bastard years. With the deaths of lots of beloved artists and surprising political results, it’s been strange and shocking. I wonder whether the Queen will announce 2016 as another ‘annus horribilis’ in her Christmas Speech.

But beyond the rejection letters, two-star reviews and disappointments, 2016 wasn’t all bad.

Here are my top 3 good things from 2016. water-534098_640

How I got over my self-doubt this time

By Madeleine D'Este

On July 10, 2016

In dilemma, my tips, my writing life, resistance, stuff about me, writing

This week has been another brutal week in world affairs.

I feel quite selfish talking about my own struggles with trivial words on a page when there is pain and death in the lives of so many others.

But this week, I’ve really battled with self-doubt and motivation. I was sick of Evangeline and didn’t want to write another word about her. I was convinced I was writing a bunch of rubbish and would never be able to write again. Blah, blah, blah. Self-indulgent writers rant.

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Why My Advice Won’t Work for You

By Madeleine D'Este

On May 6, 2016

In my tips, my writing life, stuff about me, writing

The internet is full of advice. Do this. Do that. Lose weight. Find Mr Right. Make millions from home. Get a billion followers and rock-hard abs by lunchtime.

I could do the same. This is how I managed to conquer **insert “flaw” here** and achieved **insert “success” here**.

But what works for me won’t work for you. Necessarily.

Fuck you Resistance…and the horse you rode in on

By Madeleine D'Este

On April 28, 2016

In my writing life, resistance, steven pressfield, stuff about me, writing

Dear Reader

I’ve been feeling low, like my writing is a waste of time. My head’s been full of stupid thoughts.

There’s no point

Why am I bothering?

I’ll just be a big failure. A laughing stock.

I’ll never get a book deal or an agent

I’ll sell no copies

I’ll get 1 star reviews

Basically I feel like giving up.

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When did you feel like a “real” writer? Part Two

By Madeleine D'Este

On December 5, 2015

In dr who, writers, writing

Another couple of brilliant writers answering my question…

When did you feel like a “real” writer?

This time I annoyed Joanne Harris and Ben Aaronovitch. A little bit of self-deprecating self-doubt and Daleks.

Joanne Harris of Chocolat fame (and heaps more) and a great twitterer.

joanne harris

Ben Aaronovitch, writer of seminal 80s Dr Who stories and creator of the fab Rivers of London series.

Ben Aaronovitch

Did Ben mention Daleks?

Tomorrow, another two writers answer my question.

When did you feel like a “real” writer? Part One.

By Madeleine D'Este

On December 4, 2015

In Uncategorized, writers, writing

A few blog posts ago, I decided that I wanted to ask authors when they felt like a “real” writer. It appears that doubt is a continuing trait for writers and I wanted to hear from the sources.

Since then, I’ve been bothering my favourite writers on the internet asking this question.

When did you feel like a “real” writer?

Today I’m sharing responses from Gail Carriger and Val McDermid.

Gail Carriger – steampunk doyenne and author of the Parasol Protectorate series.

gail carriger - real author

Val McDermid – Crime fiction legend and creator of Wire in the Blood

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Scary but interesting to hear how successful writers still feel like “imposters”.

I have responses from another six brilliant writers, so stay tuned for their responses.

Tag: self doubt

Persistence – the unsexy secret to success

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#15 – Angela Ackerman – Write Through The Roof

Episode 15 with Angela Ackerman – best-selling writing reference book author

Episode 15 – Angela Ackerman – Show Notes

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