You’re going to hear me roar

It’s hard to silence my inner critic.

I know I’m not alone in that struggle; based on conversations with friends, it’s a common challenge for writers, editors and introverts (and I’m betting many other groups of which I’m not a part!). But even though I’m not alone, it remains difficult.

That’s been especially true as I’ve worked on my first book, which is due to my editor in April. I’m learning that it’s key to turn to others who can remind me that I’m not alone and I can do this.

Sometimes we all need a pep talk, and I’m fortunate to have so many people willing to offer it. I wrote about one of my most recent in my latest post for Postscript, Church Street Coffee and Books’ blog.

I thought I hadn’t written a single word of my book. Piles of research overwhelmed me, and I knew I had plenty of information to get started. But with my manuscript deadline hovering six months away, I honestly believed I was starting from word one.

Earlier this week I asked a friend and fellow author to deliver a pep talk over coffee. I had been feeling down about the entire book writing enterprise, and I was in danger of spiraling into “lying to myself territory.” This is ground I’ve tread often as a writer, as an introvert, as someone diagnosed with depression. But one of the greatest things I’ve learned is to ask for help when those lies start to look believable.

Read more “Overwhelmed? You Might Be Doing Better than You Think” at postscriptblog.com.

Today’s title comes from “Roar” by Katy Perry. I never thought I’d quote a Katy Perry tune on here, but my roommate was just watching this video and besides, it’s a catchy song.