If Sharing Your Book Draft Sounds As Appealing As Eating Glass

Is your WIP held together with duct tape, delusions and a Spotify playlist called ‘PAIN’? This is for you

Recently in the group chat,

Jess H.

asked:

And just like that pure, supportive, beautifully mad souls jumped in.

It turns out we all have strong opinions about rough drafts, beta readers, taking and giving feedback, and what it means to share your weird little idea with a bunch of strangers on the internet. I loved every second it.

Buuuuut I have to be real with you. I hate sharing rough drafts.

Drafts aka My Personal Horror Story

See, the perfectionist in me wants everything I release into the world to be polished, layered, 100% clean. It's the reason it took me nearly a decade to even release a book.

Same reason why I can't enlist beta readers (even though I know I should).
I just spiral, okay? I overthink and take critiques as personal attacks, even when I know they’re meant to help.

I wouldn’t last a second in traditional publishing world

In my defense, I’m over here pouring blood, sweat, tears, and my living nightmares into my books. So when someone pokes a hole in my story, it doesn’t feel like “feedback”. it feels like I’ve been roundhouse kicked in the sternum.

It’s not ideal. I’m working on it. But if you feel the same way, solidarity sister. I see ya.

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🕮 This Week’s Bookish Mood

Today we’re only accepting "You’re doing amazing, sweetie!" vibes

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I’ll give it to her, though, Jess is onto something

writing is lonely sometimes. And letting someone else peek behind the curtain of your story (no matter how messy) is how you grow.

We all want to be good, but maybe we also need to be a little brave.

So to every person who’s ever shared a chapter, or even a half-formed idea, that you once swore you’d never show anyone: you’re a legend. A hero. A literary icon baby!!

🧵 Open Thread: Share Your Stuff!

Let’s do this.

Got a scene you want eyes on?
Need feedback on a character arc?
Have a plot hole in need of fixing?
Or just want to scream about your stupid side quest that’s messing with the timeline?

This post is yours. Comment on it. Jump in the chat. Drop your rant or your messiest paragraph. We’ll cheer you on like it’s 2012 Warped Tour and we’ve all had shots before noon.

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And while we’re at it, help us settle this eternal question:

What’s the best thing to listen to when your characters are going through it™?

NOW GO WRITE! the world needs more cool people making up crazy stories. can’t wait to support you,

𓂃🖊 Rachel

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In case you missed it...

📎Sh*tty writing advice you should ignore

📎The sign you need to write the damn book!!

📎writing with AI: yay or nay?

Support the madness: This is the kind of stuff I can’t deep dive on socials. you’re literally keeping my overwhelmed brain funded.
If you want more spicy takes, behind-the-scenes book chaos, and my wildly questionable DMs, 💌 Upgrade to paid. buy me a coffee, fund my spirals