WRITERS SHOULD STICK TOGETHER!
Recently, I’ve been reading a lot about jealousy among authors. When I read THIS particular blog, I thought it was important to share, and to state my opinion.
Why is jealousy such a big deal? Is it just the unpublished authors who are jealous of the authors who are published? No. It’s also published authors are pointing fingers at each other. Whether it’s about how many books they’ve written, how many of them have become #1 on the bestseller list, jealousy is there, which I think is sad.
As a Chick Lit writer in the making, I think it’s important for us to stick together, especially because some think that our genre is dying, however I don’t believe this. Not only do I think that Chick Lit writers, unpublished and published, should help encourage and help publicize each other, so should writers in all genres.
Most writers work for themselves and their lives, no matter how busy they are with outside stuff, they all have the same goals, to get their book(s) published, right? I tend to look at it as if I’m a celebrity who is at an award show and just because I didn’t win the Best Actress award (or my book didn’t go #1), the camera might be on me, so I show how (truly) happy I am for them. Yes, I could have taken that part (or written that book), but since I wasn’t in that movie (or didn’t write that book), you might not be where you are now. I believe that everything happens for a reason. So, support your fellow authors, and don’t be jealous.
Since I started Chick Lit Goddess, I have made some wonderful friends, and I’d like to say that I’ve helped them with their journey along their way. I’m not doing it because maybe one day will they help me in return when my books are published (however, that would be great), but I’m doing it for the love of books.
And I thought writers are the most supportive of each other amongst all professions…
Thanks for your comment! I thought the same thing, but sadly it can be a tough business.
Amen, Isabella. There’s no need for negativity. A win for any writer (be it a publishing contract, great sales, awards, or just recognition of his/her talent) is a win for ALL of us. Let other authors’ accomplishments motivate and inspire you. Life’s too short to be bitter.
Aww, thanks Tracie! You’re too kind! Thank you for your comment! 🙂
It’s so hard! Especially if you are someone like me and only want to pay it forward. I still pay it forward to the jealous ones and don’t expect anything in return. It just shows that I’m professional and true to my word. I wish those green monster nothing but good things.
Being jealous does nothing but hinder creativity and stifling to their career. You can only do what is best for your career and leave those negative neelies in the dust. And don’t associate your career with them. Thanks so much for the shout out!!
Tonya, thanks so much! I like how you still “pay it forward to the jealous ones and don’t expect anything in return.” I give you big props for that because it shows class! I’m so glad that I read your blog – thanks for sharing! 🙂
Great post, ILA. I love working with other writers to help make their writing stronger and visa versa. You’re right, it’s a lonely, isolated profession and there’s much better satisfaction to be had looking out for one another. It’s a healthier, happier relationship.
Embrace the happiness writers!
Maybe this isn’t the norm, but when writer friends tell me about their success it gives me Hope and Spurs Me On. I also see these people as valuable resources who can direct me toward the cover designer they used or editing service or how they went about digitally formatting their eBook, etc., etc.
I like to pay it forward every chance I get.
And on a person note, you are one of the most upbeat, good willed writer’s I know. How refreshing!
Thanks Nikki! I loved your comment! 🙂