Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to AE Faulkner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
AE, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
As an independent author, there have been too many times when I compared myself to more successful authors and focused on my lack of book sales. I think the low point came when I submitted a story pitch to a contest and was eliminated before the competition truly began. At that point, I had written and self-published five books. I took this rejection as a sign that I should stop wasting so much time and money on an expensive hobby that would never cover its costs.
Even though I was in the midst of writing my sixth novel, I quit writing. That break lasted a month. In that time, I came to the conclusion that I love writing and didn’t want to give it up. That allowed me to shift my thinking and approach. To save money, I started trading services with other authors – such as editing and cover design. This helped me focus less on losing money and more on investing in myself and a hobby that I love.
Something else that has helped me is to re-read good reviews readers have left for my books. It helps to see that positive feedback and use it as a motivator to keep going. If I get a bad review, I read bad reviews for some of my favorite books by other authors. It helps remind me that a book I absolutely love is not for everyone. That makes it easier to accept that my books aren’t for everyone either.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I escape the world and stress by wielding words. Writing takes me to the worlds I create and I love that about it. As an author, I channel whatever I am feeling at the moment into my stories. Sometimes that is sadness, other times playfulness and other times anger. I don’t write my stories in order, I jump around in the timeline, writing what feels right in the moment.
What’s most exciting to me is how therapeutic writing can be. If I’m angry at the world, I can take to my laptop and weave a story that takes me far away from whatever is troubling my mind.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The most important aspect of writing is perseverance – never give up. It’s way too easy to doubt yourself and your abilities, but I believe there is a reader for every book and success can take time. Besides that, success is different for everyone. I think the most important thing is to follow your dreams and keep trying. If you don’t try, you’ll never achieve your dreams. At least give yourself a chance!
Another important quality is flexibility. In my writing journey, so many aspects did not go as planned. I learned to pivot and my process improved with each book. I’ve grown more thick-skinned and self confident through the years.
Lastly, patience is critical. I realized and finally accepted that every step of the writing process takes way longer than I ever expected. Sometimes slowing down and reworking content, a cover, or a process that isn’t quite right can push you to a better result.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I try to ground myself by taking deep, calming breaths and allowing my mind to regroup. Ideally, if there is time, being in nature instantly calms me. I typically take several walks a day around my neighborhood. Slowing down, clearing my mind and refocusing helps me work through stress.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://authoraefaulkner.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoraefaulkner/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authaefaulkner/
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