In our writing chat room last night, one of the new writers was talking about what a difficult time she's been having lately. She said she keeps comparing herself to other writers and that she'll never be as good as they are.
Well now, don't we all feel that way sometimes no matter what it is that we're doing.
My house will never be as clean as my friend Tammy's. Ever!
My yard will never be as immaculate as my mother-in-laws.
I will never be as disciplined as Nora or JR Ward or Janet Evanovich. I'm just not.
But that conversation made me think about a great saying that I've heard several different times, several different ways and I thought I'd share it with you guys. Here's the gist of it:
"Never compare yourself to someone else. Only compare yourself to how you used to be."
If you're constantly improving, and always doing the best you can, then that's all you can ask of yourself. Be proud of yourself and celebrate your accomplishments and your advancements.
I look back over the very first thing I wrote and can't believe how horrible it is.
I think about the first novella I sold. I know now that I could make it better. But I did the best I could at the time with the information that I had available. I can't beat myself up for it not being as good as I think it could be now. It wasn't written now. It was written then.
So, no matter what you're doing...don't compare yourself to others!!! If you're making strides and improvements, then you're doing alright!!
Happy Cinco de Mayo!!!!
Peace and Love,
Alannah
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3 comments:
I'm slow getting around today, Alannah. I need to print this out and stick it up where I can see it every day! I get so discouraged sometimes and decide what I've written is utter *expletive deleted* because I'm not Writer X, Y, or Z. I'm Writer Me. And I need to remember that with each word I write! Thanks for the reminder. :)
Glad it was a good reminder for you, as well, Silver. Remember, no one else can write the books you're supposed to write. We need you to write them. Your way!!
Thanks, Alannah - I needed this. Life is chaotic right now so when I think of my writing I think 'just forget that right now - you're not very good anyway'. Talk about adding angst to an already difficult time.
Writing is a way to forget my issues and stuff - I need to remember that, and that I am writing for me.
Hoping my life will settle down by the end of the month - then I'm back in that chat room (obviously missing some great conversations).
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