When We Don't Feel Our Writing Is Worthy
Start writing a post
Entertainment

When We Don't Feel Our Writing Is Worthy

"I write because I don't know what I think until I read what I say." -Flannery O'Connor

106
When We Don't Feel Our Writing Is Worthy

Being a writer is one of the most vulnerable hobbies to have, and vulnerability is terrifying.

I have many notebooks. One notebook for classes, which I often times fill with poetry ideas anyway, one that I keep in my car, one in my bedroom, one in my purse. Not to mention the numerous receipts or other random piece of paper that if you flip it over you are guaranteed to find an idea for a poem on it. I write all the time, with and without a plan or idea. Writing is my favorite hobby, its like a habit. Do I ever really share any of it? Not really. We write so much, and we share so little. Why? Why do we not feel good enough to share what we have created with others?

Lack of writing is not the issue here, lack of confidence in myself is.

The idea of putting myself out there in the most raw and vulnerable way is terrifying. More often than not, my writing insecurity rears it’s ugly head and makes me question myself as a writer. There has been many times where my writing has been shot down. Along with that, there were a number of times where my writing has been praised. The ambiguity of being a writer is something that you have to understand early on.

Not everybody will like your writing.

So, what do you do if somebody turns down your writing? You keep writing. When you continue writing even when somebody doesn’t see the value, that is a feat in itself. Having the courage to continue writing through all of the criticism is an important part of being a writer. There is not one commendable writer in history that was well liked all around. They simply continued when things were foggy. Of course, we strive to be well liked, and that turns over to our lives as writers as well. We want people to feel the tug on the heart-strings, and for our words to be stuck in their minds. Therefore, when we are unable to accomplish that, we diminish ourselves as writers and we share less and less.

I often question “What if I spill my guts into my writing and nobody likes it?”. The ambiguity of writing is where we find comfort and also the most stress. We as writers, are so concerned with so many small things that we forget why we are writing in the first place. We don’t take into concern the hours we spend at a computer or with our notebooks, forming words from the hardest and best times of our life. We forget who we are as writers because of self consciousness, and we need to take that back.

Writing sincerely and unapologetically is one of the strongest things that you can do. We want to convey feelings in our writing to our readers, but we are lacking compassion for ourselves in the meantime. However, we forget the potential positive impact that our words may have on another. So, when you feel that your writing is not worthy, know that it is worthy to the right person, and keeping your writing underwraps is a shame to the world.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58320
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37572
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959194
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

193323
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments