Duking it Out with Bertha

By Carrie Charley Brown

No…there is not a cat-fight going on down here in Texas. Ever since John Cusick’s keynote speech at NJ SCBWI Conference, I’ve had a bone to pick with the doubter in my head. Her name is Bertha, thanks to John: “Name that voice in your head that puts you down. Give your anxiety a name.” And Bertha was born.

She has been there for as long as I can remember and sometimes she is down-right ugly. It’s really hard to tune her out and I know I’m not the only writer…the only person that goes through this. Are you aware when your hater starts to hate? Giving Bertha a name was just a great first step. Like saying, “I see you and I’m calling you out!” But, there is more that you can do to curb that voice.

I’ll attribute #1 to John, again.

1) “Keep an email folder called- ‘Nice Things People Say About Me.’”

Thanks, John. Don’t mind if I do.

2) Every time your Bertha tells you something you can’t or shouldn’t do, add that exact item to your “CAN” list. Then, post it somewhere noticeable.

3) Plaster your favorite inspirational quotes in your work space.

Here are a few from my office:

“If practice makes perfect and perfection creates art, always practice what you love to do, be the artist.” – Unknown

“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” – Winston Churchill

“God promises a safe landing…not a calm passage. If he brings you to it, he will bring you through it!” – Unknown

“We create our tomorrows by what we dream today.” – Unknown

“To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.” – Unknown

When I look over the quotes above, most are written by unknown sources. Aren’t we all a bit unknown? Even if we have something out there already, there is more to be discovered. So many possibilities! As you shush your inner doubter, I’ll leave you with my motto:

4) Create your own motto.

This writing business requires a lot of patience. Small steps work really well in our world. Sometimes we wish we could make it happen faster, as discussed in last month’s post: Writing in Gulps and Sips. But, if we do a little bit at a time, it really will add up to be something great.

So tell me…what’s your motto? I encourage you to share yours or a quote that helps you tame your inner doubter. And if you are willing, please share your doubter’s name.