I recently read an editorial piece by Mark Slouka, called "Don't Ask What I'm Writing." The author explains his displeasure over friends and acquaintances asking him about the progress of his novel during the preliminary stages. It's this "ask" that can supposedly kill a promising novel. Forcing a writer to explain the premise ruins the magic of creation. He also touches on the conflict between the insecurities the writer's inner critic voices versus the encouragement of friends/acquaintances.
Anyone who has attempted to write a novel can (to an extent) identify with these sentiments. Personally, I've never seen it as a negative thing. I'm glad when I'm put in the position to articulate my thoughts, to hear what they sound like out loud. This enables me to see the faults, finesse the story and not have it just reside in my head. It's wonderful to have your friends cheering you on in the sidelines as you try to stick it out and make it to that finish line, no matter how far it is in the distance. The inner critic is there for a reason as well, to make the author strive higher, to scold when you'd rather sit on your laurels. The key is to not let the inner critic take full control, because then you'll be second guessing yourself and wasting the precious time that would be better spent writing.
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