“A man was meant to be doubtful about himself, but undoubting about the truth; this has been exactly reversed.” ~ G. K. Chesterton

Doubt has its place. If we were fully confident in ourselves, we would cease to rely on God. And as authors, we must look to the Master Author for everything.

But sometimes, we let that self-doubt reign over us without remembering that God uses us through our weakness. 

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (Isaiah 41:10)

Here are some common thoughts symptomatic of Writer’s Doubt. Are any of them familiar? 

I am not qualified to write

What makes a person qualified to write? A degree? Having taken certain writing courses? Having ‘the gift’ of writing?

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)

The disciples had boldness in sharing the gospel, and it wasn’t because they had passed a course in evangelism. It was because they had been with Jesus. Time spent with Jesus gives us the words and the boldness to share the message He wants us to share—whether in spoken words or written.

My writing isn’t worth anything

By whose standards? There are many books in today’s world that are more worthy of a bonfire than a bookshelf, but is yours really one of them?

Look at the reason you wrote it, the message within it, and the plot you chose to convey the message. If those three things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, and highlight and glorify our heavenly Father, don’t say it’s not worth anything. He uses the foolish to confound the wise and the weak to confound the mighty …

That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:31)

If I go back and read what I wrote, it’ll sound silly

This is one of my most common fears. It takes great effort for me to read my own writing, especially after someone else has read it. 

Remember Who you’re writing for, and take time to pray over your work. If you believe God is pleased with it, don’t keep criticising it.

Also, get some feedback on your piece, and while you’re working through what needs to be changed, remember the good things your reader said. Imperfection doesn’t mean ruination—otherwise we all would have been written off a long time ago.

No one will read what I write

Highly unlikely. 

I don’t mean to dismiss your fears so crudely, but really, you’ve got to have readers around you somewhere, whether relatives, friends, or that new acquaintance who asked the right question and found out you’re a writer.

(I’ve been amazed at the number of people who say they want to get a copy of my book when it’s published—and they don’t all know me that well.)

Sometimes our writing is only meant to reach a few people—and that’s okay. Success isn’t always measured in numbers.

No one will like what I write

Yes, having readers doesn’t necessarily mean having happy readers. But once again, think through this: what is the likelihood that no one will like your writing? If your heart is behind your story, it will show—and a heartfelt story is usually a likeable one.

That said, you will get some readers who just don’t appreciate the story, no matter how well-written and heartfelt. That’s okay. Accept their criticism with grace, humility, and gratefulness for them sharing feedback at all.

No one will be moved by what I write

Friend, this is where we plant seeds of God’s truth and trust Him to bring them to fruit. We don’t know what impact our words may have. We may never know; but that’s where faith comes in, right?

God, You gave me this story, and I give it back to You to use as You see fit.

People might misunderstand what I write

Use beta readers and editors. Not just one or two, but four or more. Each new perspective will bring clarity to different potentially-confusing sections. Have family members read your work, but also have people who don’t know you as well—family members understand each other in a special way, and they may not catch wording that will confuse or mislead other people.

I have no way to share my writing with others

Whether through publication or giving a few handwritten pages to a friend, there is always a way to share your writing. Ask God for opportunities, and go through the doors when He opens them.

As much as it goes against our idea of success, your story doesn’t need fifty readers to make a difference. It needs one.

And sometimes, the only person changed by it will be you, the writer. What if you are the person the Master Author is speaking to through your writing? Can you be content with that?

Really, that’s a beautiful thing.

I’m afraid to share my writing with others

Oh, yes. You are not alone.

When this fear surfaces, I ask myself, “Why am I afraid?” Is it fear of criticism? Ridicule? Rejection? 

Those all have to do with reputation, and that brings me to the second question: “Why did I write it?” If I wrote it to build my reputation, those are legitimate fears.

If I wrote it for God’s glory, none of that matters.

We are channels for God to work through; and as one hymn writer put it, “… may they forget the channel, seeing only Him.”

If I promote my writing, I’ll be seen as proud and boastful

As long as you’re promoting the message God has given you—not your talent or accomplishment—don’t worry about what other people think. We are His ambassadors, shining the light of His truth into a dark, disturbing world. 

There’s nothing wrong with taking satisfaction in your work, though, as long as God gets the glory He deserves. He doesn’t want to just rejoice over us; He wants to rejoice with us.

Doubt. A feeling often misplaced and mishandled. 

“Of all the liars in the world, sometimes the worst are our own fears.” ~ Rudyard Kipling

But our God is mighty, giving His strength to those seeking His will … and writing for Him. Ask Him to give you courage to write and to share what you write, always with Him at the centre.

What did the disciples do when they were threatened for sharing the truth? They prayed for boldness.

And God gave it.

T.R.Q.T.