By Cindy Sproles @CindyDevoted

Three successful novels and now a fourth on the way. What if I disappointed this time? Fear rose, and my self-confidence hit rock bottom. Suddenly, I lost my ability to put a story together. The first chapter came to me but, after that – what? Other writer friends pumped out story after story and me…I struggled to refine the next idea.

It’s scary when you experience success. The pressure builds not to disappoint. The truth is, talent doesn’t change. It’s our self-confidence and fear that jump in to send us reeling. 

It’s an age-old problem that attacks anyone who experiences success, but it’s all in how they choose to handle it. Here are six tips to help you ride the way of success and hop over poor self-confidence and fear.

*It’s true – the talent doesn’t change

You are gifted with a unique talent to write, and that doesn’t change. You still have wonderful ideas and good storylines. You’ve just let your head get in the way. When you start to feel as though you are unworthy of managing success again – stop. Recognize your gifts and acknowledge them. Embrace them. They are yours, and others cannot steal them from you. Use them.

*Read your work

Take time to step back and re-read a past book or article you’ve written. Sometimes stepping back helps us find the magic in what we’ve done. Some writers say they will never read their books once they’re in print. I don’t see that as a plus. When you begin to question your ability, a step back in time helps revive you. When you read your work, you see what attracted the publisher to you. You find your phrasing and descriptions. It’s a great reminder of your abilities and why your work was chosen. Of course, you will see spots where you can do better, but isn’t that how we learn? Re-read your work. It’s a great place to rediscover yourself.

*Make a list

Taking time to reassess your strengths and weaknesses helps us put things in perspective. When we can look over our strengths, it reassures us of our abilities. Seeing our weaknesses enables us to remember our determination to succeed. 

*Pray

You can never go wrong when you pray. Laying your fears at the feet of our Father, the One who gifted us our talents, allows us to give control back to Him. Remember, our gifts are precious, but things run smoother when we allow God to lead our work. You have ideas. Put them on paper and then ask God to guide you through the writing process. Give the work to Him and let him speak inspiration into your words. 

*Write

Keep writing even when it’s hard. Pushing through is good for us. It’s movement, activity, determination to attain the goal.  There are days when we need self-care but not self-pity. Learn the difference and then refuse to let self-pity take hold. It can and will paralyze you. The more you write brings you encouragement. Your efforts are strengthened, and so is your desire to write. 

*Never give up

Quitters never succeed, so don’t quit. Giving in to your fears and frustrations only leads to other issues. If you let fear stop you from writing, it will prevent you from doing other things. Never give up. You have a dream, and it’s worth the effort. 

When you feel like you can’t move ahead in your writing, hold on. I have great faith in you. You are a good writer. You’re recognized, and if you aren’t yet, you will be with practice. Be patient, and success will follow again.

Speak into you the words He’d have you write.

Cindy K. Sproles is an author, speaker, and conferenceteacher. She is the cofounder of ChristianDevotions.us and the executive editor of ChristianDevotions.us and InspireaFire.com. Cindy is the managing editor forStraight Street Books and SonRise Devotionals, both imprints of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. She is an award-winning and best-selling author and the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com. @cindydevoted