I love sharing my insecurities for the month in my monthly IWSG
posts. IWSG aka Insecure Writers Support Group acts like our online therapist, where we writers post our anxieties, fears, doubts, insecurities and writing
worries, on the first Wednesday of every month. Other writers who share similar
worries help us out with their advice and tips. Check out the IWSG website for
awesome writing tips.
Trust me when I say this, if there was no IWSG we writers
would burst under the impact of our own feelings. Thanks to Ninja Captain Alex J Cavanaugh (author of the Amazon Bestsellers: CassaStar, CassaStorm,
CassaFire and Dragon of the Stars), who had the foresight to start this awesome
group, to save writers globally from the negative effect of their own feelings.
I am thrilled be one of the co-hosts for this month’s IWSG.
I am going to talk about my favourite feeling that creeps up on me
time and again. ENVY. ENVY. ENVY.
Yes, I get very envious whenever I read about other writers word
counts for the day, week and month. Compared to their word counts my word count
looks measly. A writer wrote that she completed a manuscript in 21 days (gulp).
Then again I feel a bout of envy (mind you it’s all healthy, I am
not jealous or grudge them their achievements) when I read the blurbs of some
author’s books, with sky high stakes, amazing premises and awesome
world-building (I use this envy as inspiration, that with effort I too can
write such books).
The third bout of envy comes when some blog buddies discuss their
books. Gosh they are super-productive. They write one manuscript after another
so quickly. My head reels at the rate they complete manuscripts.
Do you all get envious? How do you handle your feelings of envy?
Thanks for co-hosting, Rachna! I try not to compare myself with other writers, because it can discourage me. I don't think I'm envious so much as awestruck. I'm in awe, and I'd like to know how they do it. And sometimes it drives me to chocolate! LOL Enjoy your co-hosting visits!
ReplyDeleteI can't be that productive either. I try to just celebrate people's successes. I'll admit that it's easier now that I have decided to focus on my blog instead of my writing.
ReplyDeleteYes, I envy all of the above. Sometimes I can be really productive, but rarely as productive as some. But we just have to do what we can and make it as good as it can be.
ReplyDeleteshahwharton.com
Raising hand. Yes, that green monster, that Hulk of jealousy rears it's roaring head far too often. It's one thing to aspire to another's accomplishments but another to covet them. One is productive, the other destructive. Swearing to do better . . . Thanks for co-hosting today and for putting envy in its place.
ReplyDeleteHey, that's me! Slow writer, average sales, and not that productive. But I've found my pace and my place, and while I might envy others sometimes, I try to be happy where I'm at.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting today!!
I envy many of things you listed. I lead a local writers' group and golly, some are so good. How do they tap into their imagination and get it on the page? My imagination seems to lock the best bits and throw away the key.
ReplyDeleteI'm high fiving you over here. I feel the same way!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's totally natural to feel those things! I think the trouble starts when we let those feeling stop us from doing OUR best, whatever that looks like. Productivity and success look different to and for everyone.
ReplyDeleteWho doesn't experience that? BUT. Oh, but--and this is the important thing--we are ALL so different. People herald their successes, but you can't see behind the pretty facade. They need to celebrate. The ugly underlining is hiding back there and they've kicked it aside to keep themselves going.
ReplyDeleteCrystal Collier
I handle envy by reminding myself that I have plenty of time to write and promote, but I choose to waste it with TV or whatever else is distracting me. I am my own worst enemy. It's on me.
ReplyDeleteI get that. I see posts from other authors who can set aside entire afternoons to write, and who can travel the world 'researching' their next book, and I'm envious. I get one night a week of solid writing time, if I'm lucky.
ReplyDeleteI do sometimes struggle with envy and it is when I visit other people's blogs and they don't visit mine. It used to bother me tremendously when I first became a member of the IWSG but I have finally gotten to the point where I visit blogs without expecting them to return the visit.
ReplyDeleteI'm learning not to let a return visit bother me and to keep going.
Shalom,
Patricia EverythingMustChange
I think envy is a very human emotion. I try to remind myself that I should only judge my accomplishments and set backs in the context of my life. Others do things differently and trying to catch up with others seems pointless.
ReplyDeleteSure I get envious. When I hear about the huge advances. I feel like shouting, "Bring me the money! Bring me the money!" But then I hear my mother whispering in my ear, "Money isn't everything, kiddo." She's right.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting, Rachna!
Have yet to reach the state when I write comparable to other writers before I can envy them:)
ReplyDeleteYes, I get the envy itch with the best of them. It's not always the same solution to get over it, but usually I try to remind myself how far I've come and what I've accomplished. It was a dream of mine to write a book and now I've written several. I use envy as motivation to work harder toward my new goals. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, and yes! I even get jealous when they say they've met their writing goals for the week, no matter how meager. So what I have decided to do is not to "dummy down" my own goals, but to celebrate personal achievements more. I have spent a lifetime being my own worse critic. Who says I can't become the atta-gal personal motivator I wish would pop up beside me every time I need her the most?
ReplyDeleteI used to be envious, but now, in my mature wisdom (she says with her tongue stuffed in her cheek), I realize there's a high price to pay for most of what I envied. I simply decided not to pay it.
ReplyDeleteALL. THE. TIME.
ReplyDeleteI put a lot of work into what I do and yet it seems others get reviews so easy. I've learned that some of those people have paid for reviews, but others have not.
I do get jealous of others being able to write so much. My biggest obstacle is my disability, it keeps getting in the way and I cannot do as much as I want to do. I envy those who don't have that, and get angry at those who complain about not being able to do something that I've done in spite of my disability.
Not angry angry, but more annoyed if you will. But envy can be a good thing, it can help push me forward and keep at it.
