Validation Is Awesome

There are no two ways about it: when somebody says that something you've made is good, it is amazing. The nicer the compliment given, the greater you feel. And if it isn't a close friend or family member, then you should feel the urge to get up and dance in joy.

Anybody who tells you that validation isn't that great is lying to you (and possibly also to themselves). The common sentiment is usually along the lines of, "It doesn't matter what other people think about you; it matters what you think about you." Trust me, if you want other people to read your writing, if you want to get your writing published, it totally matters what other people think about you.

However, there is a truth to that idea. It is very important that you respect your writing. Of course things can always be better, but you have to be able to make something and be proud of it. You have to love that you made it and know that it is a great piece of writing. That is when you will show it to other people who will read it and compliment it, giving you that sweet, sweet validation.

People can't compliment your writing if they don't read it and they won't read it if you don't have them read it. And if you don't respect your own writing, you will never share it with anybody.

So yes, it does matter what other people think of your writing. And yes, compliments from other people are incredibly validating and awesome. But, none of it happens without you, some self-love, and some self-respect.