Mental Health -

31May 2016 by Dianna L. Gunn

Understanding resistance

Mental Health, Mental Health, Self care for writers

Over the last few days I've been reading the DIY MFA book, a writing book by one of my favourite bloggers and writing teachers, Gabriela Pereira. I'm going to post a review of the entire book next week, but today I wanted to examine a specific concept in closer detail: the idea of using resistance as a guide. This idea--the idea that resistance is a good thing because it forces you to grow into a stronger writer--is one I've heard stated in many different ways over the years(or, more accurately, read stated many different ways on different blogs). It's one that resonates with me strongly, but to me it doesn't necessarily mean forcing yourself through the piece anyway. Sometimes it means you need to stop and develop your characters or your world more thoroughly.…

26Aug 2014 by Dianna L. Gunn

Self Confidence For Writers Part 6: Final Thoughts

Mental Health, Self care for writers

When you've been writing for five, ten, fifteen years and have yet to see more than a little extra pocket money from your effort, it's easy to feel like you've accomplished nothing. And it's completely natural to think about giving up once in a while. It would certainly be easier to do just about anything else. Over the past few weeks I've discussed how various factors impact your self confidence, how to deal with different situations and what routines you can build to permanently improve your self confidence. These strategies are all useful, but the best way to build your self confidence is to make consistent progress towards your life goals. We all have issues, things we want to change about ourselves. Many of us also have big career dreams…

19Aug 2014 by Dianna L. Gunn

Self Confidence For Writers Part 5: Daily Exercises to Build Confidence

Mental Health, Self care for writers

You probably know that increased confidence can improve every aspect of your life. It will help you smile in the face of rejection, get the promotion you want, sell your books. Most people will even tell you that confidence is one of the biggest factors that makes someone an attractive date. So how do you boost your confidence? For most people, it takes concentrated effort on a daily basis. It's about erasing negative thought patterns and learning to trust yourself. And no matter how hard you work, sooner or later something's going to deliver a blow to your confidence. How much of a blow--and how quickly you recover--depends on your discipline. Simple daily routines can help you build self confidence: 1. Stretch. A brisk walk or run might also be…

05Aug 2014 by Dianna L. Gunn

Self Confidence For Writers Part 3: Nurturing Relationships

Mental Health, Self care for writers

The right community can provide a massive boost of self confidence to any writer. Writers have a tendency to be more introverted than extroverted, but in the end we all need people. More specifically, we need the right people in our lives. Nobody can go through life completely on their own. Everybody needs help sometimes. Once in a while we all need a shoulder to cry on, a few encouraging words, even somebody to just listen while we rant and rave about how some days we can't stand anyone. Our relationships with non-writers matter just as much as our relationships with writers. I've already talked at length about the benefits of joining a great writing community and if you follow any author blogs, sooner or later you see a great…

22Jul 2014 by Dianna L. Gunn

Self Confidence For Writers Part 1

Mental Health, Self care for writers

Do you sometimes wonder if everything you're writing is complete garbage? Are you afraid to submit your work because you don't think it's good enough? Afraid that you'll never find an editor willing to give you a chance? Not confident you have the stamina for self publishing? Every writer struggles with these feelings, and there's a pretty good chance you struggle with self confidence in more than one area of your life. You might not believe you can ever get a promotion at your day job, or that you're not the kind of person who can attract a good romantic partner, or that you're not smart enough to understand physics or learn a new language. Discovering who you are and what you are capable of is part of the human…