I will make a confession that wouldn’t surprise anyone who knows me: I’m an extremely competitive person. Over the years, I’ve learned how toxic being competitive can be and so have tried to reform as best I can, doing my best to focus on process rather than result, and not comparing myself to other people as much as possible. But in observing a number of writer friends engage with the work of other writers, I realize that there are healthy ways to be competitive, and that competition can certainly overlap with inspiration.
I can relate to this. Often after I read something really compelling, I can't help but feel a bit of despair (I could never write anything that good) or frustration at my circumstances (my kids leech all my brain power from me), and I have to go through a process of reminding myself of what I have created, that it's NOT a competition, and that comparison is the thief of joy. I like your advice, to build on something they've created. What better way to honor their work?
Thanks for be honest. I feel a lot you do. I want the best for my author friends Of course! But I think it's more about my own insecurity. Am I talented? Everyone else seems to be, but am I? Nice piece.
I can relate to this. Often after I read something really compelling, I can't help but feel a bit of despair (I could never write anything that good) or frustration at my circumstances (my kids leech all my brain power from me), and I have to go through a process of reminding myself of what I have created, that it's NOT a competition, and that comparison is the thief of joy. I like your advice, to build on something they've created. What better way to honor their work?
Thanks for be honest. I feel a lot you do. I want the best for my author friends Of course! But I think it's more about my own insecurity. Am I talented? Everyone else seems to be, but am I? Nice piece.