Self-Conscious About Writing?

Within the past few hours I've talked to two friends who are trying to write and have ideas, but they get blocked by self-consciousness. It's a common problem--and it's a killer for creativity. Don't try to write something that's going to please other people. Try to write something that's only going to please your harshest critic--yourself. 

And surely don't try to write something that will appeal to everyone. There's never been a book, story or article that's had universal appeal. I mean the best-selling book in the world is the Bible, and there are LOTS of people who don't like that. So if God can't write a book with universal appeal, who the hell are we to try? Relax. The more you can have fun writing, the better your writing will be.