Let's Get Real: Words of Affirmation & Avoiding Comparison

Let's Get Real: Words of Affirmation & Avoiding Comparison

Avoiding Comparison: The Struggle is Real 

When you’re a writer, it’s hard to avoid comparing yourself to other writers.

You know, the ones who have agents. Book deals. Thousands of Twitter followers. Reviews in The New Yorker.

Meanwhile, you’re toiling in anonymity, just trying to get your draft done.

The struggle is real and so are your feelings.

Acknowledge the envy and don’t beat yourself up for feeling that way. We’ve all been there.

Then get back to the page and get that draft done.

Who knows? Maybe someday you’ll be the one with the agent and the book deal. You’ll never know until you do the work. 

Need A Pat on the Back? 

Writing is largely a solitary pursuit without a lot of validation or “attaboys” or “attagirls.” For writers who thrive on praise (anyone else here whose “love language” is “words of affirmation”?) writing a book can feel like a long lonely walk in the desert.

The solution? Create your own oasis: 

• Redefine what success looks like for you.
• Reward yourself when you meet certain benchmarks.
• Find a squad to cheer you on when you meet those benchmarks!
• First draft done? Let’s celebrate!
• Query letters sent out! You go girl!

How do you define success for yourself as a writer? What’s your latest success?