I agree with you. Comparison can kill not just a writer’s creativity but anyone’s. Everybody is competitive these days. The combination of competition and comparison can kill anybody’s creativity and motivation.

Checking out he competition is always wise. However, it shouldn’t be at such a level that interferes with the quality of your work.

Thanks for sharing these valuable tips.

C.C. I just loved reading your comment. Thanks for sharing your wisdom, humor and perspective. I love your added suggestions. I have found having a map is important to me as well. Also, you share such an important reminder about keeping a sense of humor with ourselves and our work. I think this helps us keep in the creative flow, out of our own way and create more organically.

Jonathan, I am so glad to hear that! Thanks for sharing 🙂

My latest project is working on a series of posts on my blog about what employers look for in a resume. It hit a bit of a lull earlier this month and this post is exactly what I needed to get back on track!

http://bestwordforward.net/project/employer-questions-who-are-you/
http://bestwordforward.net/project/employer-questions-what-can-you-do-for-me/

You are right, comparing your work, or even yourself, with another can seem challenging and oddly self-destructive, but in reality it is essential.

Understanding why another is, perhaps, writing better than your or being more successful is part of the puzzle of being a success in yourself, whether that is just for yourself or for others; you do not have to expose your work to public gaze to still enjoy writing.

Publishers often say that the best writers started out as prolific readers and the connection is pretty obvious.

I would give two pieces of advice I would give to anyone who fears they are underperforming by their own standards:

1. Plan better. Writing is a journey along a path. That journey is a lot more fun if you have a map; you can give yourself time to enjoy the view rather than worrying that you are lost.

2. Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself and delete large chunks. It is far too easy to keep a huge useless chunk just because you wrote one neat line in the middle. Save the line somewhere for future use and throw the rest in the bin and shut the lid!

I wrote a piece on using OneNote for planning, if anyone is interested:

http://cchogan.com/using-onenote-for-your-novel/

And there is lots of other rubbish in there too.

Remember: writers are meant to be self-centered, hopelessly flawed furry creatures. Wallow in your self doubt and enjoy every moment! There might be a creative spark under that rock somewhere.

Dana, I am so happy you enjoyed the article and it resonated with you. Lots of love to you on your writing journey.

That’s awesome, congratulations!

Kitto ~ I say you are a total winner. That is huge to shift your perspective from comparison to creating from your own voice. Keep plowing through, it will be so worth it. xox

Just yesterday, I read a brilliant article by a famous blogger about a mutually passionate topic. Her storytelling skills made me cry – first out of envy, then out of self-pity and finally out of guilt.

Thirty minutes later, I decided that I was being silly and just needed to write the same story in my voice…it might not be as impactful, but it is still mine. I haven’t written it yet – and might not write it for a while, but I am glad I saw past the jealousy anyway 😉 LOL

Indeed, I battle comparisons every day – and lose every time. Your post has ignited my motivation to plow through these frustrating feelings!

KITTO