Let someone read my writing? I’d rather spend a lifetime pulling weeds. Alone.
Comfort.
Ease.
Basically hanging out and not being bothered, threatened or having to do or say anything.
Wow. Am I that much of a raging an intro-vert?
Maybe I am.
This week for MamaKat’s Writing Workshop I’m selecting prompt number 1.) Write about a time you were forced to step out of your comfort zone.
The first thing that sprang to mind was giving blood. Yes, I’ll write about giving blood.
No. I won’t.
Not because I don’t feel uncomfortable giving blood, it’s more that something picks at me to dig deeper.
There’s got to be a hundred and twenty-one things that make me feel more uncomfortable than giving blood.
* * *
Writing critique groups.
That’s what came.
You know when you first start writing. You’re petrified to call yourself a writer.
Me a writer? How arrogant.
Writers are scholars who made straight A’s in Grammar and have read and wrote 1000 page essays dissecting the complete works of Dostoyevsky.
I have a friend. A very accomplished professional in the literary business who told me — most matter-of-fact — that one day I would be comfortable letting people read what I wrote. And critiquing it.
Whoa.
NEVER.
But of course she was right. I’ve been embarrassed to tears (always afterwards in the safety of my Suburban) by critiques and felt sky high after others.
In fact, I am without a group right now and I so want one.
Why? What changed?
I learned the only way an okay writer can become better —
or a good writer have moments of greatness —
is to write everyday. Study. Then let others read your work and give honest (yet gentle) critique.
I hunger for the negative.
Because only with challenge can we grow.
And I,
Jamie Miles,
the writer,
want to grow.
What about you? What or Whom pushed you out to teeter on the edge of a limb?
You know, had you written about giving blood I would have thought you’d gone deep enough because it terrifies me. I know it has lifesaving powers, but I just can’t do it.
I, too, am scared to let people read what I write, but I love your declaration that it’s the only way to get better. I may have to start.
My kids, everytime I take them to an activity wherein I know no one. You…all of my blogging community, everytime I hit publish, and I am grateful.
Only with challenge can we grow – I’m in total agreement!
But oh, the heart palpitations!
I’m with ya! I can’t even fathom calling myself a writer… sounds too presumptuous (like people are going to roll their eyes at me and say “YOU? uh, no…”). I’ll stick with “blogger” for now 😉
I’ve never been a part of a writing group (can’t find one!!), and I’ve only reacently shared anything I’ve written with anyone. BUT surprisingly, it’s been very liberating, and I now enjoy sharing the writing…. and I would say that blogging and querying pushed me out on that limb!
Julia ~ you are so very right. It is wonderful to be in a group of supportive writers. It also helps you keep writing so you have something to bring.
–Greeeat Post.
if the people in the group are giving constructive support, this is much different than one giving criticism.
The group is there to HELP not HURT.
And NEeeeeeeVER, under any circumstance, use RED INK like an idiotic school teacher to correct a writer’s paper!!!
That is pretty scary – and exciting and needed and craved but wow, it’s difficult and awesome to have people critique your writing. Everything creative is just so personal and close to the heart…awesome post! I am still scared most times, before I hit “publish” on my blog and usually for a few hours after – haha! But I’m getting more comfortable as time goes on 🙂