Working Up

by Dwayne Phillips

Writers need not be afraid to take a chance in their writing. Criticism first requires something that most of us writers lack.

Writers are insecure. Well, I read that a lot on the Internet. We don’t write this or that because we are afraid of being criticized for writing something like that.

I offer this one bit of hope:

security via obscurity

This little phrase is often used to comfort all of us on the Internet. No one will hack into my email account because I am only one of a billion people using Internet. I am not rich or famous or anything worthy of attention. I amobscure, so no one will bother me.

I apply this phrase to writers.

To be criticized for what you write, someone has to read it.

And, take it from me, the odds on anyone reading what we write is very, very small. The vast majority of us who write are obscure. Sure, J.K. Rowling will be criticized for her next book and hundreds of major reviewers will join in the criticism.

Me? No one will criticize my next book because maybe a hundred people will read parts of it, and none of them are major reviewers.

Take a chance. Write that poem or story or novel or book about that topic that you aren’t supposed to write. Any criticism will come from people who read it. If you are afraid your mother will read it, don’t give her a free copy. If she buys a copy and criticizes you, soothe your conscience by holding the royalties in your hand.