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Are you ready to transform the way you think about your writing practice forever? Whether you're a brand-new writer or a seasoned professional with multiple books under your belt, there are certain shifts you can make in your approach and your mindset that will change the way you think about writing and make your practice that much more productive and sustainable.

It's too easy to get bogged down in the grind of trying to write, battling writer's block and self-doubt. Here are five powerful writer affirmations that will level up your writing practice and unlock new creative potential.

1. There’s More to Writing Than Words on the Page

The first positive author affirmation I want you to internalize is that there is so much more to writing than just words on the page. Physically putting words down on a page is the most literal component of writing, but ultimately, it's just one component. There is so much more that goes into the broader act of writing than stringing words together to form sentences. That's because you're not just writing; you're storytelling.

Storytelling involves things like creating compelling characters, brainstorming an exciting new premise, learning about how other authors approach their craft, developing a voice, etc. So, if you find that on one particular day you just cannot put words down on the page, that doesn't mean that you can't contribute to your writing and storytelling craft overall. Sometimes the broader act of writing involves doing a character or a plot exercise or reading another book in your genre or by an author you really admire. Even watching a TV show or a movie could spur ideas for your own story.

I hope that broadening your definition of what writing actually entails alleviates any stress that might bubble up whenever you hit that dreaded writer's block. Just because you can't physically get words down on the page doesn't mean you're not developing as a writer.

2. My Draft Is a Canvas

Think of your draft as a place of exploration, a canvas that you are continually returning to and refining. And it is not a finished product by any means. That canvas is likely going to contain some mistakes, maybe a lot of mistakes, unintentional brushstrokes that you then have to revisit and correct. But that is completely okay. It's all part of the process of creating a beautiful finished product.

Too often I see authors thinking of their manuscript as something set in stone, but really, this is a place for messy experimentation. It's a place where things are constantly evolving. It should feel dynamic. So just as a visual artist refines their work through layers and layers of paint, think of your draft as a foundation for you to build upon. And viewing it in this way is going to allow you the room and space to develop the story and make it the strongest possible version of itself.

3. I’m Not Writing for Everyone

An extremely powerful author affirmation that can transform your writing practice is to know that you aren't writing for everyone. The truth is that not everyone who reads your story is going to connect with it, whether that's a friend, a colleague, a family member, or a stranger. And that's completely okay. It's even expected!

So, detach from the idea as early as you can that your story is supposed to resonate with everyone under the sun. That is simply impossible. Instead, focus on writing for your audience, the people who will understand the intentions behind your work and feel moved by it.

And if you don't know who that audience is yet, that's completely okay. It will come with time. But trust that staying authentic to your own voice and your own perspective as a writer, you will find people who connect with your story. Just like people say not to change yourself to attract a romantic partner, don't change the way you write or your voice or the story you're telling to appeal to someone who isn't your ideal reader. You might want your story to impress a professor or a loved one or someone you really admire. But ultimately, if they're not your target audience, then that doesn't matter. Your story isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea, but it will be someone's favorite cup of tea.

4. Perfection Isn’t the Goal

Many writers are perfectionists, but this pursuit of perfection often creates a spiral of paralysis and self-doubt, which is absolutely counterproductive to the work that you want to be doing on your story. The truth is that no book, not even your favorite book, not even books at the top of the bestseller charts, is perfect. But that doesn't make them not successful or not emotionally moving or not impactful.

So rather than striving for perfection, aim to make your story as compelling and engaging as possible. See your work as something that can be continually refined and improved, and be excited by that process rather than disturbed by the fact that it's not perfect right out of the gate. I'm here to tell you it's not going to be, and you may never feel like it's perfect.

If you hit snags and obstacles along the way of your drafting process, embrace them as opportunities to become an even stronger writer and create an even stronger story. Perfection is not realistic, especially with an art form like writing. And by releasing yourself from this expectation that you have to create the perfect story or the perfect book, you're actually going to write something that is much more real and authentic—and likely more compelling.

5. I Am Good Enough

The final writer affirmation that will transform your practice is to know that you are good enough. Even the most accomplished authors deal with imposter syndrome, worry that their writing isn't good enough, fear that no one is ever going to want to read their story, and question if they should just give up. The truth is that any writer facing these questions, and anyone reading this, is good enough.

Remember that there are no specific qualifications you have to meet in order to be a successful writer. You can be any age; you don't need any specific background or training. Becoming a good writer comes from just writing, practicing the act of writing over and over and over again. I know the literary world can feel exclusive, but the truth in reality it is a vast and inclusive place, and you can find your home in it. Anyone can find their home in it. Everyone has something to offer. So don't devalue what you bring to the table as an author. And the beauty of this particular craft is that even if you aren't where you want to be right now, you can continually become better and better.

As long as you write, you are a writer. So, own that, internalize that, and embrace that.

I hope this list of writer affirmations helped you shift your mindset towards writing so you can build a more sustainable, creative, and productive writing practice. Thanks so much for reading, and happy writing!

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