Harlan Coben Quotes

For a long time I managed to think two things simultaneously, that I am actually a good playwright, and that the next time I write a play I will be revealed as someone who is no good at all.

I had a period where I thought I might not be good enough to publish.

I've always wanted to do a photo book, but I've never done one because I've never felt ready; I just didn't feel my work was good enough.

If you're a writer, you're constantly doubting yourself.

I never thought I was good enough actually to write.

In my case, the long gaps between my books have got quite a lot to do with lack of confidence. A lot of the time when I'm not writing I start thinking I can't do it.

Every single time I step into the studio, I say, 'Can I still do this? Do I still have it? Have I ever had it?' I suppose there's a good amount of self-loathing that goes into any form of artisanship.

Part of being an artist is that you are always concerned you don't have what it takes. It... keeps us honest.

Part of me feels that I'm letting people down by not being as interesting as my books.

As a writer, you live in permanent self-doubt; you're on permanent trial.

All artists have insecurity.

My stories are never quite good enough.

I'm fairly competant as a director and actor, but I am Mr. Neurotic as a writer. I just don't have enough confidence in my abilities to take criticism well. I take it personally. Start with 'It's a masterpiece,' and then tell me what you think could be changed.

Every writer I've ever spoken to feels fraudulent in some way or other.

Most artists are notoriously insecure, and I fall into that category.

It's just so fragile. The growing sense of 'Oh, God, what am I doing? Am I any good? Will I ever work again?' All those questions of self doubt, they do creep in.

It's a phobia I have. I never assume I'm going to be able to write another album after I finish one.

I have a hard time sometimes watching my own work.

It's not a lack of confidence, because I can't argue with the fact that I've taken some good pictures. But it's just a raw fear that you've taken the last one.

As a typical creative, I am all ego and insecurity!

As an insecure writer, I'll finish a scene and worry there's a better version of it. Or it could be elevated somehow.

Writers always have confidence issues - it comes with the territory. We never know where we fit in, or what the actual value of our work might be. So we hit lulls, or slogs. Throw in the idea that many creative people are somewhat manic-depressive, and it can get pretty dark at times.

The biggest insecurity I had was my singing. Even though I had sold 70 million records, there was this feeling like, I'm not good at this.

I've never been super confident about anything. The work is never as good as it could be.

I still believe that at any time the no-talent police will come and arrest me.