Why Sharing Your Writing Dream Matters

Do you share your writing with those close to you?

Every writer begins with a dream—whether it’s finishing a novel, publishing a memoir, or simply expressing creativity through words. Yet, sharing this dream with friends and family can feel daunting. The act of revealing your writing ambitions is often the first step toward claiming your identity as a writer, but it’s also a leap into vulnerability.

My wife supports my dream, but she does not read in the genre I work and flatly refuses to read anything I’ve written. I do have several friends who have read my work and are always asking what’s coming next.

Why Share Your Dream?

Sharing your writing dream is transformative. It turns a private aspiration into a public commitment, helping you grow both as a writer and as a person. When you allow others to read your work, you move beyond imposter syndrome and embrace your creative potential. Supportive feedback can boost your confidence, while constructive criticism sharpens your skills. Kerstin at Write You Journey

Navigating Support and Skepticism

Not everyone will understand your passion. Some friends or family may be unsupportive, dismissive, or simply indifferent. Remember, their reactions often reflect their own insecurities, not your worth as a writer. Setting boundaries and communicating your feelings can help manage expectations. If support is lacking, seek encouragement from writing groups or online communities, where fellow writers understand your journey. Lisa Fellinger at Live Write Thrive

Building Accountability

Announcing your goals to loved ones creates accountability. Whether you share updates on social media, join a writing group, or simply tell a trusted friend, publicizing your intentions makes you more likely to follow through. Allowing you to celebrate your milestones together, such as finishing a chapter, submitting a story, or receiving feedback. These moments reinforce your commitment and remind you that progress is worth celebrating.

Embracing the Journey

Sharing your writing dream is not just about seeking validation, it’s about inviting others into your creative world. Be open to feedback but protect your vision. Surround yourself with those who encourage you, and don’t be discouraged by those who don’t. Ultimately, your writing journey is yours to shape but sharing it can make the path brighter and more rewarding.

Listed below are several writing communities, stop by and check them out.

• Reedsy Discord: A supportive, free community for writers of all genres, offering writing prompts, flash fiction contests, and peer feedback.
  Absolute Write Water Cooler: One of the largest and most active forums, covering every genre, freelance writing, publishing, and critique.
  Critique Circle: Focused on in-depth feedback and critiques, with free and paid options.
  Writers.com: Offers regular prompts, Zoom sessions, workshops, and an online space for sharing work.
  Scribophile: A large, award-winning group for manuscript feedback, beta readers, and writing forums.
  WritersCafe.org: Post your work, get reviews, join contests, and connect with other writers.
  Shut Up & Write!: Global, free community focused on accountability and writing sessions—both online and in-person.
  She Writes: A large community for women writers, offering articles, tips, and forums.
  The Next Big Writer: For writers seeking critiques and advice from published authors.

This is far from an exhaustive list of the groups out there. If you’d like to share those I’ve missed leave a comment below.