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Few things are as thrilling as creating something you’re proud of—whether it’s a heartfelt poem, a riveting short story, or a draft of your first novel.
But when it comes to sharing that work with others? The excitement can quickly turn into fear.
I remember the first time I had to share my writing with other students in college. It was terrifying. I felt like I was going to throw up as I arrived in class with copies of a story I’d written, and watching my audience read it to themselves just made things even worse.
And I was a creative writing major. You know? I was supposed to be okay with doing this stuff.
Sharing your writing is vulnerable. It’s an act of bravery, and if you struggle to take that step, you’re not alone. But the good news is there are ways to overcome this fear and feel more confident in sharing your work.
In this post, we’ll explore the common reasons writers feel scared to share and provide some tips to help you move forward so you can share your work with confidence and start taking steps to share in creative community with others.
Why Is It So Hard to Share Our Writing?
The fear of sharing your writing is deeply rooted in our humanity. On the one hand, we know that sharing our creative work will lead to significant benefits, but on the other, there is always risk involved with showing your art to an audience.
If you aren’t careful, it’s easy to let fear of what people might thing eclipse your desire for creative growth.
Here are some of the reasons this fear can feel overwhelming:
Fear of rejection: Writers often tie their self-worth to their work. Hearing “no” from a publisher or receiving critical feedback can feel personal, even though it’s not.
Fear of criticism: What if someone hates it? What if they misunderstand it? Even constructive feedback can feel like a blow to your confidence.
Impostor syndrome: Many writers feel like they’re not “real” writers and worry they’ll be exposed as frauds if they share their work.
Perfectionism: Waiting for your work to be perfect can keep you from ever letting it see the light of day.
These fears are valid. But the truth is, sharing your writing is one of the most important steps in your creative journey. It’s how you grow, connect, and fulfill the purpose behind your words.
Tips to Overcome the Fear of Sharing Your Writing
If sharing your writing feels impossible right now, don’t despair. You take a risk when you put your work in front of an audience, and that’s no small feat! These steps can help you confidently move forward and overcome your fear of sharing your writing.
Start Small
One of the best ways to ease into sharing is to start with someone you trust. It could be a close friend, family member, or fellow writer who will approach your work with kindness and constructive feedback.
By starting small, you can test the waters without feeling overwhelmed. Instead of sharing an entire story or chapter, show someone just a short excerpt. A single page, paragraph, or stanza feels much more manageable. The goal is to build confidence in small, achievable steps.
Think of this as “practice sharing.” It’s not about perfection or praise—it’s about showing up and proving to yourself that you can share your words.
Reframe Criticism as Growth
Criticism is often the scariest part of sharing your work, but it doesn’t have to be. Constructive feedback isn’t meant to tear you down; it’s a tool to help you improve. When someone offers critique, they engage with your work—and that’s a good thing!
Start by reframing criticism as growth by separating yourself from your writing. Feedback on your work does not reflect your value as a person. The feedback people provide is to help you grow, not to hurt your feelings or hold you back.
Here’s a tip straight from my years of MFA workshops, where you literally get a stack of critiques back at the end of a workshop. After receiving feedback, give yourself space. Don’t dive into revisions immediately or let emotional reactions take over. Step back, process the comments, and return when you’re ready to see the opportunity for growth.
Find a Supportive Writing Group
Writing is often seen as a solitary act, but no writer thrives in isolation. A supportive writing community can provide encouragement, accountability, and valuable feedback—all in a safe, understanding environment.
When you surround yourself with other writers, you’ll quickly discover that everyone has felt nervous about sharing their work. Even accomplished authors deal with fear and self-doubt.
Writing communities help normalize these feelings while reminding you that your words matter.
If you’re not sure where to start, look for local writing groups, online workshops, or communities. Being part of a group will help you feel less alone and more confident as you take steps to share your writing.
Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Perfectionism is a writer’s worst enemy. You might tell yourself, “I’ll share my work when it’s perfect.” But here’s the hard truth: no piece of writing will ever be perfect. Even authors with published books see things they wish they could change.
The goal of sharing isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Celebrate the fact that you’ve created something worth sharing, and view each step as part of the journey to becoming a stronger writer.
Repeat this mantra when perfectionism strikes: “Done is better than perfect.” Your writing doesn’t need to be flawless to make an impact. What matters is that you’re taking action and putting your voice into the world.
Remember Your Reader
When you focus too much on your fears, it’s easy to lose sight of why you’re writing in the first place. Ask yourself:
Who am I writing this for?
How can my work impact or inspire someone else?
What would my reader miss out on if I never shared my story?
Your words have the power to comfort, challenge, and connect with others. By considering your reader, you’ll shift your focus from what people think of you to how your work can serve them. Sharing becomes less about personal risk and more about offering something valuable to the world.
Whenever fear creeps in, visualize your ideal reader—the person who most needs your story, advice, or insight. Remind yourself that holding back doesn’t serve them or you.
What Do I Do Now?
If sharing your work still feels daunting, I want to help. At Inkling Creative Strategies, I offer a free Virtual Meetup discovery call to discuss your writing one-on-one.
This call isn’t about critiquing your work or throwing you into the deep end. It’s about creating a safe space to:
Talk through your fears and concerns.
Get personalized advice on sharing your work with confidence.
Explore strategies to take meaningful steps toward your goals.
The Virtual Meetup is free, supportive, and tailored to where you are in your writing journey. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or a seasoned author struggling with the next steps, this call will help you move forward.
Click here to access my calendar and get on my schedule.