Writing is a beautiful, solo act. It’s personal. Even if you’re writing in a room full of busy people, you can be alone with your paper, pen, and imagination. If someone looks over your shoulder, you can flip your book and politely change the subject.

I think it’s because of this design that writers tend to hold back from sharing their work with others. After all, it’s a self-fulfilling exercise, so what do others add to the process? Will sharing your writing with authors, editors, agents, and publishers throw your original work for a loop?

Well, it could. I know some writers who won’t share their work with anyone until it’s complete and revised multiple times. Other writers will collaborate on work at the brainstorming stage. I heard one author comment at a conference that she belongs to a writers group where no one shares what they’re working on. They just encourage each other to keep writing. So, there are many types out there.

The main reason most beginning writers hold back is fear. At least, that’s been my experience.

• Fear of judgement.

• Fear of rejection.

• Fear of crushing your creative spirit.

• Fear of others stealing your ideas.

• Fear of being misunderstood.

I can’t think of a reason for holding back that isn’t tagged with an element of fear. And it makes sense. The question is: does fear help or hamstring your writing?

I’m in a couple of writing groups. I’ve shared my work with fellow authors, editors, agents, and publishers via writing competitions. And you can imagine what happened:

• My writing was judged.
• It was rejected.
• My creative spirit was temporarily crushed
• I don’t think others have stolen my ideas, but trusted people know them.
• I’ve been misunderstood.

Phew! Got that out of the way! What else has happened?

• I’ve become a better writer.
• I’ve been encouraged to keep writing.
• I’ve shared laughs with people.
• I’ve shed tears with friends.
• I’ve taught my strengths to others.
• I’ve learned from others’ strengths.
• I’ve been thrust out of my comfort zone.
• I’ve read notes and revised.
• I’ve seen my work change in ways I cherish.
• I’ve attended writer’s conferences.
• I’ve shared session notes with friends when we couldn’t all be in one place at a time.
• I’ve helped others and edited their work.
• I’ve learned about the endless opportunities for writers.
• I’ve experienced a richness in my writing life that I wouldn’t trade for gold.

It’s smart to walk with discernment on your shoulder, but if you really want to fly as a writer, don’t go it alone. One of my favorite things to see on Twitter is the literary agents who are celebrating an author’s book. Or writers at a pitch party who spur each other on.

Sometimes I think of what the world would look like if others hadn’t faced the fear and rejection. From Einstein to Dr. Seuss, inventive individuals looked at their wings and decided the sky was the only thing they could be made for. Are you ready to join the flock?

Until next time,

Invent your story