Realization About Comparisons
I'm not sure if I've talked about this before or if its something that just rattles around my brain every so often. Apologies if this is a repeat.
Sometimes, after reading high quality writing by someone else, I have to remind myself that it would be unfair to myself to compare my writing to theirs (or to get depressed about all the things I lack as a writer). It took me a while to realize that we are all different and that it's okay to be different. We will appeal to different sets of audiences because of our differences and just because someone writes one way doesn't make that way superior.
For example, some people are very good at action (pretty sure I've mentioned this one before--but it's the easiest example for me because it is my obvious weakness). Their writing may focus on action and tend to be very active in terms of what the characters are doing. When they're really good at it, you feel like you are on a roller coaster ride of action scenes.
My writing is not action-oriented....and that used to bother me a lot. I felt like I wasn't doing a good job because I didn't have a lot of rough and tumble action scenes. In fact, I can go whole chapters without action. I used to believe this made me a weak and "bad" writer and I wished I could write like 'x, y and z.'
A combination of different articles I've read over the course of time has persuaded me to believe otherwise. I've realized it's just the difference between me and how some people write. It's not wrong or right, it our personal style and voice coming through. It makes each of us unique to read.
I also realize that some readers aren't going to enjoy my writing style because of my overall lack of action, but that's how it goes and it is okay. I write what I like to read. While a part of me will always be a little jealous of someone who is able to write a good action story, that doesn't change the fact that I, myself, prefer to read introspective, emotion-driven, relationship-focused fiction. Spend too much time on action (or on description of the surroundings), and you lose me. I don't read detective novels, war stories or anything I know will focus on what people are "doing" rather than what people are "feeling." So, surely there are other readers out there like me who have the same preferences? It's those kindred spirits I reach out for with my words.
I keep telling myself I don't need to change how I write because I'm sharing a part of who I am. If I tried to force a different style of writing, it would be the same as me trying to BE someone else. And I can only be the best me I can be.
So, I guess it comes down to this--either what I write appeals to some or it doesn't, but at least its always mine. I hope so, anyway. One thing that I feel strongly about is making sure my writing is always authentic and coming from my heart.
Of course, I can always use practice, loads of practice, and there's always things to learn. I make plenty of mistakes and need plenty more instruction, but that's a different matter altogether. You all know I struggle with confidence and there's never a time to stop improving, but at least, maybe, I can have confidence in this one thing.
Sorry for indulging in this self-talk, but I figured I'd put it out there and maybe it might help someone else realize that its never fair to compare your writing to someone else's. We are all different and we have different styles and voices--and that's okay. Find your voice and stick with it; its what makes your writing yours and no one else's.
Good luck to all the writers out there and thanks to the readers who lend me their "ears." My appreciation and thanks to you all.