Insecure Writer's Support Group: Part 1

So, dearest support groups members and followers, here's the scoop: Every first Wednesday of the month, I’ll post about my writing struggles, triumphs, and anything I can say to push other writers forward. Alex J. Cavanaugh (author/blogger extraordinaire) is hosting this group as a source to uplift writers through their writing journey. This industry is not easy. At all. The more support you have, the better.

So for my very first support group post, I want to talk about motivation... Or rather, the lack thereof. Ugh!

I've been going through a major motivation to write/edit rut. It drives me BONKERS. Because I haven't been as studious with my writing, I caved into comparing myself to other writers.

Why do you think this is?

I've got an answer, one of many perhaps. Note: I'm not trying to be cocky with what I'm about to say. I say this with great humility because I've had to work hard to get to where I am. Being away from my words for a long period of time makes me forget how good I am. Yes, I'm not Shakespeare, Jane Austen, or J.K. Rowling, but I'm Julia King--the writer of FÉLICITÉ FOUND and BOUND. My books that only I could write.

Motivation and confidence come when I'm deep in the thick of my stories. It isn't until then that I forget all the other crap going on in my mind. IE: I suck at writing. Or others write better than me. The list goes on and on. You know how it is.

I have to work really hard at maintaining the stamina to write...consistently and not let all the distractions of insecurities cloud my vision. Being in my words helps conquer those venomous, parasite-esque, debilitating, and destructive feelings. 

So, how do you overcome being unmotivated? Or not working as hard as you know you can? How do you overcome lack of confidence in yourself as a writer?

Writing. Jewels.