As a writer, I hear every so often that I'm "just hiding behind a screen." I'm "too scared to say things out loud."

I have a few things to say in response to comments like these…

First of all, shame on you.

Next, you are discrediting our talent and our passion. We write for a reason. We love it and we have a gift for it. If we had the same talent for public speaking, we would do so. Writing is our way of expressing and freeing our deepest selves.

Second, you lose our trust. As a friend. As a colleague. As anybody in the world. Our trust in you is gone. We will no longer openly share our thoughts with you, whether written or verbal.

Third, you knock us down a few pegs to the same level as the internet vomiters who post opinionated comments on social media purely for the sake of attempting to get attention or get "internet famous" by starting arguments. Those are the people truly hiding behind their screens.

Sometimes the only way we know HOW to share our stores and our deepest feelings is through writing. Getting words out verbally isn't always easy. As the person making the rude comment, speaking your mind is obviously easier for you.

When you accuse writers of hiding behind a screen, you are also empowering us. We get angry when you discredit our talents. So we write you into a story. You give us good material for an antagonistic character.

And you know what? You won't like it. And we won't care that you won't like it. We will keep on writing. About you and people like you.

So watch what you say to writers. We have the power to ruin you.

(Mic drop)