Richard Schiver

Category: Writing life

  • Impostor Syndrome: A Writer’s Silent Struggle

    Impostor Syndrome: A Writer’s Silent Struggle

    Impostor syndrome is a silent companion for many authors, lurking in the background as they craft their stories, and submit their manuscripts. Despite evidence of talent and achievement, some writers struggle with persistent self-doubt, and the feeling they don’t deserve their success. They become afraid of being exposed as a fraud. The phenomenon isn’t limited to just newcomers. Many celebrated authors like Maya Angelou and John Steinbeck have confessed to feeling like impostors, convinced that their accomplishments were mere luck or deception.

    “Each time I think, ‘uh-oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.’” Maya Angelou

    For writers, impostor syndrome exposes itself in many ways. Obsessive self-editing, scrapping drafts at the finish line, endless feedback loops. As well as a reluctance to refer to themselves as “writers”. The subjective nature of writing lies at the core of these feelings. Quality is hard to measure and validation is external, and beyond their control. Unpublished and self-published authors may feel especially vulnerable, lacking the traditional markers of success, while even those with publishing deals can struggle to accept their achievements.

    The emotional toll can be significant. Authors may minimize their accomplishments, attribute their success to luck, and compare themselves unfavorably to peers. Perfectionism and overworking become coping mechanisms, but they rarely silence the inner critic. Yet, the universality of impostor syndrome among writers offers hope. You are not alone.

    “I am not a writer. I’ve been fooling myself and other people.” John Steinbeck

    Overcoming impostor syndrome begins with acknowledging the problem. Naming the feeling and challenging the negative self-talk are crucial first steps. It has been suggested writers keep a “kindness file” of positive feedback. Connecting with supportive communities and focusing on their mission rather than external validation. Shifting attention from self-doubt to the impact of their words can help and authors reclaim their creative joy.

    Ultimately, impostor syndrome may never fully disappear, but acting despite it is what sets successful writers apart. By embracing vulnerability, celebrating small wins, and remembering why they write, authors can continue their journey knowing their voice matters, and their story deserves to be told.

  • Plot vs. Character: Finding the Balance in Writing

    Plot vs. Character: Finding the Balance in Writing

    Do you remember the last story or book you read? If it stayed with you long after you closed the cover of the book it’s likely you also remember the main character’s name,. When you look at some of the most beloved novels in literature. It’s typically not the twists and turns of the plot that linger in our minds, but the unforgettable personalities of the characters.  

    When creating memorable fiction, writers often debate whether plot or character should take center stage. While a compelling plot can certainly drive a story forward, it’s the characters who breathe life into the narrative and leave a lasting impression on readers.

    Characters are the heart and soul of any story. They are the lens through which readers experience the world the author has created. Even the most intricate plot can fall flat if the characters are one dimensional or fail to evoke empathy. Readers connect with stories on an emotional level, and that connection is forged through the struggles, triumphs, and growth of the characters. When readers care about the people in a story, they become invested in what happens to them, regardless of how simple or complex the plot may be.

    Focusing on character development allows writers to explore deeper themes and create stories that reflect the complexities of real life. Well crafted characters can surprise us, challenge our assumptions, and provide inspiration. They give writers the freedom to let the plot evolve organically, shaped by the characters motivations and reactions rather than contrived events.

    Ultimately, while plot provides structure, it is the characters who give a story its soul. Writers who prioritize character over plot create fiction that is not only engaging but also memorable and impactful. By investing in rich, believable characters, authors ensure that their stories will resonate with readers long after the final page is turned.

    How can I apply this to my writing?

    Before outlining your plot, spend time developing your main characters. Ask yourself: What do they want?

    What are their fears, flaws, and strengths? How do they change over time?

    Create detailed character profiles. Include background, personality traits, relationships, and motivations.

    Instead of forcing your characters through a predetermined plot, let their choices and reactions shape the events.

    External events are important, but internal struggles make characters relatable. Show how your characters wrestle with doubts, desires, and moral dilemmas.

    Use these internal conflicts to guide the direction of your story.

    When you reach a turning point in your story, ask. “What would my character really do here?” Authentic decisions lead to organic plot development.

    Give your characters relatable goals and vulnerabilities. Readers should root for them, worry about them, and celebrate their victories.

     Use dialogue, thoughts, and actions to reveal who your characters are beneath the surface.

    During editing, check if your plot points arise naturally from your characters’ motivations. If something feels forced, adjust the event or the character’s response.

    I hope this helps writers who might be struggling with the plot or character question. I also hope to offer readers a brief glimpse behind the scenes of crafting memorable fiction. I first started writing in the nineties and have focused on the craft ever since. I went through the usual process of experimenting before I finally discovered my own voice. Being well read also helped as it gave me a foundation to launch my writing career from. Now if I could just figure out this whole marketing thing I’ll be all set.

  • Unlocking Creativity: The Role of the Subconscious in Writing

    Unlocking Creativity: The Role of the Subconscious in Writing

    Every writer, whether a seasoned veteran or just starting out, has experienced moments when the words flow with little effort. This can be attributed to the subconscious mind. A vast and mysterious realm beneath our conscious awareness that shapes our thoughts, emotions, and creative impulses.

    The subconscious is a silent partner in the writing process. While the conscious mind focuses on grammar, structure, and logic. The subconscious quietly weaves together memories, emotions, and fragments of experience. It’s here that ideas incubate, characters develop personalities, and stories find their unique voice. Writers often describe inspiration as a sudden spark or a whisper from within, but in reality, it’s the subconscious mind drawing from a deep well of lived experiences and hidden associations.

    Many creative breakthroughs occur when writers allow themselves to step back and let the subconscious take the lead. Techniques such as free writing, journaling, or even daydreaming can help bypass the inner critic and tap into this reservoir of creativity. Dreams, too, are a window into the subconscious, offering surreal images and narratives that can be transformed into compelling stories.

    However, the relationship between the writer and their subconscious is not always straightforward. The subconscious can be elusive, at times withholding ideas or presenting them in cryptic forms. This is why many writers develop rituals. Such as walking, listening to music, or meditating to quiet the conscious mind and invite the subconscious to speak.

    I’ve always been more comfortable making my decisions from the subconscious level, or more emotionally, because I find it is more truthful to me; Intellectually, I don’t think like that because I get uncomfortable.

    Tim Burton

    Ultimately, the magic of writing lies in the interplay between conscious craft and subconscious inspiration. By learning to trust and nurture the subconscious, writers can access deeper layers of meaning and emotion in their work. The stories that resonate most powerfully are often those that emerge from this hidden place, carrying the authenticity and complexity of human experience.

    For me the key to my subconscious stirs during showers, and the brain teaser games I play on my phone. Every time I hop into the shower my mind starts gnawing at whatever impasse I might find myself stuck in my current WIP. If things are going well on the writing front it’ll start poking holes into whatever I’m working on.

    One of the puzzles I play on my phone is Woodoku. This morning while working on a chapter for Parasite I got stuck with my character at the stove cooking breakfast. What could be so exciting about cooking breakfast that it needed to appear in my story?

    I didn’t understand it at the time, so I turned to my phone and started playing. Halfway through the first game my mind flashed on an image of the yellow yolks of an egg in a skillet. A game many of us may have played as children that involves buttercups and the question, ‘Do you like butter?’ came to me. This in turn opened the floodgates to a sequence of events that shaped my characters choices later in life and dovetailed nicely into the narrative.

    If you’re a writer, artist, or any kind of creative, what ritual, or process do you follow to unleash you creativity?