I like to type everything I write because it's convenient. All of my horrible ideas disappear in an instant with the click of a button. I can put my writing out in the open and not worry about being called back to answer any questions about it or sit through multiple people reading it aloud. And there's something I love about being able to let the words flow out on their own without planning ahead.

Over the years, I’ve learned that I have a habit of acting really awkward when someone reads my story back to me or asks me to explain the reason behind something I wrote.

I say things such as, “aw, shucks” if someone gives me a compliment. I may even say "sorry if it doesn't make any sense" if I get the sense that someone is confused by something written in my story.

Usually, I just make a face like this:

This past year, I was involved in a Creative Writing/Short Story seminar where I had to bring in a draft almost every other week for the class to workshop and provide comments on. Every single time, I felt so nervous and scared to hear what people thought.

It's not the fact that I couldn't handle the criticism because I appreciated what everyone had to say. I honestly never believed in my ideas enough.

When I think about it, a lot of my insecurities as a writer come from a fear of one day waking up and realizing that I will never be able to write about something that speaks to someone.

At times, I feel like I’m not getting anywhere. It's as if I’m going to end up being a "missed it by that much" kind of person.

I'm not a huge believer in fate because it seems like fate works against you, which is probably why people say, "screw fate and create your opportunities." Still, it sometimes it feels like it's not in the cards for me. But I can't let myself believe that. If I do, it would mean I've already lost (and I don’t want that to be the reality).

Truth be told, I’m really scared of not being able to find success in doing something that I love. I think because I am choosing this profession, this hobby, this talent, it means I'm taking a chance on it. I'm not one to ever take risks, but I hope that my dreams are reshaping the kind of person I am.