Folks don’t write for many reasons. Lack of talent isn’t one of them.

Approval is. It must be human to seek approval, else why would we seek it? However, writing isn’t approvable. It’s renegade and messy and formless in its soul, which is why we are attracted.

I’ve heard advice about silencing your inner critic, which is impossible; getting into your zone, which is unpredictable; and all manner of exercises to get the ole muse movin’ along, which I would find insulting, if I were a muse.

It isn’t a matter of NOT seeking approval. It’s a matter of acknowledging seeking approval is a big part of it. So is knowing you never will obtain it.

So, write anyway.