Internal Censors

There are so many different reasons to write and I suspect that most writers find they have a mix.

If one is writing to make enough money to put bread on the table, then it makes sense to write for the audience. Of course, if being read more than once is a priority, that should be a consideration anyway.

If one is writing for one's self, then no holds are barred, or so it would seem. Yet, there are many internal censors that change that. There is the possibility that someone else will read it and the fall out would be devastating in some instances.

I find it cathartic to write under a pseudonym just so I can let my imagination fly free, but I realize that some day a connection might be made between me and Jo Smith, so to pretend otherwise is foolish. To ignore all criticism would be self limiting. While no one has the right to destroy my creation out of sheer meanness, I do still have much to learn and constructive criticism is actually a gift.

I do like to be read. I think almost any writer, who is honest, really wants to be read and appreciated. There is just that fear that someone is going to knock the wind out of my sails and sink this ship while it is having such a good time rollicking about out there in this great sea of humanity. I don't want that. This feels too good.