As a writer, you live in permanent self-doubt; you're on permanent trial.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
A novel is often a longer process in handling self-doubt.
The idea that you're not a writer until you're published is a lie.
One of the odd things about being a writer is that you never reach a point of certainty, a point of mastery where you can say, 'Right. Now I understand how this is done.'
Novelists are in the business of constructing consciousness out of words, and that's what we all do, cradle to grave. The self is a story we tell.
As a writer, you need a strong sense of self-belief. And when it comes to writing, I've always had that.
I'm not too fond of the hard work and the constant battle with self-doubt that goes on when I write, but I figure that's part of the territory.
These days I am ruled by doubt, and that is a difficult place to write from.
Writing reminds you of how much there is in your life that stands outside your explanations. In that way, it's almost a journey into faith and doubt at once.
Writing novels preserves you in a state of innocence - a lot passes you by - simply because your attention is otherwise diverted.
As a writer, you have to believe you're one of the best writers in the world. To sit down every day at the typewriter filled with self-doubt is not a good idea.