How to Share Your Writing (Without Feeling Exposed)

Writing is personal, but sharing it is powerful.

Have you ever written something close to your heart and then stopped short at the thought of sharing it? Maybe your words felt too raw… too personal… or just not “good enough.” If so, you’re not alone.

Sharing your writing, especially for the first time, can feel like standing in front of a crowd with your soul exposed. But here’s the truth: your voice matters. And sharing your voice is how others learn they’re not alone, either.

This blog is for every writer who’s ever hesitated to hit “post,” hand over a poem, or read something aloud. Whether you’re new to writing or already have journals full of thoughts you’ve never let anyone see, this is your gentle encouragement to start where you are.

Why Sharing Your Writing Feels So Vulnerable

Writing often begins in quiet places in your head, your heart, or your journal. It’s private. Personal. Safe. But when you put those thoughts into the world, even in the smallest way, it can feel like you’re inviting judgment.

That vulnerability comes from a few common fears:

• Fear of being misunderstood: What if they read it wrong?

• Fear of being judged: What if they don’t like it… or me?

• Fear of imperfection: What if it’s not “good enough”?

• Fear of being too honest: What if I reveal too much?

These are real emotions. And if you feel them, it means your writing matters to you. That’s a good thing.

What Sharing Your Writing Can Actually Do for You

When you choose to share—even just a little—you start building confidence in your voice.

The process:

• Connects you to others (You’re not alone.)

• Strengthens your identity (You own your story.)

• Helps you grow (Every share makes the next one easier.)

And for some of us, like me, it’s not just about growth—it’s about healing. I didn’t start writing blogs until after cancer changed my life. Sharing those first words was hard. I worried if people would understand my story or see value in it. But every time I opened up, someone reached out to say it helped them. That made the fear worth it.

Start Small: Ways to Share That Feel Safe

You don’t have to publish a book or post online right away. Here are softer ways to begin sharing your words:

• Write for one person: A friend, your future self, or someone who needs your story.

• Use a pen name: Stay anonymous while building confidence.

• Join a writing group: Share in a supportive space where others are also learning.

• Read it aloud to yourself: Hearing your words helps you build trust in them.

• Post in small circles: Try a private blog, social media story, or writing forum.

  
  

There’s no single “right” way. Sharing can look different for everyone.

You Don’t Have to Share Everything

Not everything you write is meant for the public. And that’s okay. Part of being a writer is knowing what to protect and what to release.

Ask yourself:

• Is this for healing… or for helping?

• Is this ready… or still raw?

• Will sharing this benefit someone else… or am I still working through it?

  
  

Give yourself permission to write just for you and also permission to share what you’re proud of.

What If Someone Doesn’t Like It?

Here’s the truth: someone might not. But that doesn’t mean your writing has no value.

There are people who will love what you have to say. People who need your perspective. People who are still afraid to write their own stories until they see yours.

Don’t let the fear of one critic silence a voice that could inspire a crowd.

Real Examples from My Journey

Let me be honest. Sharing this blog series was hard for me. I’ve written poetry most of my life, but this kind of writing, where I show up every week, try to be consistent, try to say something helpful, is all new. Some weeks, I feel focused. Other weeks, I don’t. I bounce between poetry, blogs, book ideas, and workbooks. My brain feels scattered.

But even when I’m unsure, I know someone out there might need to read these words. So I show up anyway. And you can too.

The Prompt Corner

The Prompt Corner is your weekly place to explore new writing ideas. These prompts are here to help you write with courage and clarity even when it feels scary to share.

Here are five prompts to help you reflect on what sharing your writing might mean for you

1. What’s one piece of writing you’ve never shared? Why?

2. Write a letter to your future reader, someone who needs your words.

3. What fears come up when you think about sharing your writing? Write them out honestly.

4. Describe how it would feel to be fully seen and accepted through your writing.

5. Write a short piece and imagine it going into the world. What do you hope it will do?

   
   

You don’t have to use them all—try one. You might be surprised by what comes out.

Free & Paid Tools to Support Your Writing

Each week, we highlight writing tools that can support you emotionally, creatively, or practically. Some are free, some are paid, but all are here to help you on your writing journey.

This week’s suggestions focus on platforms that make sharing feel safe and manageable:

1. 750words.com – A private, online space for daily writing and self-reflection.

2. Medium – A public platform for writers of all kinds; easy to use and supportive for beginners.

3. Substack – A newsletter platform to share your writing with subscribers (free or paid).

4. The Mighty – A space to share writing about mental health, illness, and personal growth.

   
   

Some links may be affiliate links. If you choose to use them, it helps support our website at no extra cost to you. Want more tools? Check out the full list in the Resources tab of our site.

Want more tools? Check out the full list of writing resources on the resource page on our website.

RESOURCES PAGE

Write with Us: You’re Not Alone in the Hard Stuff

If you’re unsure whether your writing is worth sharing, start small and start with us. In our writing groups, you’ll find encouragement, feedback, and a space to grow. You don’t have to be perfect. You have to be brave enough to start.

Join our writing groups today and take the next step in finding your voice.

JOIN OUR GROUPS

Final Encouragement

Your story might be the light someone else needs. Share it gently. Share it proudly. Or share it quietly with just one person. However you do it—your voice matters.