I have found over my fifteen years in the publishing industry that many people who write, whether they do it for a living or as a hobby, still hesitate to describe themselves as a writer. Some are simply afraid that saying they’re a writer can come off as pretentious or even attention-seeking. Most, however, are simply suffering from good old-fashioned impostor syndrome.

This particular syndrome is doubting your own skills and downplaying professional successes while constantly being afraid that people are going to one day discover that you’re actually not as talented, smart, or accomplished as everyone thinks you are. In other words, it can become a crippling state of mind to inhabit.

So, as a writer, how can you overcome that constant self-critiquing? How can you avoid the superfluous self-editing that prevents you from finishing your manuscript? How can you finally put the procrastination behind you and put words to paper?

Overcoming impostor syndrome as an author can seem like an uphill battle, but there are ways you can get your confidence back and once again savor writing for the joy that it is.

Realize that it’s a normal feeling.
Everyone harbors doubts about their abilities at some point or another—and this seems particularly true when it comes to more artistic or creative areas like writing. But try to keep in mind that this feeling hits people on every level of success, whether you’re a well-established author giving a talk on your fiftieth novel, just starting out on your very first book tour, or even self-publishing your debut novel online.

The point is, a feeling of self-doubt or uncertainty is absolutely and completely normal. The more you push through it, the more you’ll come to realize that it’s just another emotion that will pass in time. And over the course of months or even years, that old familiar feeling will become less and less scary every time you encounter it.

Join a writing community.
Want to know perhaps the single biggest strength to help overcome impostor syndrome? Joining a community of fellow writers who can commiserate with you when the feeling becomes overwhelming.

It’s important to find one that suits your needs—that means providing a warm, supportive space in which you can not only share your work and get valuable feedback on it but also engage on a more personal level with people who can empathize with what you’re going through as an author. You might just be surprised at how many other writers are experiencing the exact same impostor syndrome symptoms as you are. Building each other up and swapping positive feedback will go a long way toward boosting more confidence all around.

Stick to a writing schedule.
I’ve talked before about the importance of sticking to a writing schedule, and I’ll say it again: Writing isn’t something that simply flows effortlessly from your fingertips. It’s a craft that takes work, time, dedication, and passion. Creating and sticking to a writing schedule (even if that’s only ten or twenty minutes a day) will do wonders for helping lift you out of that impostor syndrome swamp in which you could otherwise stew for days.

Writing—even when you don’t feel inspired or you think you’re a fraud—can often jar you from those feelings of inadequacy. Putting words on pages, regardless of whether the words are good or inventive or just plain therapeutic, is a powerful reminder that there is beauty and joy to be had in the simple creation of a story.

Take some time to look at your older work.
Another perk of writing on a schedule is that you tend to get better and better the more you do it—making this step all the more fun. When you’re really feeling like you’re an impostor, take a moment to dig up some of your old work and reread it.

This isn’t to make yourself feel bad about your past writing! Instead it will help you see just how far you’ve come as a writer and storyteller. Chances are you’ll see significant progress, which will help bolster your spirits and encourage you to keep going. Writing is a skill, just like anything else, and it can be extremely gratifying to see the fruits of your labor.

Write somewhere that gives you peace.
While many of us probably dream of writing in a sun-dappled field while sitting on a cozy blanket and watching the birds fly overhead, the reality is that most of us are beholden to a particular room (or corner of a room) during the usual writing process.

If at all possible, try to find a place to write that exudes calmness and peace. This will not only soothe a restless mind but also appease that inner demon that tries to tell you you’re not good enough. If moving to a different location isn’t feasible, try to make whatever surroundings you do have as quiet and relaxing as possible. A sense of inner calm can help alleviate those nagging doubts and urge you to keep doing that which fulfills you most.

Andrea Moran lives outside of Nashville with her husband and two kids. She’s a professional copywriter and editor who loves all things books. Find her on LinkedIn.