• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

peneloperedmont.com

Penelope Redmont writes entertaining and steamy historical romances, and hot mysteries

  • Home
  • Regency Romance
    • Regency Romance
    • The Eardleys Of Gostwicke Hall
    • Time Travel Regency Romance Trilogy
    • Romantic Mystery
    • Follyjohn Gossip Series
  • Writing
  • Blog
  • About

January 22, 2017

The Confident Novelist: You Need This Mind Hack

 The Confident Novelist: You Need This Mind Hack

Our writers’ group has four longterm members; others come and go. A few weeks ago, a member left. He’d given up on his novel. He’d lost confidence. That happens often. Novelists give up. So in the following meeting, we talked about what makes a confident novelist, because confidence is vital for novelists.

What makes a confident novelist?

Attributes of confident novelists, we decided, include:

  • A love of books, words, and writing;
  • Stubbornness — a refusal to give in to failure, and our moods. Also, a refusal to quit even if the minor and major tragedies and disasters of life get in our way;
  • The feeling that writing is important, with success, or without it. As a member said, “I’m happier writing than not writing, so I might as well write.”

We also discussed a clever mind hack we’ve adopted, for the simple reason that it works.

The mind hack: “what I wrote is wonderful… because I WROTE it”

This mind hack is deceptively simple.

Whenever your confidence fades, and you doubt yourself, say these words to yourself: “what I wrote is wonderful, because I wrote it.”

It helps if you write the words too.

Sounds simplistic, and rather silly, right?

It’s not simplistic, or silly, because those simple words have these two powerful elements:

  • Words have power — what you say to yourself matters.
  • You’re acknowledging your own creativity, and achievement, which leads to more achievement.

Let’s talk about the two elements.

1. Words have power: they build (or destroy) your life

Suggestion is everywhere in the form of advertising,

Advertising isn’t the only form of suggestion which affects us of course. We’re also influenced by other people. Some people are real energy vampires. You get off the phone after a call with them, and feel drained.

You might think you’re immune to suggestion in all its many forms, but you’re not. No one is.

Try this. Smile, and silently say to yourself, happy.

Let your face relax, and then say to yourself, miserable.

There’s an immediate difference in how you feel, right?

Words, whether they’re your own words, or the words of others, affect you.

When you say to yourself: “what I wrote is wonderful” the words affect you, whether the words are objectively true, or not.

How much confidence do you feel when you think, or say aloud: “what I wrote is wonderful”? Try it.

2. Acknowledgement is vital, because then you can build on what you’ve achieved

You came home from work. You were tired. The kids yelled, your partner sulked, and the last thing you wanted to do was work on your novel. You did it anyway. You wrote 300 words.

Here’s what you did next: you forgot your achievement. You decided that you “should” have written more than those 300 words. How will you complete your novel if you write just 300 words a day?

After a minute or two of berating yourself, you’re depressed. Your confidence is zero.

What if you said to yourself instead: “I’m amazing. I wrote 300 words and what I wrote is wonderful… because I WROTE it.”

How would you feel if you said that to yourself? Would you be more likely to feel better about your novel, and yourself?

Anytime you write anything it’s wonderful. You wrote. You achieved that. It’s an accomplishment. Acknowledge that.

Yes, you may well think that you wrote is rubbish — but hey, you can fix it later. You can’t fix what you don’t write.

It’s a simple mind hack: “what I wrote is wonderful… because I WROTE it”

Try it. Say it often enough and you’ll be a confident novelist.

Priscilla’s Destiny: Regency Time Travel Romance, Book 3

Priscilla’s Destiny: Regency Time Travel Romance, Book 3

Author: Penelope Redmont
Series: Time Travel Regency Romance Trilogy, Book 3
Genre: Regency Romance
22-year-old Priscilla Ballantine wakes up 200 years in the past, naked in the arms of handsome aristocrat, and master spy, Dominick de Roche, Lord Bellemieux. Priscilla's accused of spying, and is in danger of summary execution. She can't help thinking that she wouldn't be in such a mess if Dominick de Roche hadn't mistaken her for one of his contacts... More info →
Buy from Scribd
Buy from Kobo
Buy from Barnes and Noble Nook
Buy from Apple iBooks
Buy from Amazon Kindle

You May Also Like

  • Writer’s Block? 3 Writing Tips To Reanimate A Dead NovelWriter’s Block? 3 Writing Tips To Reanimate A Dead Novel
  • Defeat Fiction Writer’s Block Today: 3 Simple Methods To TryDefeat Fiction Writer’s Block Today: 3 Simple Methods To Try
  • Writing A Novel You Hate: 3 Tips To Help You To Keep WritingWriting A Novel You Hate: 3 Tips To Help You To Keep Writing
  • Writing Fiction: 5 Ways To Add Drama (And Please Readers)Writing Fiction: 5 Ways To Add Drama (And Please Readers)

Filed Under: Writing Tools & Techniques Tagged With: authors, writer's block, writing strategies

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Time limit is exhausted. Please reload CAPTCHA.

