#12 Share your work

As a young writer at the time (When I was like 16) I absolutely DETESTED showing my working or sharing my work with other people. My writing was for me and nobody else-- I didn't want anyone to criticize or say they 'didn't like' my work.

Pretty immature huh?

After a couple of years, and on top of that my Creative Writing course I went on at Uni-- that changed as quick as dropping a hot potato.

You see.. the beauty of sharing work, exchanging it, showing it to people is that you can get a response and know if your writing is liked by other people besides yourself.

Don't get me wrong, I know there's a lot of people that have no shame in sharing their work-- in fact they LOVE it-- I was just the emo writer that just wanted books and books of unedited writing stored up in my room.

Not anymore. lol.

But really, it gives you a boost because not only do you get criticism, (not always constructive, mind you..) you get a fresh perspective, because we can read our writing a million times and not see anything wrong with it after 1,000 edits-- so to get the opportunity for someone else to look over it, or just to read it is a blessing.

You can receive good advice, especially if you have writer friends in your circle, or if you're connected to people who have been published or are established writers..

Really, it's all to your benefit-- if you don't share your work, you don't grow as a writer; you won't learn anything new, and it may cause you to be stagnant.

Exchange your work with friends, colleagues people you KNOW that will help you to become better.