Ever think you, especially if you’re a writer, are alone in your self-doubt?
Fear not alone. Even the best work hard to keep their self-esteem high and dry. Pioneer sci-fi writer Octavia E. Butler wrote pep talks to herself.

Butler (June 22, 1947 – February 24, 2006) was a multiple Hugo Award and Nebula Award winner. She was the first science fiction writer to receive the MacArthur Fellowship’s “Genius Grant.” All that, plus she was the first African-American woman to be officially recognized as a fabulous sci-fi writer.
Despite her achievements, she worked to bolster herself. Tangible evidence exists as part of “Octavia E. Butler: Telling My Stories,” a new exhibition dedicated to her life and work, at The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens (also called The Huntington) in Los Angeles. She left her collection to The Huntington, including extensive drafts, notes, and research materials for more than a dozen novels, numerous short stories, and essays, as well as correspondence, ephemera, and assorted books.

Born in Pasadena, California, Butler started writing as a kid. It took her a long time and suffering through many non-writing jobs to develop her style and eventually sell many, many stories, including her Patternist series, her Xenogenesis series, and her Parable series (aka Earthseed series).
Thank you for this Da-Al! Every writer should read this. We all go through some doubt. I write myself notes like this all the time! We have to believe in ourselves before anyone will believe in us. Have a wonderful weekend.
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you too, Ipuna – happy Memorial Day to you & yours 🙂
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I agree… not just every writer…but those who have dream should read this and understand……its what we think we can do….we will do it, by hard work.
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That’s sooooo true. Push. And believe in yourself. No one else will believe in you if you don’t believe in yourself first.
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well said, Ipuna
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Thank you! ❤️
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exactly – & pushing forward
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Reblogged this on When Angels Fly.
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thank you 🙂
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Welcome!
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Thanks for posting. I’m in need of this right now. Sorry I haven’t emailed you. I’ve been so busy with the new job. I hope you are doing well.
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glad you enjoyed it. no worries about emailing – anytime is great
many congrats on the new job 🙂
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Thank so much. I’m very excited about it. Would you mind sending me your email again? Have a great evening.
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here you go – have a great nite too – ContactdaAL@gmail.com
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Thank you so much. I promise not to lose it this time. Have a great day! Talk to you soon!
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Thank you for bringing it to many of us…..really like the original piece.
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am hoping it helps people 🙂
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Da-Al, thanks for the reminder that I’m in good company when it comes to self-doubt as a writer. I’ve a quote by Rich Devos on the clipboard in my work space that keeps me motivated when self-doubt sets in:
“The only thing that stands between a person and what they want in life is the will to try it and the faith to believe it is possible.”
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love it! we must all have courage …
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We all need a little motivation!
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Hi, I didn’t see the writings from Octavia Butler until a moment ago. It’s very good advice too. When will your books go on sale?
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soon I hope – have had a few minor setbacks in terms of when – but fingers crossed that it’ll be sooner than later
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I hope you’ll have success. I’m working on mine too. Take care.
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thank you! my best thoughts for you with your project 🙂
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Hi, I was thinking about working with Amazon for my books, but they only have one option to pay us through our banks. I’d rather not use that option and they don’t offer anything else. And they want exclusive control even though it’s for at least three months. What do you think?
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that’s definitely a dilemma – have done lots of research & have yet to decide. the bank stuff doesn’t bother me – I would just open a special account for that. as far as exclusivity, I think they have no-exclusive plans, too, no? ones that offer less percentage tho?
apple markets to way more countries, but amazon sells more. hmmm.
another writer said he sells thru only one place at a time, that way his statistics don’t get watered down …
am scratching my head, wanting to just flip a coin …
would love to hear when you decide
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I really enjoyed this article about Octavia Butler, Daal. What great inspiration for anyone in any field. If you don’t believe in yourself, why the heck should anyone else? And if you are not doing your very best work all the time, then you have much to improve. Giving up is not an option. Octavia Butler is a leader for generations. Thanks for posting this. I really needed a kick in the – well, you know where!
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you’re very welcome, Sharon – so glad it was of value to you 🙂
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I agree–my first novel is being published this year, yet I keep expecting an email telling me it was all a mistake. I just got the cover mock-up last month but still–I just have to believe in myself!
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many congrats & wishing you the best 🙂
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Very inspiring Daal! Going to share it 😉
XxX
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thank you!
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Great post, which applies to all artists not just writers! 🙂
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glad you enjoyed it – yes, I agree, it applies to so much about goals & living well 🙂
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Hi da-AL,
Thank you for stopping by my (poor) blog.
Your blog and your story are very interesting.
All the best!
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same to you 🙂
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Love this!
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Oh, I love this. Thank you for writing down your visions, Octavia, and sharing them so that we writers who struggle with self-doubt (and anyone who is a writer struggles with self-doubt) can be soothed by your ability to prop yourself up and keep going on. Peace to you, wherever you may be.
And thanks for sharing, da-AL!
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I feel sufferings makes one feel the inner unknown strength.enjoyed reading this n getting determined.😀letz all keep dat faith alive in us for watever comes our way.
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Exactly– positive thoughts all around 😀
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Amazing post… Loved it😊
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