Letters to the Editor
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speaking for myself
whether Cary exactly answered the question (i.e he didn't go into how to get feedback from objective peers, but rather emphasized the real importance of self-expression), I found his answer, encouraging, beautiful and true.
I shall be printing it and keeping it for when I feel discouraged.
2 thing I would say about doing anything where you have to be the motivated self-starter (wether you are a writer, painter, musician or building a boat) is
a) always commit to taking action in the real world, rather than getting into obsessive thoughts, i.e commit to paper rather than thinking about comitting to paper. You need feedback from your action to learn, and not feedback from your thoughts, which are largely illusory (delusional even). Make sure you have growing and visible evidence of your continuing efforts
b) be zen about what you do, detached and clear honesty rather than the lure of easy self-deceit will ensure that when you practice you're reinforcing something that is worth having - since practice does not make perfect but rather permanent.