Let Your Inner Critic Motivate You
By Srividhya Venkat
I am honored to be the featured author at 12 x 12 this month. Given the wisdom already imparted by talented creators in this community, at first I was at a loss on what to write about. But as I reflected on my writing journey, I thought of my inner critic that often questions my abilities, actions, and words, making me experience self-doubt and imposter syndrome. It didn’t spare me when I was working on GIRLS ON WHEELS, my recently released picture book.
Inspired by the skateboarding revolution in India, GIRLS ON WHEELS (illustrated by Kate Wadsworth, published by Kokila Books), is about three girls supporting one another as they practice skateboarding. The main character, Anila, returns to the skatepark after recovering from a broken arm. When she worries about falling again, her friends encourage and cheer her on.
I am NOT a skateboarder. And that was a trigger for my inner critic.
I wrote GIRLS ON WHEELS because I was truly inspired by the spirit of female skateboarders in India who are pushing boundaries and defying gender norms by taking up this daring sport. These girls are not only surpassing themselves, but also motivating other girls to skateboard by creating safe spaces where they can learn from and cheer for one another.
I couldn’t help, but feel the desire to find out more about these fearless girls. So I spent hours researching about them to understand how skateboarding had changed their lives, before I began to draft a story.
When I had a shareable draft ready, I took it to my critique group (many of whom are 12 x 12 members!). They gave me plenty of feedback, which included ideas to fix the storyline and make my writing more effective. So that’s what I did, until my inner critic arose. Not being a skateboarder, would I do justice to the story? Would my voice be authentic?
Torn between my muddled mind and enthused heart, I delved deeper into research, this time focusing on skateboarding in general – the how-to’s for beginners, skateboarding lingo, ways to fall safely, tricks – easy ones, popular ones, risky ones! I visited the local skatepark to observe skaters, engaging all my senses as they whooshed by. I observed the support they offered one another and their informal understanding in taking turns at the skatepark. I asked skater girls about falling and getting back up to try again, the thrill of landing a new trick, and being the only girls at the skatepark. I read fiction and non-fiction children’s books on skateboarding. I even hopped on my son’s skateboard wondering if I’d be regular or goofy footed, if I ever skated!
Equipped with all my research, I returned to my writing with confidence and went through several rounds of revisions with my critique group. My inner critic poked me again – Being a non-skateboarder, would I be able to bring in the essential emotional connection?
The response came to me as I watched a Ted talk by Atita Verghese, founder of Girl Skate India. In her words, “Skateboarding is a lot like life… – if you fall, then you need to get back up. And you need to keep pushing.”
That was the final inspiration I needed. Even though I was not a skateboarder, I had fallen several times in my life and knew exactly how one would feel during those moments. And one such moment had happened as I’d tried to overcome my challenge with swimming. It wasn’t fun to relive that unnerving moment which led me to avoid entering a pool for a while. However, going back to those days helped me connect with Anila’s state of mind and fears in returning to the skatepark.
At last, with my inner critic quelled (well, at least for some time!), I could move on with my manuscript!
I went through several more rounds of revisions with my critique group before sending it off to my agent, who helped me with further edits and later submitted it to the publisher.
Looking back, I find that having an inner critic is a mixed blessing. While there are times it drives me nuts, on other occasions it challenges me to do more by pushing myself to discover my true potential. It has taken me a while, but I’m slowly learning to manage my inner critic, especially when it exercises undue pressure on my mind and keeps me from being myself. On such occasions, I try to divert my mind with music, movie, cooking, even exercise! Venting to a friend or family member works wonders too.
Before I wrap up, here’s a few general reminders:
- Let your inner critic motivate, not restrict you.
- Write about anything you are passionate about and be prepared to do the required work.
- Be kind to yourself and exercise self-care.
- Share your manuscript with your critique group (and experts, if needed).
- Remember that every person’s writing journey is different.
Finally, I can’t emphasize enough on being involved with a writing community. In fact, having worked on GIRLS ON WHEELS, I feel that the writing community is like a…SKATEPARK!!
Take 12×12, for instance. We come here to take up a challenge that excites us – writing 12 PB manuscripts in 12 months! And like skateboarders, we gather to learn from and cheer for one another. We share our joys, vent about our woes, seek advice, and work on improving our craft. “WHIRRR-WHOOSH-CLACK!” Thank you, 12×12, for your indispensable support!
