the craft. silencing the inner critic

Photo by Johnathan Kaufman on Unsplash

Inside of all of us is the tiny voice that will whisper, “who do you think you are?” Or it may yell on occasion, “you’re not good enough!” Honestly, there are so many things that stupid voice likes to say about us, specifically as writers who live in our minds. But the reality is, that voice is wrong. We know that and yet, we allow it to continue to be a hindrance in moving towards the things we actually want in life. 

Writing comes with critique. That is a part of the game. But there is a natural level of editing, refining, and making things better. What’s not normal is when we allow ourselves to think “I suck, I can’t do this, no one will care what I have to say.” None of that is true. 

One of the most important things I’ve learned about how to get over myself in this way is focusing on the idea that my writing is bigger than me. So, let me tell you this. Your writing and what you have to say through your writing are bigger than how you feel about yourself and your ability. Your writing has a bigger purpose than you can imagine and sometimes one you may never see. Do you realize that Baldwin died feeling unappreciated as a writer? And yet, here we are still in masterful awe of his work. 

Let me tell you a story about when it clicked for me personally. I had the immense pleasure of participating in an event that featured the “9 Best Storytellers on the Internet,” called When Pens Collide. All these women, now my lifelong friends in writing at this point, were writing in the online space. We were asked to read each other’s pieces that we’d submitted. One of my pieces was about finding a lump in my breast when I was 27 years old. 

Lo, and behold, one of the young ladies reading that story had also recently found a lump in her breast and was terrified because of her family’s history with cancer. In my story was hope and information and vulnerability about how terrifying of an experience that was for me. But I needed to share that this wasn’t always a death sentence. I needed to share because people always tell you to check for lumps but they don’t really tell you what the hell happens after you find one. 

At that moment as we both cried our way through that piece, I realized that I was writing not because I wanted to be seen or because it was some cool thing to do. I was writing because there were stories I needed to tell. At the event, I also felt like I finally understood that I could exist in the midst of other extremely talented storytellers. I didn’t write like them and I admired their masterful language, but my voice still mattered. 

And no, every story doesn’t have to be earth-shattering to have a purpose. I honestly love writing in the space about regular life. I’m an “Insecure” girl all day. Like, let’s write about having a good time and growing pains. Those stories are just as important. 

But I never for a minute worry about any of the things that will stop me from telling stories. I know my voice matters. It was evident on that stage that day and I can’t turn back from that. I can’t hold onto this gift because I’m afraid. We’re all working towards different things in life but as for me in my house? I am working to get to the gates and tell God that I used every single thing I was given. That’s the goal and that goal is so much bigger than how I feel about writing when I get up on any given day. 

Your writing is bigger than you. That’s how you tell that raggedy inner critic to sit down and shut up. Yes, it will appear. I feel like an imposter every time I get an email from my editor. But I get to tell my mind what to think. Period. So I combat that every time. You may even need to say mantras out loud. 

“I belong here.” 

“My writing matters.” 

“I am capable.” 

“I write great things.” 

Do whatever you have to do to tell your stories. And this is not void of vetting your work. Of being able to become your work’s reader or be honest about the areas in which you struggle. But it’s about combatting the inflated sense of insecurity around the work that you know you’ve been purposed to do.

Writing Opportunites

Britni Danielle is accepting pitches for Shondaland for the end of March and April. Author interviews/profiles, entertainment profiles, culture pitches about TV/Film (no reviews), profiles of DOPE women impacting communities. See more details from her tweet and be sure to READ Shondaland first before pitching. britni@shondaland.com.

Dayna Evans at Eater Philly is accepting pitches. More info on pitching. dayna.evans@eater.com.

Gemini Magazine Short Story contest is accepting submissions until March 31st.

Literary Hub is accepting applications for their Editorial Fellowship.

Inkyard Press is accepting unagented YA submissions from Black authors.

USA Today is looking for a LIfe and Entertainment Managing Editor.

Slack is looking for a staff writer.

Xtra Magazine is looking for a part-time freelance Community Coordinator.

Refinery29 is looking for a Fashion Writer.

Dictionary.com is looking for a freelance marketing copywriter. $30/hr. Applicants can email resume, cover letters & sample of work to: apply.editorial@dictionary.com.

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