I admire those who manage to write excellent books quickly. But I also wonder what they sacrificed to achieve those results. Perhaps their health, or relationships. Or opportunities to discover there is more to life than writing. But then, perhaps that is their path. It seems almost sad; no, I don't envy them. But I am grateful for their novels. Hmm, am I a bit twisted? LOL
ReplyDeleteYes, I get envious as well. I try to think only about how much I like my stories and that someday I'll have the time to devote to marketing as much as writing. I want to "make it big" but also want to have a life, so I try to not beat myself up too bad while reading others' achievements...
ReplyDeleteForgot! Thanks for co-hosting this month!
ReplyDeleteI do feel envious sometimes, although I'm sure I'll feel much better once I've managed to publish something. The only thing that makes me feel better is jumping back into the writing and making progress.
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting this month's IWSG!
It's normal. At least you're handling it correctly. Use it to push you forward!!
ReplyDeleteI haven't found the key to curbing my envy. All I can do is bury it. It's still there but I try not to let it show.
ReplyDeleteThx for hosting this month. I'm so envious...er, well...
I'm always envious of others. It seems everyone has more time to write, better at finding time to write, or produce more writing than I could ever hope despite being as busy as I am. It's frustrating, but I have a great support group. Thanks to everyone in the IWSG!!! We are all amazing!
ReplyDeletePS - Thanks for Co-hosting!
I do get envious also. I am jealous of people who have made it to the publishing stage!
ReplyDeleteI definitely feel envy. I just read a really great ya series by author Sara J Maas and couldn't believe the detail. So vivid. So creative. But then I think you know what, I am doing my best and so love what CSI do. I am working as hard as I can and that's all I can do. I wish you the best. Keep being your amazing self and you never know...someone may be envious of you ;)
ReplyDeleteOh do I envy. And sometimes I can’t help it. I mean, how do they do it? But, I’m a slow writer, so I could envy all I want. As long as I stay true to my writing and my own pace.
ReplyDeleteYup! Especially over fast writers. I am so slow. The fastest I've ever written a book was in 3 months, and while yay for that, it needs major help. Like get a surgeon in here quick, kinda help. =)
ReplyDeleteLOL yes and in a good way as you, but I have to make myself not beat myself up for not keeping up. Thanks for co-hosting this month.
ReplyDeleteJuneta @ Writer's Gambit
An important topic. Glad you wrote about it.
ReplyDeleteOh, yeah. I think anyone that says that don't get envious is lying :) The key is not to let it ruin what YOU do. Don't let it sap the enjoyment out of your art. appreciate others and keep doing what you do - because only you can.
ReplyDeleteAt times, maybe a little bit, but I've always felt that we are in this together. Another's success proves it's out there for the rest of us. Thanks for co-hosting.
ReplyDeleteHi, Rachna,
ReplyDeleteIt's natural to be a bit envious when we feel short of our goals.... Look at me for instance. I haven't written anything new for three years. It's sad, but true. But I honestly don't worry about it.
I keep my writing going through editing, blurb writing, and intros for other writers. Plus editing my first two novels to DEATH. LOL... I had started a novella few years ago and would love to jump back into it again.
But life has be crazy for me and I have my other creative outlets in design and illustration. I am inspired again now that my home situation is finally settled. AND, my new puppy gave me a wonderful idea for a picture book. (something I ALWAYS wanted to write and illustrate)
Writing happens at the time it needs to happen for each individual. And also remember, many of these writers just pump these works out. How good are they really. Many are never edited properly and they just want to rush onto the next story. That's not true writing. A memorable manuscript takes time to nurture. Always remember that...
Sadly I think I am most envious of people who can eat anything and never gain a pound. Well, that isn't the only thing really, at times I feel envy toward women who are pregnant but that is a long story...
ReplyDeleteI do get envious. I want to be as wonderful as all my blog/writer/author friends are. They will tell you they feel the same way.!
ReplyDeleteThanks for co-hosting.
Heather M. Gardner / @hmgardner
Co-Host, Blogging from A to Z April Challenge
The Waiting is the Hardest Part
I know that there will always be a writer who is faster, better and more creative than me.
ReplyDeleteI just need to work hard and try MY best...
Writer In Transit
Thank you for co-hosting the IWSG this month, Rachna!
DeletePlease swing by my blog to see what you've won!
ReplyDeleteWriter In Transit
I write a lot, but I want to improve sales and number of reviews. I think we can all make comparisons to others and not be completely satisfied, but the other side of the coin is to accept our writing lives for what they are and compete with ourselves. I try to do better than last time instead of looking at what others are doing.
ReplyDeleteYes, I have the same feelings, particularly when I see writers who are so good at social media marketing and promotion on top of being productive in the word count department. I just look on and sigh and keep plodding along.
ReplyDeleteP.S. And thanks for co-hosting this month!
DeleteIt's only natural to be envious, it's human. I just try to channel that energy into something positive, i.e. motivating me to keep writing:)
ReplyDeleteHappy IWSG Day, Hope life is treating you well.
ReplyDeleteJuneta @ Writer's Gambit
Guess I already visited, but I will say you and Ken Chemist have a lot in common only he called it jealously--he had a good post too.
DeleteYour Envy sounds more positive than negative, lol. I get it but I have also learned sometimes the others view is better than how our reality feels to us, lol, Recently had someone praise me and I felt like a fraud, but I smiled and said thank you and pretend I was all that. LOL.
Thanks for co hosting.
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit
Guess I already visited, but I will say you and Ken Chemist have a lot in common only he called it jealously--he had a good post too.
DeleteYour Envy sounds more positive than negative, lol. I get it but I have also learned sometimes the others view is better than how our reality feels to us, lol, Recently had someone praise me and I felt like a fraud, but I smiled and said thank you and pretend I was all that. LOL.
Thanks for co hosting.
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit