By Rachel Macy Stafford. If you are a writer, then you know there is almost always an obstacle between you and your writing.

I remember feeling nervous as a 9th grade girl—wanting to feel pretty, fretting over whether my outfit and hair were just right, putting on a face of confidence when I was terrified on the inside.

I know that she’s growing up, and I have to accept that growing up means more than just aging and celebrating birthdays.