It's okay to be seen trying
(Paid audio post) How to start when it feels cringe
It goes without saying that I wouldn’t be a writer if I didn’t allow myself to try, or, critically, be seen trying. Along these lines, a reader recently asked:
“I want to be a writer, but sometimes doing it feels cringe, and the idea of promoting myself or doing it publicly is even worse. What if I’m bad at it? Or delusional? I’m stuck waiting on the sidelines and don’t know how to start.”
The world is full of what you could call “closet creatives.” These are people who feel drawn towards a particular creative practice—writing, music, painting, you name it—but can’t muster the courage and/or discipline to pursue it. Why not? Well, there are plenty of seemingly legitimate reasons. Life is too busy, I am too old, I don’t know if I’m any good, what if I embarrass myself, etc. I get it.