Writers, put your work in front of people

One of the hardest points to reach as a writer is the point at which you're willing to put your work in front of people and are not seeking validation. In other words, when you're ready for real opinions rather than pats on the back. The praise of family and friends is the bane of the aspiring writer, though too often the aspiring writer does not realize this. Your mother and your close friend tell you your work is good, and you believe it because that's what you want to hear. However, praise for its own sake does you more…