I wish you all the very best with your writing journey!
A former early childhood educator, oral storyteller and 12 x 12 member since 2019, Srividhya Venkat loves stories that are unique, yet universal. While most of her picture books have been published in India, her U.S. debut was with DANCING IN THATHA’S FOOTSTEPS which won the 2022 South Asia Book Award. GIRLS ON WHEELS is her second U.S. picture book. When not reading or writing, Srividhya loves to listen to music, tinker with new recipes, and explore the world outside her window.
Srividhya is offering one lucky 12 x 12 member a 30-minute AMA (Ask Me Anything!) at our October check-in! Carve out a new draft today!
12 x 12 may earn a commission from books purchased through the links in the post. Proceeds go to fund 12 x 12 diversity programming and scholarships.
60 Responses
Just like you were inspired by the skateboarding revolution in India to write your lovely book, I’m inspired by your post. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, and congratulations on your publishing success so far!
I know that inner critic well. Thank you for sharing how you worked through that on your journey to write and publish GIRLS ON WHEELS (and congratulations!)
Thank you for sharing. Congratulations on your success.
Great reminders you shared! Thank you, and Congratulations on your beautiful and inspiring book!
This is awesome and so interesting to read about! Thank you!
Everyone of us wrestles with that inner critic, so thank-you for sharing your experiences and struggles with it, especially your advice to let it motivate us to get back on our own writing skateboards when we fall off them. I love how you listened to your inner critic telling you to do more research and then to connect to your own past experience with your swimming challenges. Such great advice! Thank-you again!
Great post, Vidhya! You capture the struggle of being “torn between the muddled mind and enthused heart” so well. Thank you for the inspiration to be motivated by our inner critic and not let it restrict us.
Thank you, Vidhya, for the great post and for sharing the motivational insights.
Also, congratulations on GIRLS ON WHEELS. Looking forward to reading it.
Thank you for your post and thoughts on your inner critic. I love that you are putting your inner critic to good use instead of letting it stop you. I look forward to reading your book.
Congratulations Srividhya and Kate! Thank you, Srividhya, for your inspiration and reminders. You lifted my spirits.
Thank you so much, Srividhya, for this wisdom! “Let your inner critic motivate, not restrict you.” I love this so much. <3
Thanks for the reminder to let your inner critic motivate you! I look forward to reading your book!
Congrats on not letting that inner critic deter you from your writing. Can’t wait to read this book. Tackling new things is a universal theme that all kids and adults can relate to.
Srividhya, congrats on your awesome-looking book (that I will need to read right away!), and thank you for sharing your journey! I love the point about letting our inner critiques motivate–not stop–us. 🙂
This is so lovely and TRUE. Thanks for sharing this journey. How kind you have been with yourself and how much it has paid off! So looking forward to reading the book.
This is very timely for me, as my inner critic has been rearing its head lately, telling me I’m not good enough. I’m going to go tell that critic to pipe down, as I keep doing what I love.
This is great, Srividhya! You inspired me! Congrats!
Thank you for sharing your journey, about your inner critic and experiences in your writing. My inner critic has a tendency to shout not whisper during my revisions. I appreciate the list you shared and would love to post them where I look most during my writing sessions to help tame my inner critic!
Good reminders for writing, and life in general! Thanks for sharing and congrats on your latest book.
Such important reminders! Thank you, Srividhya, for sharing your journey and those reminders, which we all can use.
Great post, Srividhya! Thank you for giving us a peak at your writing journey, especially the part where you used your inner critic to motivate you, instead of restricting your writing.
Thank you for the terrific reminders and awesome post. Very inspiring!
I love the idea of my inner critic being a motivation instead of a stopper. Thanks for sharing!!
That sneaky inner critic causes me more trouble! I’ve learned to “ask” it why…which seems to help put it in perspective.
Srividhya, I love the story and the themes embedded in it related to breaking down gender boundaries. You encouraged me to keep writing, keep revising, and most important of all, to keep trusting myself. This 12×12 community has also given me the boost and consistent encouragement to press on. Thank you.
Thank you, Srividhya, for sharing your story and all for the encouragement and the ways to stay motivated and stay true to yourself. I look forward to reading your books and I wish you continued success.
