For me, writing is a personal matter. Readers gain insight to my heart and personality. I risk revealing my true feelings and

vulnerabilities, my hopes and dreams as well as my weaknesses. It was the same in writing music.  As a teenager I wrote love song lyrics, and though I couldn’t write the notes, I put these songs to melody. Very few people ever heard any of these. Why? I feared humiliation and rejection.

I write from experience and include genuine passion  hidden inside. Yet, I know some criticism lurks nearby waiting to pounce on my works. Still I feel compelled to write – children’s books, blog posts, articles – I wish to encourage and uplift my readers. In doing so I open myself up, but instead of bracing for rejection as I did with the songs I wrote, I embrace the opportunity to touch a soul in a positive way. To me, the rejection by some is worth the attempt to brighten someone’s day in a world where much darkness surrounds us daily.

Did you ever do something that made you vulnerable? Did you create something special that came from deep within? Was your creation dismissed as foolish, worthless, or even ridiculous? Or, did you receive praise and encouragement for the sharing of your passion and talent? Either way, what have you done about it since?