Tightrope walking is easy compared to showing your writing to others, to sharing your thoughts and emotions and dreams with people who might laugh at you or scorn you or worse, simply couldn’t care less.
Nobody laughs at tightrope walkers. Nobody scorns them. Everyone looks at them when they perform. People even cry for them when they fall.
But when it comes to writers, alas…
It takes a lot of courage to write, to blog, to dream on paper, or on the computer screen.
Writers are braver than tightrope walkers.
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boy with a hat 
nice painting (y)
You hit the nail on the head. I watch what I write in my blogs because I know some of the people who are reading them. I therefore stay away from some stories which might be to edgy, stay away from sexual items except in an innuendo and overly blood as it turns some people off.
I find myself doing the same, and it never ceases to discourage me, because once we start censoring ourselves… What becomes the point of writing?
You know, I’d never thought of it like that before. Which is pretty strange, since until not that long ago, all my writing was a secret, never to be shared with others. Now, I’m happy to put it out there for all to see, and comment on, as they see fit. Because I believe in it, finally, after all these years.
Thanks Vincent..that was speaking to me and makes me feel like I am brave now..Freyathewriter..I know right…been there..
yws..it is oh so difficult to reveal your inner self!
Painful as it is, Vincent, we have a duty as writers, artists and musicians to share our gifts with the possibility of enriching the lives of others, n’est ce pas?
Oui, madame.
Writers who don’t show their stories to the world are murderers. They kill characters.
I teach composition courses at a local college, and this is something my students struggle with (aside from the fact that many of them don’t like writing and/or don’t consider themselves writers). Writing is so personal, and having it judged – either by peers, teachers, or whomever – is daunting.
I agree with you. It took me many years to start sharing my poems and writings with others, while holding my breath!! 😉
Do you still hold your breath when showing to others a new poem?
No, because I realized the writing is for me, and some might like it and others may not, or maybe no one at all. It no longer matters as long as I like it. It frees my heart!! 🙂
Reblogged this on Wishing Upon Plastic Stars.
Reblogged this on The Pandarine says "Hello there!" and commented:
I liked this piece so much that I had to reblog it.
I wanted the whole world to read it and to simply understand.
It’s like exposing your soul to the world. I often wonder if the most successful writers ever get beyond that “is it good enough” place. Do they stop hesitating before they hit post? Or do they continue to read it “just once more” and wring their hands over word choice?
where did you find that art work?
Google image search. 😀
And, like tight rope walkers, we walk a fine line of trying to balance the truth/ what we feel we need to write, and the reaction of those in our lives. My blog has angered several in my family, and I haven’t written a tenth of what I could. Thanks for bringing me to this metaphor. And thanks for believing in writers everywhere.
Never fear, dear Boy. There’ll be no scorn here… xo
Instantly after sharing I mentally block out the memory that I did. When receiving feedback I prepare myself in the same way as I walked into the school hall to collect my exam results to say if Id got into university. Its terrifying. The picture is beautiful.
I disagree. A tightrope walker is a live performer. There’s no revision, no editing, no friendly critical feedback. There’s either walk or fall. Writers are never literally in plain view of their audience – they always have the device of a book, or a hat or the cunning sorcery of fiction to shield them. It is much easier to be a writer because you have time. You don’t have that as a tightrope walker.
Hi Seb. But do you think a tight rope walker has as much of his soul invested into his performance as does a writer? Just curious… I for one would far more easily shake off a fall in front of an audience than criticism of something I’ve slaved over and put my heart into. -Jess
I guess both of them are professionals, professionals have pride. whose to say that any one doesn’t invest themselves as much in their occupation as a writer? If you’re a writer, your job is to take criticism. If you’re a tight rope walker, your job is not to fall 🙂
I can agree with that. 🙂
Writing and posting in public forums needs courage..As you said there are lot of them to scorn at and tease…Awesome read..lovely blog
When a writer reveals his/her writing to someone, it is like bearing a part of the soul and that’s always a risk, I think. By rejection or indifference to his/her work, part of him/her is at risk of being hurt. I agree that it takes courage to let that part of us see the light of day, I know how it feels.
Like the others, Vincent, I must say I love the artwork you have in your posts 🙂
I am terrified every time I push “publish.” But you, dear, are terrific.
I am new here. I felt a real need to start a blog, to express myself openly and honestly, even if nobody reads it. I feel a need to learn more about me and for some reason I think this is a great way to do it.
I lack so much confidence in my writing. I can never have someone reading something I wrote in front of me. Not sure how I’ll get over it
I agree. It takes plenty of courage to expose your mind and heart at once, often to complete strangers.
So true!
Reblogged this on The iLLustrious Soul and commented:
Well said…
I totally agree. It took me a while to reveal to people that I write. Luckily, I’ve had positive feedback so far. It takes courage to put yourself out there. I’m glad I did as I feel free to be myself now. Please visit my blog here: http://www.thepowerofawomanworldwide.com
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