Letting Go

When I first started writing and researching the business, it seemed like everyone from agents to publishers said how important it was to join a critique group. I was apprehensive. The idea of people reading and critiquing what I wrote, terrified me. I know how silly that sounds now. The whole idea behind publishing is people reading your work, but at the time it seemed scary. After several rejections and a little nudging from my agent, I thought it was worth a shot. I mean you can't really afford to be shy as a writer. Boy, am I glad I finally let go of the insecurities that held me back. Now, I look forward to submitting my story to our little writing community as well as receiving their stories. I understand what an asset they are. A writer is really getting free editing and, in my case, six fresh perspectives on my story. Not to mention, their great ideas inspire me to not give up on my own. So, I hope you don't look at the idea of a critique group negatively like I did. Instead, understand that none of us know everything and joining this type of group will only get you one step closer to becoming published!