The Bravery of Writing

Writing is hard work. I knew that, of course. But for some reason, the amount of bravery that goes into writing continues to surprise me.

While putting together this collection of poems, I'm realizing just how much this project is going to require of me. I can't separate my artistic skill from my emotional center. This work is literally a part of me.

When I transfer my poetry to the screen, I sometimes read it back and shudder at how vulnerable I've made myself, especially for something that I plan on publishing. I've been a poet for quite some time, but I've never written quite this way.

It's liberating. It's exciting. And it's incredibly risky.

When you put your heart on the page, you open it up to ridicule, misunderstanding, ire. But there's also a chance for your work to resonate with other people, to touch hearts and open minds. Art can be healing for the artist as well as those who interact with their work.

I'm still in the middle of writing, but I'm already seeing a shift in the way I approach my craft. This can bring about positive results, and it can bring about negative ones.

But regardless of how it's received, I know for a fact that I will be more proud of myself than I have ever been. And that will be the most important thing to come out of this.

-D.