Why Do Writers Need Validation?

When you think about it, writers are kind of a needy bunch. We rely on our readers to validate what we do. We need readers to ensure that our stories are told because, without readers, they are silent, invisible almost. We need readers to ensure our voices are heard to say to us that our writing is worthwhile, that it has fulfilled its purpose - whatever that may be - to touch them, move them, inspire them, warn them, make them laugh, make them afraid.

Writers need validation in order to feel like good writers; they need recognition to feel legitimate and worthwhile and to receive acknowledgment for all the blood, sweat, and tears that have gone into creating their work. 

Author Cheryl Strayed says, “there is a deep longing to feel legitimate in the world, to feel that others hold us in regard.”

This probably resonates with most writers. While we want to write for ourselves, and indeed, many of us are motivated by something deep inside ourselves, something burning, something personal, we still have the voice inside that says, “please notice me. Please tell me that I’m good at this. Please recognize how much I care about this and how important it is to me.” 

For writers writing is a way to make our mark in the world, to share something that’s deep inside, to connect with others. But it’s not only that. For we also want to be recognized in a professional capacity, we want to get an agent or publisher, and we want to be read widely and loved by our readers, we want to receive great feedback and reviews from critics and win prizes and be read by generations. 

Of course, while this is exciting and powerfully motivating, it can also come at a cost. It’s natural for writers to want validation from readers. Still, when they strive to land publishing deals and agent and win prizes, this can change their path, and instead of writing from within, they then allow themselves to be influenced by the latest trends by changing their stories to fit a mold that makes them feel as though they aren’t true to themselves.

It’s a fine line, a balancing act, and finding the path between understanding and recognizing the need for validation while also writing in a way that makes your heart sing is the ultimate goal. Remember, opinions, whether they come from the general public, from agents, publishers, and so on, are just opinions. The sooner we accept that and realize it is almost impossible to influence them, the better. Feeling validated is what drives us to publish our work. However, we must not use this as the sole driving force - rather, we must learn to find the act of creation itself nourishing and satisfying and try to avoid relying solely on the hope of rewards and recognition to validate our experience as writers and the value of our words. 

Bethany Cadman - bethanycadmancreates.com

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