“Writing is something you do alone. It’s a profession for introverts who want to tell you a story but don’t want to make eye contact while doing it.” – John Green
There’s one thing that’s undeniably at the heart of writing: vulnerability. Writing words, especially if reveal something about yourself, is uncomfortable.
Regardless of whether it’s your profession or not, putting words out there and imagining a response is dreary. I’ve been writing for years and yet I avoid talking about what I jot on this blog.
Usually, I pen what’s on my mind and try to get away with it.
That has been the intention at least. And when people ask questions, it feels like they can crawl inside my skin. It’s uncomfortable even if I’m the one who gave them these words to examine. So then, why do I run away from it?
I don’t want to reveal where my words came from
I don’t want to show them who I am beneath. It’s tough to say that I’ve been milking my emotions and identity for too long – however true that is.
Writing is the one thing that has stayed with me throughout these years. No matter what turns life took. I’ve always found solace in words.
I remember twisting my sentences and not saying exactly what I meant years ago because that made me insecure. Now I don’t do that. But that doesn’t make talking about what I write any easier.
The eye contact is still tough.