Everyone needs someone to read what they have written, but finding the right person can be tough. You need both a critic and a friend. Beginners especially need someone who is both honest and gentle. Someone who will provide constructive and encouraging feedback.
Anne Lamott in Bird By Bird (again! I love the way she writes) says "I don't think you have time to waste not writing because you are affraid you won't be good enough at it, and I don't think you have time to waste on somone who does not respond to you with kindness and respect. You don't want to spend your time around people who make you hold your breath. You can't fill up when you're holding your breath. And writing is about filling up, filling up when you are empty."
And she goes on... "beginners are learning to play, and they need encouragement to keep their hands moving along the page."
