When I was 31 years old, I finally started trying to write fiction. I'd always felt like it would be fun to write a novel but I was a late bloomer, too busy working full time, maybe you can relate and I didn't tell anyone either. I just started pantsing a story — Oh, I mean, I became a discovery writer. The whole process was me trying to discover if I could even write a book — whatever. I didn't tell anyone I was writing a book because I had a terrible case of imposture syndrome.
Today, we will discuss tips for mature first-time authors to get over impostor syndrome and conquer self-doubt.
So let's go over some common reasons mature writers doubt themselves.
1. Comparison-itis
We feel life is flashing past the front windscreen after a certain point. We've been so busy doing life that we get surprised by the bonfire shows, and we haven't started writing a book.
All the debut authors seem to have started writing books while they were still in the crib!? Somehow they have like, 10 to 20 bestsellers in their backlist, and the debut authors landing book contracts, all look like 20-somethings — each newer and fresher than the last, right?
2. Second career
Maybe you've made the frightening decision to write as a second career.
I'm not going to sugarcoat this — maybe you have a reason to doubt your ability to replace a full-time income after just a year or two of steady writing. However, you won't make it, if you come to doubt and that's a fact.
Maybe you're starting at a technological deficit, every person I know, learned how to do their job on the job.
Even if a professional requires a college degree, new graduates don't know what they don't know, until they start working for a paycheck.
You can master using a computer. My guess is you're reading this or listening to it. So you've got what it takes. Get on YouTube, Medium.com, or 100 other sites to learn what you need to know, or go to the library and take a computer literacy class.
Every band kid learns to play their instrument by playing the instrument. No kidding. The band director explained things a couple of times and tells the students to 'go home — practice, practice, practice'. In reality, anyone who's learning to play an instrument is largely self-taught.
You learn by doing, you learn to drive by driving — that's super scary to think about, isn't it? You learned to cook by cooking, didn't you? This is no different — you can do this.
3. Fear of critique
Nobody is comfortable with critique.
If you can't handle this fear, start small if need be. Seek critique from people you trust, take what you can use, and ignore the rest.
If the same issue keeps coming up again, look for instructions.
4. Unrealistic expectations
If you succeeded or even exceeded expectations at previous jobs or endeavors, you may start writing with unrealistic expectations of success.
There is a learning curve, especially for writing fiction. So give yourself time and grace to improve.
Everyone starts at zero. This is the time to be humble and accept critique. Learn about the craft and practice writing.
Remember, you learn by doing — maybe you're changing industry. Take comfort in knowing you are not alone.
My suggestion is to be wary of old advice and scams. Find current sources of information about book marketing and distribution. Be willing to experiment and finally don't compare your beginning with someone else's middle. Some folks have been working hard for years to reach their level of success in bookpublishing and content creation. If you're older and just beginning it's okay to be a novice.
Unfortunately, publishing scams are plentiful.
So do your due diligence to avoid falling victim to vanity publishers and folks who just want to pick your pockets.
So here are some tips for mature writers:
1. Schedule time for writing
You do not have to write five days a week or every day of the week but several dedicated times during the week are better.
2. Join an author group or find a local group of authors if possible
And if it's not possible, go virtual.
You need company and you will shorten the writing learning curve in the company of others.
3. Join professional organizations Even if you hope to be traditionally published, read their posts, and dive into back issues. This is the continuing education part of becoming an author.
4. Lean into your experiences
This is because you know things truly.
Your gray hairs and laugh lines are badges of honor. You didn't just read about stuff online. You live through it. You know how it used to be and you've seen things many of which we can't unsee. Take those experiences to your pages and put them to work.
Final thoughts
These days I would do things differently because things have changed. I held myself back for long worrying about whether I was good enough.
Please don't be discouraged by your age — late bloomers have advantages. You understand people better than you did when you were younger. You know more about the world and you have loads of experiences to mind, for story ideas.
That's all I have for today. Until next time, keep writing my friends, keep writing.
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