I enjoyed hearing about your journey and the words of your inner critic. I think it’s very true and helpful that you’ve had the same emotional experience as your character even though you do not have the experience of skateboarding. It’s the emotional connection that is most important. Congrats!
What a great example of how we can overcome our inner critic with research and hard work. Thank you for sharing and congratulations on your book.
Always amazed how when I read about someone els’e journey, I get inspired and see the value for my own writing. Big Thank You!
Thank you Srividhya! This is a boost I needed, and a reminder that persistence is the key. My inner critic does definitely slow me down somewhat, and it’s an inspiration to hear how you overcame yours. Yay!
Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed looking at the pictures you included in the post. Congratulations on your picture book!
I love hearing about empowered girls and harnessing the power of our inner critic. Thank you!
I love this! And especially the picture of the writer’s gathering in Singapore. Seems like a great group. Thanks for highlighting girls trying new things and taking risks!
Loved this post and especially love stories about girls trying new things! Also, I found your list of general reminders to be quite helpful.
GIRLS ON WHEELS, looks great (I just requested it from the library). Thank you for sharing your path and thoughts on your journey to getting it published.
I don’t see that many girl skateboarders in America, so this looks like a fun book. Cheers for your comments relating trial and error to our supportive writing community. And best of luck with your book.
This is lovely! I love the sense of community and the girls on skateboards. Congratulations!!
Thank you for sharing your Girls on Wheels journey Srividhyra. Your book looks so vibrant both in the text and the illustrations. And the story of these young girls learning to skateboard is a wonderful metaphor for anyone trying to accomplish a new skill.
Our inner critics can be frenemies, for sure. Thanks for the advice on how you dealt with yours!
It was very inspiring to learn about your path to this story, especially the part about authentic voice. I look forward to reading this very intriguing/interesting story. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing your tips to keep the inner critic from taking over. Congratulations on Girls with Wheels! I’m sure it will be inspiring to young girls!
Thanks for the advice on harnessing our inner critic. I know mine likes to think it’s in control of me! 🙂 And I agree about the importance of a great critique group.
Congratulations on your writing success.
I love the idea of turning the inner critic into a source of inspiration.
Thanks for sharing your journey!
Thank you, I will remember that when the inner critic wakes me up it’s really a blessing to push myself to reach my full potential.
Thanks for sharing your writing journey. I know I have too many self-doubts, so I need encouragement to keep going. Belonging to 12 x 12 is helpful. Congratulations on publishing your books.
Well, this book looks spectacular. Going to reserve it from my library right now!
And thank you for the pep talk / admonishment to my inner critic. Very inspiring!
Thanks for sharing your journey Srividhya! I am holding on to the image of falling and picking yourself back up again!
Thank you, Srividhya, for sharing your writing journey and great reminders to thwart that inner critic.
Thank you for sharing your struggle with the inner critic and self doubt. I’m so glad you overcame, resulting in this important book!
Congratulations on this wonderful book. I can honestly say that skateboarding in India (anywhere, really) is something I had never thought about. Thank you for taking us on this fun journey!
My inner critique and close friend, imposter syndrome, have been ruling lately. I really appreciate all the ideas you provide for ways to banish these two – at least temporarily. 😉
This is so fascinating and truly inspiring! Thank you for sharing!
Congratulations! Your story is inspiring!
Great post and insight into our own writing journeys. The first rule I learned in J School was “write what you know.” My addendum to that rule is: “But if you don’t know – research!” Write on everybody!
Thank you for sharing.
I love the idea of using your inner critic to push how far you can go, turning it into a tool versus a block with writing. Thank you for sharing!
I have been working on a manuscript in which I am not an expert or even participant in the subject, but I am very passionate about it and about learning more about it, so thank you for this! Congratulations on your book!
I so know that inner critic struggle and how self-doubt can hold you back in writing. Like you, I’ve overcome many obstacles in life, so it’s great advice to think about those times. What wonderful photos on your post too. Thanks for sharing. Congratulations on publishing GIRLS ON WHEELS!
Srividhya …. Thank you so much for sharing your struggles. Your journey shows us that all the extra time and effort put into research can not only help us get through breakthroughs but also lead us to more universal themes that help us reach and touch more people. The obstacles you met along your journey are definitely struggles I deal with all the time in my writing. It is nice not to feel so all alone. Thanks again for sharing and I wish you continued success. Keep Shining!