Soul

I once wrote a blog post exploring why I blog, arguing that writing offers a unique window into a person's mind. You can find that earlier post here. Today, I wanted to share what it feels like after finally publishing a book.

We all wear masks. In our daily lives, we curate versions of ourselves for work, for family, for social situations. We present the "acceptable" face, the one that fits the mold. But when you write? When you put words on paper (or screen) and share them with the world? Suddenly, those masks start to slip.

It's a truth I've wrestled with a lot since publishing my first book. You can't hide who you are in your writing. It's an unnerving reality. It exposes you, digs deep, and lays bare parts of yourself that you might not even consciously acknowledge. That's why some books resonate with us instantly, while others feel wrong we just don't make the same connection. It's not just about plot or prose; it's about the author's soul shining through.

I experienced this firsthand. The first time I asked someone to read my book, the first time I braved sharing my work with a family member… the reaction was…telling. It wasn't negative, but there was a palpable sense of seeing something. Something authentic. Something raw. It felt vulnerable, like someone had peeked behind the curtain and seen the messy, complicated person behind the polite façade.

It's a feeling, I found out through other writers, that it is surprisingly universal. Writing, ultimately, is an act of profound self-revelation. It's like revealing a side of yourself you only share with the person you love most, and sometimes, even that connection isn't deep enough to warrant such honesty.

And let's be honest, it's scary. Anxiety is a completely natural response. I'm consistently amazed by the courage of the authors whose work I've had the privilege to read. To willingly expose their thoughts, their beliefs, their kinks, to someone else, knowing I could glean so much about them from the page, is a testament to their bravery.

Every piece of writing, whether it's a novel, a poem, a short story, contains a reflection of who you are. Your prejudices, your passions, your quiet anxieties, your secret joys...they're all imprinted in the words.

The good news? It does get easier. The initial wave of terror subsides. Like getting used to the sound of your own voice in a video. But every now and then, something will surface, a sentence, a phrase, a character, and it's like a little echo of your inner self whispers, "Is this too much?"

So, how do we navigate this uncomfortable truth? In my opinion, the answer lies in self-acceptance. It sounds trite, I know. But for so many of us, the struggle to share our work stems from a deeper struggle: a lack of self-love. Many feel inadequate, unworthy, like something is fundamentally "wrong" with who they are.

Perhaps, the first step on your writing journey isn't about crafting the perfect plot or mastering the perfect prose. Maybe it's about taking a long, hard look in the mirror and saying, "This is me. I am who I am. And that's okay."

If people see that authenticity, if they resonate with the raw, unfiltered you that shines through your writing, that's a gift. And if they don't? That's also okay. Because ultimately, the most important audience you need to please is yourself. Embrace your story, flaws and all. The world needs to hear it.