21 Comments
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Brieanna Lightfoot Smith's avatar

"creating isn’t a competition, and visibility isn’t a verdict on your worth or skill!!"

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Isis Bradford's avatar

Something I had to learnnnnn honey 😂 but we are DELIVERT

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Cozygirlkaylin's avatar

Thanks so much for sharing this, I literally just experienced this same feeling of feeling so scared to share my work. I had a crochet popup shop to sell my work at my church and almost canceled the day before because I was scared it would flop! Instead I was met with excitement for what I created and people buying my handmade hats! I was so happy I put myself out there but it’s true, when someone doesn’t like something it can feel like a rejection of you! Btw I absolutely adore romcom fiction so I can’t wait to read your stories!!

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Isis Bradford's avatar

Omg that’s so lovely!!!! I’d love to see your hats if you sell them online?! I’m actually a BIG crochet fan!!! My friend gives me a crochet hat for each of my birthdays!! Lol and thank you!!! I’ve written two stories so far that I’m going to share — they’re kind of romantic drama 🤣 but the romcom will come soon!

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Cozygirlkaylin's avatar

Yes I do sell them online! Thanks sooo much for being interested! My website is cozygirlcouture.square.site, and I love romdrama too! I have no idea why I said romcom. I just just love that sort of genre hehe. I just posted some pictures here on substack as well!💗that’s so beautiful your friend gifts you them for every birthday!

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Brenna Osmolinski's avatar

This is so great. I recently went through a very similar feeling and I just wrote about it! That feeling of fear and doubt is so hard to overcome. I’m so excited to read your work!!! I love a good romcom!

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Isis Bradford's avatar

And thank you so much! I have to push through the butterflies and start sharing! — even though the first two stories I wrote were actually romantic drama / sad 🤣

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Brenna Osmolinski's avatar

Yes! I know that feeling!! Crazy thing is, we judge ourselves. I would never pick up your book and judge it. I would just think it’s awesome that you wrote one and it’s a good story.

Put it out there!! Let it fly!

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Isis Bradford's avatar

Is it The Haunting of Unfulfiled Dreams? I’m going to save it to read this evening!!!

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Brenna Osmolinski's avatar

Actually I think the one I just wrote will post tomorrow evening. But the haunting is similar …haha. It keeps haunting me!!

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Taylor Bright's avatar

This sums up EXACTLY how I’ve been feeling about my writing in the midst of procrastination and overthinking - THANK you! This def helped propel my mind and actions forward at the start of the week as my plan is to finally make my first Substack post this week 🙈😩

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Sara Elizabeth's avatar

I love this. I just ordered your devotional on Amazon this New Years and waiting for it to arrive in the mail in February lol [chose the free shipping option] looking forward to reading your work

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Isis Bradford's avatar

I actually packed it for the reading retreat in on now! It’s been blessing me to read it as if I haven’t written it! lol — I’m going through the daily homework!

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Isis Bradford's avatar

Hahah!! February is still right on time! Thank you for ordering and I pray it blesses you!🥹

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Tanesha Sands's avatar

This was a beautiful read. I can relate in putting your work out there and receiving negative critique. For me, I had a friend compare my work to another. Saying they know how to get to the point whereas my article was too long. It made me think well maybe I’m too long winded when in fact it was just her with a short attention span. Unfortunately, her words made me stop trying. I’m thankful for your article because it gave me that gentle reminder that it’s okay to be seen trying. My audience will find me.

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Karlisa's avatar

I cannot thank you enough for this. It caught my eye as I was ruminating on the fears I have about the new step God wants me to take❤️ I’m so grateful the Lord reminded you that you’re not just qualified, but you’re created to write!

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Belinda H's avatar

Can’t wait to read more 💕

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Sis You Got This's avatar

Thank you for sharing, I needed to hear this ❤️

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Tiffany Gibson's avatar

Great read! This was right on time.

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Gwendolyn's avatar

Thank you so much for this! Recently, I was in a room with someone who, unasked, went on and on about their business--showing pictures of their work, sharing stories, etc. They annoyed me to no end because they monopolized the conversation and barely let anyone get a word in. Yet when it was all said and done, I couldn't help telling myself that I needed to have at least 1/4 of their confidence in sharing their biz. I was in a room full of singers and was afraid to say I'd recently started teaching voice lessons 🤦🏾‍♀️ For me, it's the struggle of not trying to turn everything into a transaction. Like, I know lots of people who need services I offer, but I don't want them to feel like I just want to sell them something. This post will definitely help me speak up more, but how do you navigate the "when to share" vs "when to keep it to yourself", lol

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M.J Iorkighir's avatar

Thanks so much for this. Can’t wait to read all of your romcoms.

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