Ever written something you're quite proud of, but a little embarrassed to have

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   jlparkposted 10 years ago

   Ever written something you're quite proud of, but  a little embarrassed to have anyone else read?
   
   I'm in the middle of another attempt at a ?novel, and have always struggled with having someone else read my stuff (usually because it's someone I know who's doing it), but have a part or two I'm particularly happy with, but completely too embarrassed to share it with anyone!.
   Any suggestions on how to overcome this?

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   therighttowriteposted 10 years ago

   I believe, while it depends on the subject you've written about, being ashamed of what you write is logically wrong. That is your creation, just go ahead and share it. Post parts of it as hubs, show it to your friends without  acknowledging it is your work or ask someone you don't know at all! The less worried you are about the thoughts of someone, the easier it will be. Even if it's bad, which I hope and would like to promise is not, you are there to get better. Go ahead and have someone else read it, you won't regret it!

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      jlparkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks - am considering posting on HP just to get a feel for it...though my problem at the minute is that several scenes are out of order, so the story makes sense to me, but there are still chunks missing...soon I'll share it.

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   ChristinSposted 10 years ago

   This is not uncommon, especially when you are new or feeling a bit insecure as a writer.  The way to beat it is the same as with any other fear - take a deep breath, close your eyes a second and do it anyway .  I'm sure it will be fine.  You could also get someone else to read it perhaps in a critiquing group?

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      jlparkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Christin - that sounds like a good idea. And yeah, that's probably it - feeling a bit insecure - given the topic, it's more that people will assume it's abt me, and it's not.

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   M. T. Dremerposted 10 years ago

   Usually I'm only embarrassed if I know the piece I've written conflicts with the viewpoints of the person reading it. Or it's a sex scene and I know my parents will read it.
   
   But I don't think you're alone in your fears. You just need to ask yourself how serious you are about writing. If you hope to make it into a career, then follow the creed "you only live once" and hit send. If this is more of a hobby to let off steam, then don't worry about their opinions.

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      jlparkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks MT. Good advice. And yeah, I was writing something last night I'm not sure id want my parents to read, and if I ever do get something in 'print' (ebook?) they'll want to read it! Haha.

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   DJ Andersonposted 10 years ago

   Hi, Jacqui, long time no see.
   
   No one I know is on HP.  So friends see my work only if I chose to
   show it to them.  My husband will not read my work, even if I ask,
   and no other friends are interested enough to ask about my writings.
   There is exemption from exposure and a freedom to write about people
   I know, when I am sure it will never be read by others who know me.
   Anonymity brings greater freedom.
   
   You never want to jeopardize a friendship over a writing.  However, if
   you are writing a fictional piece, you can allude to the act as fiction.
   
   Good to see you, and good luck with the novel.
   DJ.

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      jlparkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I think HP may be a good start. No1 I know personally is on here. I think it's a case of once bitten tho - had some1 critique something on another site that was quite nasty..as I was only just starting to share things I took it personal. Not now tho

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      Skyy4344posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Hi DJ
      I'm Anita a new hubber. Doesn't it make you mad that your husband doesn't read you post? I get really angry because it makes me feel like I have no support

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      DJ Andersonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Anita Powell, I sent you a private e-mail. Go to your profile page and you should have a # 1 by your name. This indicates an e-mail. To reply to me, go to my profile and click on fan mail.  A prompt will pop
      up saying private message. Click on mess.

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      Skyy4344posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Hi DJ I don't have the1,on my profile page maybe send again. Are we allowed to give out our email addresses?

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   Skyy4344posted 10 years ago

   Are you thinking because you know the person they are not being honest in their opinion

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      jlparkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      No, more what they'll think once they've read it - given it's fiction, but involves trauma - that they'll assume it's abt me....which it's not. Just don't wanna make things awkward.

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   connorjposted 10 years ago

   
   
   I apologize in advance, it is not exactly on the trajectory of what you are asking for. Never-the-less, my good friend Don and I played hockey for the same team quite long ago. We were in a strip-club and ran into a Future Hall of Famer hockey player nick named "Beezer" Don asked him for his autograph and he happily signed it on a matchbox that had the title, phone number and address of the strip club. Don could not share his autograph or display it with the spectra of his wife and children "connecting the dots." Yet it did become a conversation piece of locker rooms...

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      Skyy4344posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      That's crazy

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      DJ Andersonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      John Connor gives an excellent example.

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