Okay, I have to share another Inkygirl cartoon:

I have mixed feelings sometimes about folks reading my writing — both terror of rejection and eagerness for praise (Insecurities ‘R’ Us)*, but I cannot abide someone watching over my shoulder as I write.

It’s not just a matter of someone noting all my typos and spelling errors (though that’s irksome enough). It’s because when someone’s watching over my shoulder, I find myself wondering more how they are reacting to it than focusing on the creative process itself. Creation, like procreation, is probably best done privately, though it’s fine to show off the results of both to friends.

* That all said, I very much appreciate constructive feedback, even if it’s critical. Critical stuff I can stand (because I can analyze it and agree or disagree with it). Subjective rejection (“Sorry, it’s just not my cuppa”) is fine, too. It’s the “This writing sucks, and the horse the writer rode in on” sort of thing that I get all anxious about receiving, even though when I do receive it, it tends to simply make me determined to go better. I didn’t say this was a rational bundle of feelings.