The Odyssey is a community of Creators.
Although we write for universities several states away, I offer you, Victoria Higgins, some words of encouragement.
For those of you who did not see her article, ‘You May Have Worn The Prom Dress With Him, But I Get To Wear The Wedding Dress,’ her thoughts have gone viral. Snapchat’s ‘Daily Mail’ even featured it!
On a smaller scale, I understand how you feel. Earlier this year, I wrote a controversial article that received a lot of heat. Lean into friends who will offer you an uplifting cool breeze!
As a result of your article, every inbox is probably flooded with hate mail. You’ve been labeled a “jealous psychopath.” You’ve amassed a collection of mean tweets.You’ve learned the real-life implications of cyberbullying.
One tweet read, “Is there going to be a killing spree? There's going to be a killing spree, I know it.” Another remarked, “I wrote an entire book about why women aren’t crazy but this article seeks to destroy everything I (and any normal woman) stand for.”
Higgins told the Huffington Post, ““There’s been an insane amount of cyberbullying. If I didn’t have a support system, I couldn’t take it.”
The outraged probably say that you deserve the backlash because you threw the first punch.
When our writings are published, our intentions become secondary. Each article is released into a void, producing opinions mostly beyond our control. Upon entering the public sphere, a variety of reactions ensue.
An audience is not always privy to the author’s heart. Unpredictability is both the blessing and curse of communicating your thoughts.
Standing firm in the controversy is difficult and a personal decision. I chose to take down my article, but the association remains.
We have all been there, simply needing to “meet a deadline” while battling “writer’s block.”
Your struggle is relatable. Many Creators in the Odyssey and other forums empathize with the blank page syndrome. As the clock keeps ticking but the juices aren’t clicking, anxiety overtakes you.
Let this be a lesson to all who create.
If you knew that whatever you wrote would go viral, would you still write it?
Other questions to ask before submitting:
How does this reflect on my character?Am I practicing what I am preaching?Will this needlessly hurt someone, even unintentionally?
Remember that your publications present a persona.
In your current situation, Victoria Higgins, strangers call your character into question.
Hopefully, in time, you will overcome the negativity and bounce back. Herein is an opportunity to redefine who you are and what you stand for so please take advantage of it.
Maybe you are afraid to write again.You are afraid to be misjudged or incite retaliation.
The keyboard isn’t the enemy.
If artists admitted defeat after their first failure, then numerous masterpieces would never have been created.
States away, I send love and prayers. Please rest in the fact that this too shall pass.
