What To Do When Authors Feel Like Failures?

 

Writers are very individualistic and no two books are alike. Nor two authors. But they certainly have many traits and experiences in common. One thing almost all authors must confront is feeling like a failure.  

However, I’m here to tell you that you can still find a way to be successful as a writer and as a person. Listen up!   

First off, make a clear distinction. One can fail at a task, but that does not make them a failure.  

All setbacks or rejections are temporary, as a writer, and all of them can be met with success down the road. In fact, some embrace failure. They reach far and fall short, but they got further than most because they sought something beyond their comfort zone.   

Second, let a failure be a teaching moment.  

Look back at what you did right and wrong and think of how you might do things differently next time. An autopsy will uncover the case of death, but what you need is a prescription to cure what is sick.  

Third, take a break.  

Step back, conduct a book marketing autopsy, and go back and attack. Reflection and analysis shouldn’t cripple you - they should only help.   

Fourth, seek advice and seek help.  

It takes a village to raise a writer. Swallow your pride and benefit from what others know or can do for you.  

Fifth, do have a coming to Jesus moment. Really confront, head on, whether you are cut out to be a writer in today’s world. This means you must determine whether you’re prepared to put in the time, effort, mindset, and money to write, publish, and promote books.   

Sixth, take a long-term view.  

Don’t be short sighted. Even if you are 80, there is still time to change things, make improvements, and try again. As long as you are not dead, or in a coma, you go out there and hustle!   

Seventh, don’t feel sad for yourself and look to use your moment of failure to lean on your addictions or to make excuses and lash out at others. Stay strong and healthy. Get back on the bike after you fall again and again.    

Eighth, seek new perspectives.  

Get out of your environment or normal routine. Pursue a hobby, hit the gym or pet your dog. Re-energize and draw the energy from your surrounding world. Or change your scenery.  

Ninth, seize control of what’s under your domain. Take ownership of everything that you can. Some things or people are not under your influence -- but many things are well within your grasp to direct and execute. Do what you can; and hope to get lucky on what you can’t.       

Tenth, take the approach of the young Amish who endure a period called Rumspringa. This is when otherwise religious and conservative people ignore the church’s rules and participate in forbidden behaviors. This doesn’t mean that you suddenly cheat on your spouse, take a dump on a city street, or feel at liberty to start a bar fight, but it does mean you should color outside the lines and experiment in ideas and actions that may end up freeing your mind to see solutions and renewed hope.  

If you don’t like any of the above suggestions you most certainly reserve the right to feel like a failure. Go ahead and beat yourself up. Enjoy being a loser. Give up hope and sell your computer. Start checking the want ads. Don't ever pick up a pen again -- unless it’s to write out a grocery list.  

Are we clear?

Please Contact Me For Help

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com He is available to help authors promote their story, sell their book, and grow their brand. He has 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres.

 

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About Brian Feinblum

Brian Feinblum should be followed on Twitter @theprexpert. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2022. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent.  This was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” He recently hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America, and had spoken at ASJA, IBPA, Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday,The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post.  . He has been featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald. For more information, please consult: linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum.