Fear Of Sharing?

[StoneWillow]

I love writing and people say I'm quite good at it but I get extremely nervous when the time comes to share my work... Is there any way to get over my fear?

[grasscarp]

There is nothing wrong with being nervous. If people are saying you are quite good then no need to have any fear. What is the worse that can happen? Someone can say they dont like it. Nothing to be scared of.

[woofgang]

the way to do it is to do it.

[woofgang]

Oh you could join NaNoWriMo. Loads of support there.

[jourdain2]

I feel much the same, if it's any help, but as woofgang says 'you have to do it'.
I found a small, supportive writing group, which helped a lot. Now I've moved back to England I'm wondering about starting one to give myself deadlines and help others like me (and you).

I was helped by (at long last) getting 2 short stories published the other year (in fact one won a prize in a competition so I got paid!!!!) BUT you have to remember that whoever is doing the judging is using a subjective viewpoint. I once submitted something, which was returned with the comment that it was 'the perfect short story' - but they still didn't publish it!

I hardened up a lot when I submitted an illustrated article to a magazine and (on someone's advice) popped a tiny pencil mark inside the paper-clip. When it returned with a polite rejection-slip a few days later, the mark was in the same place. They'd not even read it! So, be of good cheer. A few kind words go a long way and it people think you are quite good then that is huge encouragement.

I do a Christmas story each year for family and friends, they love them and that helps to keep me going. Perhaps you could think of doing the same?

[Canary42]

You can't overcome the fear, but don't let it stop you. Look at it this way - lots of us get bashed here for what we write - most of us carry on regardless.

Anyway you must have shared some already for people to say you're quite good at it. Go for it, and good luck.