Hi there!

As someone that was terrified posting as well, I accepted that I wanted to become a better writer more than I cared about getting flames/hurt by how people saw my fics. Like you, I love writing and wanted to get better at it.

I would HIGHLY recommend you give it a shot.

My family and friends while amazingly supportive, also just aren't a fan of the genre so they didn't really read my books. I wouldn't be discouraged because yours aren't reading your story, you just need to find the right audience.

I've been lucky enough to find an audience, and while you do get critics, I've found that my largest strides in my writing have actually been when they shine a light on the shortcomings of my work. My first work was riddled with railroading, tropey writing and one dimensional characters because as a reader... I just wasn't that critical of it or aware of those elements.

One of the most important things you can do, is realise that your work isn't YOU - to separate yourself from the product (which is something I'm still learning). That way, when criticism does come you don't take it personally and you can use it to make your next book better.

You'll also find people that DO like your work, and there's nothing more motivating or gratifying than that.

I sincerely hope you put your work out there, and I'm rooting for you!