Perhaps, if I was just a little bit stronger...

[emeraldwilwarin]

Once again it's been too long since my last entry. You'll have to forgive these drawn out absences, but when I see my friends list full of these articulate, thoughtful, heartfelt entries I feel like I have nothing of any real significance to say. I mean, the crap is the same, it's just a different day in a different season. But still, I don't like

Comments

[jehscribbler]

No you're not! You are a very good writer. You have room to grow--every writer does. In fact, I'm not sure where the 'other people' you mention are being published with no editing of their work, but I seriously doubt then that they are working with a really good editor-publisher. Sounds like yours is really taking you seriously enough to work with you to bring out all of your talent

[tiny_dancer]

I understand completely where you're coming from, about people critiquing your work. Last year, I used to nearly have a heart attack every week, when my article would come out in the paper. I think what a lot of non-writers don't understand is that is makes you so, so vulnerable-your work is there for all the world to see and to interpret as they wish, and that's terrifying. It's absolutely terrifying.

But the thing you have to remember--yes, your work is out there to be dissected by people. But it's also out there to be thoroughly enjoyed by people--to encourage them, to make them happy, and to completely put their mind at ease. For every one person who dares dissect your work, there are another 10 that you've thoroughly inspired.

*hugs* You can do this, muffin. The risk is so worth it.

[silveripseity]

You are still very young (coming from the old woman here, ha), and I think as you get older, the criticism won't sting you quite as much. There's this great quote that I can't find right now, and it's killing me, but it's basically this: "Creatives [writers] are insecure children, constantly asking, 'Am I doing this right?'" And it's true. Like Mrs. Miller (ha) said, tons of writers have that insecurity. I know I do. :) ha.

And I always have to remind myself of this, because it's easier to say than to internalize, but no matter how well you write, someone will criticize it. Because writing is so subjective and it doesn't adhere to an easy checklist of 'correct' or 'incorrect' guidelines. People have different tastes, and it's impossible to please everyone.

Look, if you've already got a book coming out, you're doing something right. :) So just keep chugging away.