Primary Sidebar

The Eardleys Of Gostwicke Hall

The Lady And The Rake: A Scandalous Arrangement

The Lady And The Rake: A Scandalous Arrangement
Melisande Eardley has a temper, and that temper gets the better of her. More info →
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon Kindle
The Lady And The Rake: A Scandalous Arrangement
Buy now!

The Lady And The Duke: A Dangerous Season

The Lady And The Duke: A Dangerous Season
Her sister Catherine believes that Elaine's hair tells you everything that you need to know about her. It's flame-red. When Sir Oliver Destry trifles with Elaine, she decides on revenge. Elaine soon discovers the truth of the old saying that if you want to make the gods laugh, just tell them your plans. More info →
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon Kindle
The Lady And The Duke: A Dangerous Season
Buy now!

The Lady And The Man Of Fortune: A Wicked Secret

The Lady And The Man Of Fortune: A Wicked Secret
Although he's a prize on the Marriage Mart, wealthy and twice-widowed Lord Delmere thinks that nothing could ever tempt him to marry again. Until he meets the lovely Lady Kingston. More info →
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon Kindle
The Lady And The Man Of Fortune: A Wicked Secret
Buy now!

Time Travel Regency Romance

Tara’s Enchantment – Regency Time Travel Romance, Book 1

Tara’s Enchantment – Regency Time Travel Romance, Book 1
A Regency time travel romance... What if you could escape across time, and find your soulmate? Pure evil dispatches gorgeous Tara Ballantine across the centuries, to Regency England. Tara lands on Adam Jervoise, Earl of Hillingworth -- literally -- as he's riding through a bluebell wood. Hillingworth is handsome, rich, and kind. He's also set to propose to an heiress. When Tara realizes that she's falling in love with the earl, she fights the feeling. More info →
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Barnes and Noble Nook
Buy from Scribd
Buy from Kobo
Buy from Apple iBooks
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Tara’s Enchantment – Regency Time Travel Romance, Book 1
Buy now!

Molly’s Magic – Regency Time Travel Romance, Book 2

Molly’s Magic – Regency Time Travel Romance, Book 2
At 24, not only is Molly Ballantine stunning, she has two sisters she loves, and a wonderful career. Then her eldest sister Tara vanishes, and her life disintegrates. Molly's life is about to become even more chaotic. She wakes up in a brothel with a man who's too good-looking for her peace of mind. More info →
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Kobo
Buy from Scribd
Buy from Barnes and Noble Nook
Buy from Apple iBooks
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Molly’s Magic – Regency Time Travel Romance, Book 2
Buy now!

Priscilla’s Destiny: Regency Time Travel Romance, Book 3

Priscilla’s Destiny: Regency Time Travel Romance, Book 3
22-year-old Priscilla Ballantine wakes up 200 years in the past, naked in the arms of handsome aristocrat, and master spy, Dominick de Roche, Lord Bellemieux. Priscilla's accused of spying, and is in danger of summary execution. She can't help thinking that she wouldn't be in such a mess if Dominick de Roche hadn't mistaken her for one of his contacts... More info →
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Scribd
Buy from Kobo
Buy from Barnes and Noble Nook
Buy from Apple iBooks
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Priscilla’s Destiny: Regency Time Travel Romance, Book 3
Buy now!

Latest Releases

The Lady And The Man Of Fortune: A Wicked Secret

The Lady And The Man Of Fortune: A Wicked Secret
Buy from Amazon Kindle

When She’s In Danger: A Regency Romance Short Story

When She’s In Danger:  A Regency Romance Short Story
Buy from Amazon Kindle

The Lady And The Duke: A Dangerous Season

The Lady And The Duke: A Dangerous Season
Buy from Amazon Kindle

Books on Writing

Short Fiction Secrets: How To Write And Sell Short Stories

Short Fiction Secrets: How To Write And Sell Short Stories
Today, you can make money writing short fiction. Readers love short stories, because they can read a story in minutes, rather than devoting hours to reading a novel. More info →
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Scribd
Buy from Kobo
Buy from Barnes and Noble Nook
Buy from Apple iBooks
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Short Fiction Secrets: How To Write And Sell Short Stories
Buy now!

