Show Courage by Sharing Your Worst Writing with Pride

Let's face it: the fear of judgment is paralyzing. 

The thought of someone reading our worst writing and cringing sends shivers down our spines. We imagine the raised eyebrows, the whispered criticisms, and the dreaded eye rolls. But here's the truth my homie- every writer has felt this. From the newbie jotting down her first draft to the seasoned author working on their next bestseller, the fear of judgment is universal.

Instead of letting this fear control you, consider this: what if sharing your worst writing could be the catalyst for your greatest growth? 

What if, by exposing your vulnerabilities, you could become a stronger, more resilient writer? 

Think about it. 

When you're not hiding behind the façade of perfection, you're free to experiment, make mistakes, and most importantly, learn from them. The next time you feel the urge to hide your writing away, remember that every masterpiece starts as a rough draft.

Hiding Mistakes Instead of Learning from Them

We've all done it - written something so cringe-worthy that we immediately bury it deep in our digital archives, hoping no one ever finds it. 

But this habit of hiding mistakes does more harm than good. By concealing your imperfect work, you're robbing yourself of valuable learning opportunities.

Consider this: When you review your worst writing, you gain insights into your weak points. Maybe you overuse adverbs or struggle with dialogue. These realizations are crucial for growth. For example, one writer shared her early drafts with a mentor who pointed out her tendency to write passive sentences. This feedback was a game-changer. She focused on writing more active, dynamic prose, and her writing improved significantly.

Don't be afraid to show your scars. They are proof that you're actively engaged in the process of becoming a better writer. Each mistake is a stepping stone towards mastery.

Embrace and Share Your Worst Drafts

Embracing your worst drafts is more than just a mindset - it's an actionable strategy for growth. When you share your imperfect work, you open the door to constructive feedback and support. 

Here's how to start:

Find a Trustworthy Audience: Share your drafts with a supportive group or mentor. These individuals can offer valuable feedback without crushing your spirit. Look for writing groups, online forums, or trusted friends who understand the creative process.

Ask for Specific Feedback: Instead of a general "What do you think?", ask for targeted feedback. For instance, "How can I improve the pacing in this chapter?" or "Does this dialogue sound natural?" Specific questions yield actionable advice.

Reflect on the Feedback: Don't just collect feedback - use it. Reflect on the comments and identify common themes. If multiple people point out the same issue, it's worth paying attention to. Incorporate this feedback into your revisions.

Celebrate Small Wins: Each piece of feedback is a step forward. Celebrate these small victories. Did someone praise your character development? Great! Did you fix a recurring grammatical error? Fantastic! These small wins build momentum.

Sharing your worst writing isn't about showcasing your flaws - it's about showcasing your growth. Each draft, no matter how imperfect, is a testament to your journey as a writer.

Here's What to Do Next: A Template for Embracing Your Worst Drafts

To get started, follow these simple steps to embrace and share your worst drafts effectively:

1. Select a Piece of Writing: Choose a draft you're not happy with but feel has potential. It could be a short story, a chapter, or even a poem.
2. Identify the Audience: Decide who you will share this with. A writing group, a mentor, or a trusted friend are good choices.
3. Prepare Your Draft: Add a brief introduction explaining what you need help with. For example, "I'm struggling with the dialogue in this piece. Any suggestions?"
4. Request Feedback: Share your draft and ask for specific feedback. Be clear about what areas you want to improve.
5. Review and Reflect: Once you receive feedback, review it carefully. Reflect on the comments and identify actionable steps.
6. Revise: Apply the feedback to your draft. Focus on the areas highlighted and work on improving them.
7. Share Again: After revisions, share your draft again with the same audience or a new one. This continuous loop of feedback and revision will refine your writing.

Real-Life Examples: Writers Who Embraced Their Worst Work

J.K. Rowling's early drafts of "Harry Potter" were rejected multiple times. 

Instead of giving up, she used the feedback to refine her story. Today, her series is one of the most beloved in literary history. Obviously you already knew THAT part though.

Stephen King's "Carrie" was famously thrown in the trash by King himself. His wife fished it out and encouraged him to keep working on it. The novel became his first published book and launched his career.

These authors didn't hide their worst writing. They shared, revised, and persevered. Their willingness to expose their imperfect work paved the way for their success.

The Power of Vulnerability in Writing

When you share your worst writing, you're not just sharing words on a page - you're sharing a piece of yourself. 

This vulnerability is powerful. It creates a connection with your readers and peers. People respect honesty and authenticity. When you show that you're not afraid to admit your flaws, you inspire others to do the same.

Vulnerability breaks down barriers. It fosters a sense of community and mutual support. When you're open about your imperfections, you encourage others to embrace theirs too.

Action-Oriented Steps for Embracing Imperfection

To truly embrace and share your worst writing, take these action-oriented steps:

1. Practice Transparency: Start by being transparent about your writing process. Share the ups and downs on social media or your blog. Let your audience see the real journey behind your work.
2. Create a Safe Space for Feedback: Establish a safe environment for feedback. This could be a dedicated writing group or an online forum. Encourage honest and constructive criticism.
3. Document Your Progress: Keep track of your progress. Document your drafts and revisions. Seeing how far you've come can be incredibly motivating.
4. Offer Feedback to Others: Engage with other writers and offer feedback on their work. This reciprocal relationship builds a supportive community.
5. Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable goals for sharing your work. Start small by sharing a paragraph or a short story before moving on to larger pieces.
6. Celebrate Your Growth: Acknowledge and celebrate your improvements. Keep a record of positive feedback and milestones.

The final word…

Embracing and sharing your worst writing is not a sign of weakness - it's a testament to your courage and commitment to growth. 

By exposing your vulnerabilities, you open yourself to constructive feedback and continuous improvement. Remember, every writer, from novice to expert, starts with imperfect drafts. The difference lies in their willingness to learn and grow from them.

So, the next time you're tempted to hide your worst writing, take a deep breath and share it instead. Use the steps outlined here to turn your imperfections into strengths. Your journey as a writer will be richer and more fulfilling because of it.

Need a place to start? If it was me, I'd go here ASAP!