Fear of Writing

Writing, for both the classes and the masses, has always been something I have feared. It was never really the writing part, though, because that's the easy part. The terrifying part came when it was time for someone to actually read or hear my words.

See, I have pretty much always been the shy, awkward kid who would sit near the front of the class, but rarely, if ever, say a word because of a fear of judgement. I mean, let's face it, kids can be harsh, and teachers can be just as harsh. So, I let them judge my silence instead. It was a sort of comfort to know that they would never be able to tell if I was a genius or if I knew absolutely nothing.

However, written pieces of work, whether they be essays, short stories, or poems, bring out the most fear when it comes to my thoughts being known, because writing is supposed to be a general way to communicate with others. Or that is how I see it, at least. I have been forced to work on this more over the past year, because, though they are incredibly informal forms of writing, Twitter, instant messaging online, and texting have been the easiest forms of contact with friends from all over. I also chose to start a blog on my own time over the summer to get myself prepared for this class and getting used to people reading my writing again. More informal writing, but practice is practice. And practice makes (near) perfect.

Anyways, the point of this short rant was to explain why I really decided to take this Creative Writing class.

I realized that it was time to look beyond informational essays for class and to get rid of my fear of people reading what I have to say. I know it will be a stretch and challenge for me, but because writing is still one of the best ways to communicate with multiple people at once, I want to grow comfortable with it. It will help having other students along on this journey who will, possibly unknowingly, push me to do even better.

I look forward to this class and taking in all the stress it is sure to cause.

Chelsea Delaney