13: The Piglet Effect for Writers

As I near the completion of round one (technically two?) of my “Jamie” draft revisions, I feel a sense of dread in the possibility of allowing others to read my drivel. This reminds me of Piglet, Winnie the Pooh’s best friend who ripples with anxiety. That’s me, by the way. Writing is included, especially with the pieces I hold nearest and dearest to my heart.

Oddly enough, I’ve bound over 20 fiction pieces together as gifts for former students. I’m currently working on my newest end-of-year gift. I’ve literally handed out my writing to over 500 students—why do I not feel crushing anxiety over that? Is it because they are young? No, not really; I understand parents have access to them, too.

I know exactly why I dread some readings and not others: critique. Soon I will be forced to send “Jamie” out to others for their opinions. That’s scary. With my end-of-year stories, I bind them, give them, and forget about them. “Jamie” is a pipe dream for me, a manuscript I wish to have traditionally published. I MUST have readers critique it if I want my manuscript to become the best it can. I don’t want to admit “Jamie” means more, but it does.

That’s not to say I don’t give my all in my student books—I really do. Plus, they allow me to practice my craft. This year’s story is the first where I plot a three act structure, and I really feel I have a great story to tell. Long story short, my class is at the zoo and get turned into animals. The two main protagonists must solve clues to find some mysterious “thing” to change them back while their evil teacher thwarts their every move. Yes, I’m the evil teacher. I gotta have an antagonist!

Currently my own personal mind-antagonist is fear. As a big believer in growth mindset, I understand how failure creates growth. I just haven’t become comfortable putting this mindset into practice. If I can listen to my fear and give it perspective, perhaps I can stretch myself and lay my manuscript out there for the critics.