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I relate to this on various levels — I find that the writing that I am often the most proud of is the one that led me down the longest path of self-doubt. It's a strange mystery.

I'm curious to hear about your writing experience and how it relates to your relationships. Do you ask for people's feedback? Do you isolate yourself for days and just write?

Keep up the good work. More self-doubt please. Or maybe not. I don't know.

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Thanks Christian! I have a relatively fixed writing schedule and I try my best to stick to it. I find my best work comes from moments of contemplative solitude which is also why I rarely if ever seek feedback, at least when it comes to this newsletter. I feel that with each article and the self-doubt that ensues, I'm maturing as a writer. Part of the writing experience I find most illuminating is when I'm actually sitting with the uncertainty (if I have it in me to write a good piece). These moments allow me to grow.

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Great essay! Really enjoyed it. Self-doubt is pretty much like my writing process works. And the more doubtful I am, the better the work (in retrospective subjective evaluation), and the more important it to me. And it doesn’t change over time, not yet at least.

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Just saw this! Thanks John! Yes I’m the same and I guess it also stems from a willingness to accept your vulnerabilities as a writer. In fact I often question the quality of my writing when I jump into an essay or article with full of confidence.

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