How to NOT get discouraged from writing when faced with the genius of others?

[Penpilot]

Thank you all so much for your encouraging inputs on this topic! Since I posted this question and joined this forum, I feel like I've already gained insight. The most important for me is that I feel like my mindset is changing. I realise that it just takes so much time and dedication. And that's okay. So me progressing slow and my writing sucking at the beginning is not unusual or a bad sign.
And I keep motivating myself with the idea that even if I should write crap - writing anything is still better for my brain than just passively consuming social media. So, I do it for my health at least .

This is a quote that I always try to keep in mind.

"Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway."

I've never regretted asking a girl out, even when I went down in flames. All my regrets are when I did nothing. Burns heal, but the unasked and unanswered question is forever. When I take my last breath, I'll be OK with things even if all I have is a trail of unpublished, but finished, novels.

 

[Prince of Spires]

Nora Roberts says, 'You can fix a bad page, you can't fix a blank one.'

Just want to step in here and mention that this is only the case for the majority of writers. There are some people out there who can't write a page unless they've first edited that page in their mind. So they can't write an unedited page.

We're all different (and I doubt any of us are normal...).

 

[rubstar]

I'm new here and just came across your post. I don't have a lot to add here that hasn't already been said, but I wanted to thank you for making the post. I catch myself way too often getting discouraged by other people's great work and questioning myself - it's soothing to hear that it's a normal thing to question oneself.
Oh, and that reminded me of something: I'm listening to the Navy CIS Podcast whenever I clean up and they had one of the screenwriters as a guest and he said something along the lines that a good writer doubts themselves/questions how good their work really is.
Good luck and keep on going!!

 

[Super Fantasy]

There are many ways to be creative, choose one randomly from your mind and give writing in such a way a try.
I have tried writing novels multiple times, each one was a good try with some success.

 

[Vaeloria Starcrest]

it can be hard there's no doubt in that but the key is realizing that you have that same gift. Don't force the words let them lead. I just started writing a manuscript with the help of ChatGPT (simply polish looking for grammar spelling and structure) but with each word I am writing (just started chapter four) I'm finding I need less help with those areas so it's not impossible to grow into your own gift you just need to take a step back and let the story lead. I've found that my writing comes easier if the story leads me instead of me trying to lead. It doesn't work for everyone I know but it might work for you the way it's working for me. Basically keep writing. don't let doubt win.

 

[Eric]

As a wannabe-writer with several failed attempts at writing fiction, one of my struggles is the admiration of other writers work. Sometimes I read a book that is so amazing that I feel like there is no point writing anything myself. There is nothing I could say or write that would even come close to this. Then again, I read a few pages of works like "Fifty Shades" and think.. all right, if somebody was confident enough to publish that.. maybe I shouldn't worry too much and just give it a go. I wonder if anybody else feels this way and if yes, what do you do or say to yourself to overcome this challenge?

It’s a dangerous game, to want to become a writer. Besides the work, time, research, mind games and disappointments, there are the many contradictions that lay in wait.

One must read to be able to write, and wrangling imposter syndrome comes with the territory.

I received some sage advice once from a mentor, and over time his words have proven to be quite nutritious.

“Write the book you want to read”.

It takes time, a long, long, long time and involves much self love/therapy and patience.

The experience of creating something that fulfills and ticks all the boxes is life affirming. The experience alone, life changing.

Write because you want to. There is no other reason. Comparison is a fools game and will destroy confidence and will power.

Write something even if does not win prizes, become a bestseller, or excite anyone else, but build a thing you connect with. You are the first audience. If you can’t trust yourself, then…

Committing to a thing one aspires to is hugely nutritious and can only be good.

 

[minta]

It is easy to compare but every writer starts somewhere. I remind myself that voice matters more than perfection cuz no one can tell my stories the same way I can.