Dilemmas of a Writer: Letting Others Read Your Work

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I have also been self-conscious about sharing my work with others. Fear of criticism is also one big issue that I face as a writer.

The thing is, during the editing phase, you feel like you’ve already criticized your work. The thought of others criticizing your work would just make you feel more worthless. And that’s a depressing thought. But if you go to someone whom you trust completely and who only thinks of what’s best for you, I think it would be less of a burden.

What good is it?

Letting others read your work allows you to see it from a different perspective. You can gauge how your work affects or impacts other people through their response. That could help give you a direction on what to write or how to write it. It also allows for an exchange of viewpoints and ideas.

This is probably a good idea to do when you’re editing your work. Getting a second opinion or a fresh perspective on the topic would allow you to make more nuanced points. It helps in refining your thoughts. They might be able to see things that you missed. So always take the opportunity to get another’s opinion.

When you’re writing a story, I think it’s good to get a feel for your readers’ tastes. I read about the concept of beta readers. Basically, when a writer finishes a manuscript, they let some of their friends read it and ask for feedback. From the feedback that they receive, they decide whether to make changes or keep their work as it is.

By letting others read your work, you are able to connect with your audience and incorporate the insights you gained from their feedback.

My Anxiety

I don’t know why I feel hesitant to let others read my work. There’s probably no use to what I write if I keep it to myself. Especially if you’re trying to reach out or speak to someone. I think your work needs to be shared with the world.

I also think that’s where my tension lies. I don’t want to share my work because I’m anxious about criticism. I’m anxious about how people would view me after they’ve read it. It’s scary to think that other people might change the way they treat you. It also feels like an awkward thing to do. But the thing is I have to share my work. Otherwise, it’s useless. It’ll just be hiding in a corner of my computer. No one will be able to hear my voice.

My Resolve

Despite the fear of criticism, I think sharing your work with others opens up the opportunity for dialogue on whatever issue you’re writing. You are able to know and understand what other people are thinking about the subject. You expand the horizons of your mind and heart. That’s why I decided to just keep sharing my work no matter what I feel about it or how others might feel about it.

In terms of writing a literary piece such as a novel, letting others read the work can definitely help on improving it. You can use some of their feedback to tweak the story, add some other dimension to your characters, or explore a certain plot point. Given, I think it would be best to ask someone who would be able to give constructive feedback.

There is much value to be had by doing this. But one cannot completely erase the anxiety that comes with it. You just have to ride with it and see where it will lead you. There’s nothing wrong about getting a second opinion. Just know that, at the end of the day, if you are satisfied with the work you’ve put out, that should be enough.