Friday, October 26, 2012

Tackling Writer Envy


After reading a few Young Adult books (Hunger Games, Divergent, and What She Left Behind) and few Middle grade books (Holes, Diary of a Wimpy Kid and 3 books of the Kane Chronicles) I have been afflicted with a strong bout of Writer Envy.

Everything in these books, from plots to characters, from writing styles to themes, had me gasping in awe. Even in my wildest dreams, I would never have been able to conceive of such plots. The ease with which some of these writers write is awe-inspiring. I am constantly amazed at the number of books/series some writers bring out, one after another. I wonder how do they do it?

Sometimes I struggle to work on the book I am writing and there are few writers who write two series, side by side. Whew! Just thinking of this gives my brain a strenous workout.

Instead of succumbing to jealousy, I strive to emulate these writers by writing more, getting more feedback from my Crit Partners and working harder at my craft. Everytime I read amazing books I go over my own books and search for ways to improve them.

Do you like me suffer from bouts of Writer Envy? Does your jaw drop at the themes few writers tackle? Do you feel a pang of envy when you see books after books written by these writers fill the shelves?

P.S. Lets all hope, that our books may give some budding writer in the very distant future a case of Writer Envy. That would really make it worthwhile.

28 comments:

  1. Yes she is @ deeps.

    RAchna, though I haven't read your books, I think that you are an excellent writer. The post you post are very helpful. In one of your post you mentioned about getting a critic group, I will be very grateful if you will be my critic. I want to write short stories.

    Anticipating your positive response.

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  2. I usually feel an awe when I read about how other writers seem to effortlessly balance working on their novels and yet holding down busy other careers. I have an acute case of time envy. But I don't get writer envy - I like others' ideas, and don't wish to have written their stories. I just want to find the time to write my own!

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  3. Hi Rachna, a very nice post! Some people write really well and I adore their writing, but honestly never envy them:) Just pray harder that am able to write better!

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  4. I think we all feel envy at some points. But I like your idea of being in awe better.

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  5. Yes yes yes!!!! I don't get jealous when a writer lands an agent or book deal. I do, though, get writer envy. But I don't see it as a negative thing, other than it fuels my craft workshop and book addictions. :D

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  6. When I read something and instantly know it's good, that gives me something to aim for in my readers. When people feel what I've written is okay, I need to push on and go for the kind of reaction I feel when I read something really good.

    mood
    Moody Writing

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  7. They just motivate me to work harder. I might not ever hit that level, but I can still be the best I can be.

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  8. Hi friends, Writer Envy makes me strive harder to write better stories. I am sure all of us feel the same. We don't grudge other writers, we aspire to be like them.

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  9. I always feel inspired when I read books with amazing writing. So much so that I try to steer clear of ones that don't grab me because I want that inspiration and push to make my own writing better.

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  10. This exactly explains how I felt after reading Code Name Verity. There are some books that just make me feel I could never attain that level of incredible.

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  11. If I like what other writers write and publish, I may feel inspired to write more, but I don't feel envy. Sometimes I don't write enough mostly because of the demands of a three-year old daughter. (She started reading at two because I passed on to her my own passion for books). I am a slow writer and I like to accept where I am at this time. Every writer is unique and has his/her own rhythm, strength and weaknesses. Writing is a personal journey.

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  12. I can't really think of ever having writer's envy, because I use very good stories as a benchmark for my own skills.

    :-)

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  13. I'm in awe with some authors. I feel the envy, but also deep respect and admiration. I want to work harder to get to their level.

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  14. Great post and I admire your attitude. You are not only a hard working author but also an insightful blogger, so remember that!!

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  15. I think we do get twinges of writer's envy when we read a good book but the flip side is that we subconsciously absorb some of what makes it good. So the more we read the better our writing :-)

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  16. I just try to be true to my characters. That's the best way to write a story, regardless of what anyone else is doing. The characters should always be real to the reader, that's when you get the best plot and overall story.

    Jai

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  17. Its all about paying it forward. And thanks for stopping by and saying hello. I really appreciate it. I've been out of the blogging loop for a couple months at the end of summer and beginning of autumn.

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  18. Strangely, maybe, I only feel envy when the successful writers don't seem to merit their success.

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  19. Successful writers always inspire and motivate me.
    I would say, be the best that you can be because each writer's journey is unique.

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  20. I get that sometimes; and then write on with my own concepts and use those writers as inspiration and role models.

    .....dhole

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  21. I definitely get like this sometimes. I try to remind myself that someday I will write that book that seems so effortless and perfect that will make others flabbergasted. Or at least, I'm trying my hardest to write that book!

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  22. Hello,
    As far as I know, whenever I read a novel, I always come across an interesting theme, especially, of colonizations and feminisms and author's claiming authority for their voice in the novel. It is really fun. So, I think it is totally amazing to see author's writing and readers reading.

    Cheers!

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  23. hope this envy makes strive harder to churn out better works :P

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  24. I don't suffer from envy so much as awe and a sudden bout of lack of confidence that I have to talk myself out of. (i.e. "I'll never be able to write something that . . . interesting . . . professional . . . fast-paced . . . complex . . . . Whatever made the book impress me so much.)

    But then, here's the thing: I'll never be able to write like someone else, so I like your approach, Rachna, to just learn everything you can from someone else and improve your own craft, while preserving your own voice. Non-writers don't realize how up and down we writers go along our path to hoped for success. But I read a great quote somewhere here on FB to the effect that, "Successes are simply failures who kept going. . . ."

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  25. When I read a quality book, I get a touch of writer envy, but it often turns to inspiration. Like you, those stories inspire me to write better.

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  26. The writer envy fuels me, Rachna. It gives me that momentum I need. That push. Ha! But I celebrate with them. Now that I have so many short stories being accepted for publication, that fuels me too. It helps me to realize I AM a writer. I never say author though. It sounds too finished. Ha!

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  27. I wouldn't say I was envious - truly great writers motivate me to do better.

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