Are you afraid of being a writer?
When someone asks you what one of your goals in life is, what do you say? Do say you want to be a writer? Or do you mumble a bunch of incoherent non-sense under your breath and hope the person just goes away?
Odd questions, I know. But I think they’re important ones. Writing is one of those endeavors that is very private, and letting someone else read that latest short story you wrote, or even admitting you want to be (or are) a writer can be difficult. Why? Because it exposes you to criticism and judgment. It leaves you vulnerable.
When I read this post over at Enriched by Words it got me thinking. When people ask what I really want to do in life, being a writer is something I can be petrified to bring up. Maybe it’s because I haven’t published a novel yet, therefore don’t think I’m legitimate. Or maybe it’s because I’m unsure of my writing and still finding my voice.
You are a writer. That’s great! Does anybody else know? Are you proud to be a writer? Do you honor yourself as a writer? What’s that?
If you do not honor yourself as a writer and respect your craft, no one else will, either.
As far back as high school I would keep most of my writing hidden from the public – including friends and family. And now that I’ve been writing on this blog for over 2 years now, I’m starting to feel more comfortable in my "skin" as a writer.
Are you afraid of being a writer? Are you afraid of letting the world know you’re a writer? Leave a comment below with your thoughts!
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