Plot Hot-Selling Fiction The Easy Way: How To Write Novels And Short Stories Readers Love

Plot Hot-Selling Fiction The Easy Way: How To Write  Novels And Short Stories Readers Love
Writing commercial fiction is a challenge for many authors. Have you ever said: "I can't plot...?" If you have, your struggles with plotting your fiction are over. More info →
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Scribd
Buy from Kobo
Buy from Barnes and Noble Nook
Buy from Apple iBooks
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Plot Hot-Selling Fiction The Easy Way: How To Write  Novels And Short Stories Readers Love
Buy now!

Map It: For Writing Success — Fiction And Nonfiction Outlines Made Easy

Map It: For Writing Success — Fiction And Nonfiction Outlines Made Easy
Are you a writer who hates outlines? I did too, until I realize that the inability to outline was crippling my writing career in many different ways. More info →
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Scribd
Buy from Kobo
Buy from Inktera
Buy from Barnes and Noble Nook
Buy from Apple iBooks
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Map It: For Writing Success — Fiction And Nonfiction Outlines Made Easy
Buy now!

Footer

Don’t Miss

Clever Book Marketing With Freebies: Printable Ideas

Clever Book Marketing With Freebies: Printable Ideas

Traditional Regency Romance: Anne’s Story Is Here

Traditional Regency Romance: Anne’s Story Is Here

Traditional Regency Romance Novel: Anne’s Story Is Coming Soon

Traditional Regency Romance Novel: Anne’s Story Is Coming Soon

Writing A Novel: 2 Success Tips For Series

Writing A Novel: 2 Success Tips For Series

Follow on Twitter

My Tweets

Archives

Sign up for the latest news & releases!

Pinterest

Tag Cloud

apps author authors blogging book marketing books characters collection creativity editing England Facebook fiction fiction writing historical history hot romance how to write ideas journal kindle marketing mysteries NaNoWriMo nonfiction novel novella novels outlining passion plotting fiction promotion regency regency romance romance scrivener self-publishing short story time management time travel write a novel writer's block writing process writing strategies writing tips

Books from Penelope Redmont

The Major’s Gift: A Sweet Regency Romance Novella

The Major’s Gift: A Sweet Regency Romance Novella
In 1816 England, pretty Eleanor Devayne teaches young ladies at Miss Merryford's Academy. Although Ellie's job scandalizes her family, Ellie is happy, because she's supporting her small sister. More info →
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Scribd
Buy from Kobo
Buy from Apple iBooks
Buy from Barnes and Noble Nook
Buy from Amazon Kindle
The Major’s Gift: A Sweet Regency Romance Novella
Buy now!

Lady Saville’s Lover, A Regency Romance

Lady Saville’s Lover, A Regency Romance
She's gorgeous, but hot-tempered, and Scottish heiress Bess Fleming takes the ton by storm. She's refused six proposals of marriage -- will Lord Darius make number seven? More info →
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Barnes and Noble Nook
Buy from Scribd
Buy from Kobo
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Lady Saville’s Lover, A Regency Romance
Buy now!

His One True Passion: Everlasting Regency Romance Series

His One True Passion: Everlasting Regency Romance Series
The relationship between scandalous Lady Hedworth and Major Lord Cambwell has teased and annoyed the gossiping mamas of the ton for years. More info →
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Scribd
Buy from Barnes and Noble Nook
Buy from Apple iBooks
Buy from Inktera
Buy from Kobo
Buy from Amazon Kindle
His One True Passion: Everlasting Regency Romance Series
Buy now!

Passion By Candlelight: Steamy Regency Romance Collection 1

Passion By Candlelight: Steamy Regency Romance Collection 1
Four steamy Regency romances with heroines you'll adore... If you love Regency romance, you'll adore these four heroes and heroines. Join them as they discover passion, and love -- in the strangest circumstances. More info →
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Scribd
Buy from Kobo
Buy from Barnes and Noble Nook
Buy from Apple iBooks
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Passion By Candlelight: Steamy Regency Romance Collection 1
Buy now!

More Passion By Candlelight: Regency Romance

More Passion By Candlelight: Regency Romance
Delightful Regency romance. Transport yourself across two centuries, leaving your everyday world behind. Imagine yourself in the Age of Elegance in three steamy Regency stories with heroines and heroes you'll adore. You'll enjoy fun romps with enchanting heroines, and strong, gloriously handsome heroes. More info →
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Scribd
Buy from Kobo
Buy from Barnes and Noble Nook
Buy from Apple iBooks
Buy from Amazon Kindle
More Passion By Candlelight: Regency Romance
Buy now!

Penelope Redmont © 2018Built with and Genesis Framework by Bellano Web Studio