Let’s cut to the chase: writing is hard. It’s messy, unpredictable, and often deeply personal. And in a world full of writing advice—some good, some bad, some downright contradictory—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Should you outline or wing it? Write every day or only when inspired? Edit as you go or save it for later? The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best writing advice you’ll ever get isn’t a rule, a hack, or a secret formula. It’s this: trust yourself.
Why Trust Matters
Writing is an act of vulnerability. You’re putting your thoughts, your ideas, and your voice out into the world. And when you’re constantly second-guessing yourself, it’s hard to create anything authentic. Trusting yourself means believing in your instincts, your creativity, and your ability to figure things out as you go. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being brave enough to try.
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
One of the quickest ways to lose trust in yourself is to compare your writing to someone else’s. Maybe you’re envious of a friend’s publishing deal, or you feel intimidated by a bestselling author’s flawless prose. But here’s the thing: their journey isn’t yours. Their voice isn’t yours. And that’s a good thing.
Your writing is unique because it comes from you. No one else has your perspective, your experiences, or your voice. So instead of trying to write like someone else, focus on writing like yourself. Trust that your story is worth telling, even if it’s not perfect.
Embrace the Mess
Writing is messy. First drafts are messy. Ideas are messy. And that’s okay. Trusting yourself means embracing the mess and trusting that you’ll figure it out as you go. You don’t have to have all the answers upfront. You don’t even have to know where the story is going. Sometimes, the best ideas come from letting yourself wander and explore.
Listen to Feedback, But Don’t Lose Yourself
Feedback is important, but it’s not gospel. Not every piece of advice will resonate with you, and that’s okay. Trust your instincts when it comes to deciding what feedback to take and what to leave. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. At the end of the day, it’s your story, and you’re the one who gets to tell it.
Trust Your Process
There’s no “right” way to write. Some writers outline meticulously; others fly by the seat of their pants. Some write every day; others write in bursts. What matters is finding a process that works for you—and trusting it. If you’re someone who needs to revise as you go, do that. If you’re someone who writes a terrible first draft and fixes it later, do that. Your process is yours, and it’s valid.
Let Go of Perfection
Perfectionism is the enemy of creativity. If you’re constantly worrying about getting everything right, you’ll never get anything done. Trusting yourself means letting go of the need to be perfect and embracing the idea of progress over perfection. Write badly. Write messily. Write something you know you’ll have to revise later. The goal is to get words on the page, not to create a masterpiece in one sitting.
Trust Your Voice
Your voice is what makes your writing unique. It’s the way you see the world, the way you tell a story, the way you string words together. And while it’s tempting to try to sound like someone else—someone smarter, funnier, or more polished—your voice is what readers will connect with. Trust that your voice is enough.
Trust Your Instincts
Your instincts are more powerful than you think. If something feels off in your story, it probably is. If a scene isn’t working, trust that you’ll figure out how to fix it. If a character feels flat, trust that you’ll find a way to bring them to life. Writing is a process of discovery, and your instincts are your guide.
Trust That You’ll Get Better
Writing is a skill, and like any skill, it takes time to develop. Trust that you’ll get better with practice. Trust that every word you write, every story you tell, is making you a stronger writer. And trust that even if your writing isn’t where you want it to be right now, it will get there.
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