By Megan Storer
Sharing your writing can feel very intimidating and scary. Even when I love something that I wrote, there is always a little voice in my head that says it is not good enough, and that hesitation makes me wonder if anyone will care. But thankfully, I am not alone! Everyone has had that little voice in their head. This fear is familiar to many writers, especially students, who are still trying to find their voice. This fear can make you want to keep your writing to yourself, but the truth is so simple: your words might matter more than you think, and someone out there might need to hear them.
Writing has the strange power to reach people when they need it. It hits us in ways we do not always expect. A short story you wrote for a class or even a title you think is too simple… these things can change lives. They can make someone feel understood or inspired, even if you did not write with that intention. It is so easy to assume that what we write does not matter, but it might matter a lot to someone who needs it.
It is also easy to think that your writing has already been published somewhere out in the world. Sure, maybe the theme, but not in your voice. Other pieces do not have your personality, your humor, your storytelling, or your way of seeing things. There are a million stories out there about a genre, but each one sends a different message. There is someone out there waiting for a voice like yours and you do not even realize it!
I submitted to Elektraphrog last semester, and I was so scared. I kept rereading my story and convincing myself that no one would care or even read it. After I submitted it, I felt relieved. My friends loved what I had written! This reminded me that we may never know how our words can make someone feel. Your writing could leave a lasting impression and impact.
Unfortunately, fear does not just magically disappear, but facing our fears is how we combat and move past it. Sharing is how you can grow. You can start small by:
- Letting a friend read something you are proud of
- Submitting one piece.
- Focusing on the connection that writing creates
- Reminding yourself that someone out there might need your words
So, again, your voice matters more than you think. Elektraphrog is not looking for perfect writing, just real writing, and that is why you should consider submitting! It is a space built for many messy, honest, creative, and brave voices. Your story could be the one that makes someone feel heard, and you will not know until you share.
Taking that first step is something you will be very proud of later.