Write Away

On the one hand, I think you have a point, but on the other, I'm still left going "but that's the same as this other scenario!". I was put off by historical fiction for a long time because there's just no way for me to know everything I don't know and need to research. But these same people might be avoiding historical fiction too for the same reason.

That's an interesting point about writing circles being expected to be really supportive. I've noticed that sort of thing. I can kind of see both sides of the issue, where some people think that it's necessary for nurturing insecure writers and others think there should be more room for criticism.