When I was thirteen, I wrote my first novel. It was a crossover featuring How to Train Your Dragon and Transformers. Yes, I know it’s a little odd, but I’m not here to talk about the book. I’m here to talk about my choice to pursue the idea—I almost didn’t write it for fear of looking strange or ridiculous. And let’s face it: it was a little bizarre! Here I am, some random little kid, writing a crossover story with two things that couldn’t be more different! In such a situation, feelings of doubt and embarrassment are reasonable emotions and should be expected.
In fact, they were so strong that I considered whether or not sharing my work was worth it. If you’re reading this and feel likewise, let me give you a word of advice. IT IS TOTALLY WORTH IT! When you have a writing idea in your head, a story that needs to be told, don’t shun it simply because you deem it inadequate.
First of all, our Father was the very first creator, and thus, I believe we emulate him very often as most of humanity is always creating something—if you have a calling (writing, for example), you’re probably feeling doubtful because the enemy wants you to stop. He’s afraid of your creative influence; we writers can speak to people on a deeper level, and when this ability is used for good purposes, it endangers the darkness.
Secondly, sharing your work with loved ones is the best thing to do. Don’t horde it; your voice is meant to be heard, and if you have people close to you, I know they’ll want to hear it. Go to them before anyone else. Let them be your solace and confidence.
Lastly, remember why you’re writing. You might feel tempted to wallow in your problem and become overwhelmed with how much doubt there is compared to your self-confidence. But you need to remind yourself why you started writing the story, and why you’re pursuing it so hard. Our beginnings are what drive us, and when we go back to them, you’ll find that drive again. Also, a time will come when you realize you HAVE to write that story and that your fear of sharing it is holding you back; yes, you may be able to write it in secret, but don’t you want to have an audience? Don’t you want to bring people on an adventure? Make them chew their nails in anticipation or smile at a beautiful scene? It’s a path worth taking.
As you probably saw in my bio, How To Train Your Dragon (The Autobot War) became something my family and I bonded over, and we still quote Autobot Crowbar four years later. Stop thinking about every possible pitfall when it comes to sharing your work—it’s not worth your time. Think about the beautiful things that could come out of your story and the inside jokes it might bring to your family. I write this blog post with young writers in mind, young writers who need a little encouragement. Your idea is a good one; you are an awesome, thoughtful, and brilliant writer; don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Chase what you want to write!
“The Decepticons may have greater numbered forces, but to be an Autobot, it is not what you can do that makes you win, it’s what you are fighting for that helps you remember to fight on.”
– Optimus Prime, How To Train Your Dragon (The Autobot War).
Michael T. Hare 
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