Lacking Confidence?

For the first time ever I submitted some of my poetry to (hopefully) be published online for the ~world~ to see. I submitted my work to Gandy Dancer. By now I would believe that everyone in the SUNY English world is familiar with Gandy Dancer but if you’re not, here’s how they explain themselves, “We are a literary magazine, available online and in print, that publishes fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and visual art. We invite student writers and artists from all SUNY campuses to submit. Edited by a rotating staff of students at SUNY Geneseo, Gandy Dancer is published twice yearly.”

Now this is something I have never done before, I rarely let my close friends and family read my work let alone a bunch of strangers. But, I made a promise to myself the beginning of this semester that I would push myself, specifically in my writing career, out of my comfort zone. In order to achieve this, I figured I would attempt to make my work public. There’s no promise that my work would be published but it’s definitely a step in the right direction.

If you are also feeling insecure about your work, don’t! I know that it’s easier said than done but start by feeling more confident by submitting your work somewhere, or even letting someone read it who you’d normally not want to read it. These little steps can help you in becoming a more confident and successful writer.

4 Replies to “Lacking Confidence?”

  1. Bri,

    That’s fantastic! Congratulations! Putting your work, yourself, out there is such a difficult thing to do!

    Wishing you all the best — I’ve got my fingers and toes crossed for you!

    Sincerely,
    Jasmine

  2. Bri,
    Good luck getting submitted to Gandy Dancer!
    Much of writing is subjective and deeply personal, this makes it hard to share our work with the public. It takes a different level of bravery to give a piece of ourselves to the general population without fearing like we are going to be judged for it. Congratulations for just going for it!
    Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that we won’t get better if we don’t put challenge ourselves!
    Awesome job and best of luck!!
    ~Rachel

  3. Good Luck!

    I think that’s awesome you submitted–I did, too!

    I have been rejected a countless amount of times from magazines, (and boys, but that’s beside the point). Rejection gives you a key into what’s working, and what’s not–don’t let it discourage you. It helps you grow and improve always!

    I am glad you gained that confidence to submit your work–best of luck.

    Julia

  4. Bri,

    I think it’s awesome you’re pushing yourself and wish you the best of luck with your submission! Your work is beautiful – I’m confident you’ll get somewhere with it.

    I’ve also promised myself to work out of my comfort zone this year, in and outside Geneseo. I have a habit of backing out when I’m nervous or lacking confidence. But I’ve recently learned that taking small steps toward my goals can bring surprising results. Sometimes they take me farther than I expect.

    By the way, if you ever want critique, or simply an opinion, on work you don’t submit to workshop, I’d be more than happy to help in any way I can.

    Again, good luck with Gandy Dancer!

    -Emma

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