Wednesday, May 1, 2013

IWSG: Thou Shalt Not Covet . . . Other Writers

With the Blogging From A to Z April Challenge completed, I am back to my normal blogging schedule. Well, whatever that is going to be--still figuring it out, bear with me. :) Today is the first Wednesday of the month. What does that mean?

Insecure Writer's Support Group! Yay! On to the post...

I listened to the book "The of Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible" by A.J. Jacobs. There's a part in it that totally relates to me, possibly to all writers, and most assuredly to everyone in the world who is creative, or Homo sapiens, for that matter.

The part of the book discusses the commandment "Thou Shalt Not Covet." Or for this post's purposes, coveting others' writing. Or publishing deals. Or they write better than you. Or they appear to have more energy than you; therefore they can pop out 50 books in a year. As opposed to your one, if that. Or that they smell better than you, have better looking teeth than you, have prettier fingernails than you, are more fashionable than you. Or...

Suffice it to say: THE LIST IS NEVER ENDING and is nonsensical and irrational at best.

So this post is about: Thou Shalt Not Covet . . . Other Writers.

I can't speak for other writers, but I'm assuming you (ok, all writers--you know who you are) have coveted other writers. Just raise your hand. I admit it, I have! I will continue to, I'm sure of it, even if I am happy for their accomplishment.

But, I think we should step back and realize that, by golly, you are the best person to write your book. I am the best person to write my books. Yes, others might be farther along than you or better at a laundry list of writing skills, but it's the journey that counts. And I am glad for the journey. It has been a ride never to forget. I'm not done. We will get there, wherever there is. And life is good.

Here's a method that has helped me: I read a couple chapters from one of my books that I'm not currently working on. It helps me realize that I really am good at writing. Stepping away from a work in progress distances me from my critical nature toward it. Delving into just a brief part of something else, without critiquing it, helps. It gets me back in the game and a positive mind set.

What are your thoughts on this subject? Have you ever coveted other writers? What has been your I-need-to-cool-down-and-realize-I'm-a-pretty-darn-good-writer method(s)? How can we get over feeling like we suck because another writer got a publishing deal or agent and you didn't?

Writing Jewels

13 comments:

  1. Where I'm at in my writing career is fine by me, so I don't envy those who are further along. As I stated this morning, I do envy those with a plethora of ideas and a drive to make writing a career. Only because I possess neither of those things.

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  2. I am really happy for other writers when they do well, so I don't think this is a problem, for me. What I am envious of is the ease of which some writers seem to pump out novels. But still, I'm not sure if it's actually envy or AWE that someone can keep producing quality work, so fast, and it takes me FOREVER to finish something. :)

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  3. Bah I hold no covet for other writers, maybe for some of the rich ones and their money lol but the cat just does his thing at his wing.

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  4. I think it's easy to feel jealous of others if you don't feel personally satisfied with what you are doing as a writer. But if you are meeting your own potential at the moment and writing the books you were meant to write, then it won't be a problem. I am always more concerned with what I can do different or better to covet other writers.

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  5. Oh, yeah. Been there and done that. It's so easy to compare ourselves to others. We need to learn to compare ourselves to ourselves. Pull up an early draft of your first novel. Have you improved since then? If so celebrate your progress. If we can keep focused on how much we're learning, and how far we've come we won't have room to compare ourselves to others.

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  6. Yes, you have looked into my very soul. I compare myself to other writers all too frequently. And it isn't even productive comparisons (like craft), its all the stuff that's out of my control that I focus on.

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  7. This post makes perfect sense. I think what bothers me the most is when writers who seem to apply little effort (i.e. telling instead of showing, overuse of adverbs, etc.) find great success. It makes me question why I put so much effort into honing my craft. Or why I bother at all, for that matter. *shrugs* It's difficult to ignore some days.

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  8. I'm sure it isn't easy for anyone even if it appears that way! We're all on our own journeys and have to do what works for us. As long as we are always moving forward and challenging ourselves.

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  9. Of course you are good at writing. I saw that the moment I met you way back when at that get together near Fashion Place mall.

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  10. Yes, it's difficult not to compare. Specifically, I find myself wishing I could write as literary and beautifully as some, when my own writing voice comes out conversational and snarky. LOL. Guess I'll never be Austen or Tolstoy! (Oh well, I shouldn't want to be them...since they're dead and all.)

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  11. Covet other writers is not on my radar screen. As a journalist, I've had my work published so often, that the process doesn't have much appeal. I don't think I'll ever write a book, and I have no inclination to do so. Though my doctor thinks I should; she thinks it would be good for my health. Whatever, doc.

    Blessings and Bear hugs!
    Bears Noting
    Life in the Urban Forest (poetry)

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  12. This is a really good point! I mean, I've always thought other people are so much better than me, but then I remind myself to have confidence.

    www.modernworld4.blogspot.com

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  13. Very good point. I haven't tried to write a book, but would love to try one day..... :) We should always believe in ourselves as well as challenge ourselves....and, It is always good to step away from your work and re-visit it later.... great post

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