The most common question I get as a reviewer of fiction isn't about whether I can review work. Nor is it about grammar, description, or any other common writing problems. No, the question is, "Do you think I'm good enough?"
It's always a difficult question to answer, not because the answer is difficult, but because the question is vague. My answer usually is, "Yes, your writing is good -- all you need to work on is _________ and you can become great."
For some reason, I don't think people take me seriously when I say that. I don't know much about psychology, but what I do know is that there is almost a shy lack of confidence in writers here. For those writers, I have a question:
Why exactly do you write?
Writing is more than just words and grammar and sentence structure and spelling. Yes, those are important too, and I won't deny it, but writing is more than just that. Writing is a way to express the innermost depths of your soul. It is a part of you whether you like it or not. That's why, during a particularly harsh critique, you might feel mad or discouraged. It isn't just your writing that the reviewer is commenting on -- it's you!
But at the same time, it's not quite you. As much as it is a part of you, it also is apart from you. Finally, writing is not what you want it to be -- you really have no control over that -- but what is. Writing is your reality.
Every writer is different. Every one. Each one contributes some part of your soul to another person (yourself, your reader, me, whoever) and allows you to share your thoughts and feelings without surrendering your mind. Whatever you say is, in some way, unique, and if the subject is not unique, then the way you tell it is.
Don't be convinced that you are a bad writer just because you aren't as good as someone here. You are you, and you can't be that other person you admire. Instead, be proud. Don't be afraid to contribute your own work, which is as unique as you are. You don't suck... honest.
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