I'm listening to a book on my iPhone now that I downloaded from Audible. The title is Thirteen Moons by Charles Frazier.
Rarely do I read something so good that it makes me feel my attempts at writing are feeble. I know, it's not a competition, but when I read something like Thirteen Moons, I find it a little intimidating.
Jackson Browne had a line in his Song for Adam that goes:
Though Adam was a friend of mine
I did not know him long
And when I stood myself beside him
I never thought I was as strong
I had to remind myself that life is a journey and the road is long. It really serves no purpose to compare myself to others because every path is different.
But reading the works of writers like Charles Frazier, Tim Gautreaux, Willa Cather, Truman Capote, and ......the list goes on, makes me want to do what it takes to become a better writer.
Rarely do I read something so good that it makes me feel my attempts at writing are feeble. I know, it's not a competition, but when I read something like Thirteen Moons, I find it a little intimidating.
Jackson Browne had a line in his Song for Adam that goes:
Though Adam was a friend of mine
I did not know him long
And when I stood myself beside him
I never thought I was as strong
I had to remind myself that life is a journey and the road is long. It really serves no purpose to compare myself to others because every path is different.
But reading the works of writers like Charles Frazier, Tim Gautreaux, Willa Cather, Truman Capote, and ......the list goes on, makes me want to do what it takes to become a better writer.
You are truly right sir. No comparison to others. We have different beginnings. Success stories of others are just inspiration that if we do our best, at the end we will get it.
ReplyDeleteNice post!
JJrod'z
I thought by now I would be over the comparison thing..I mean, really...but then it happens. That one person who just blows me away with whatever talent they have and I wish I did have, and I'm back in grade school, or HS, or just last week! Your one of them!
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing wrong with wanting to better your writing skills. There will always be someone better than us at whatever we do. Always. Realizing that and accepting it is the way to go. You're a great writer Rick! Don't think you're not.
ReplyDeletewonderful post!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you're talking about! Sometimes when I write (and I only write for fun, mind you) I feel like I absolutely nail it, and other times it's such a struggle. I enjoy your writing very much, so it's a comfort that I'm not alone when I feel, at times, inferior. Perhaps even the masters feel that way - it's what keeps you striving for improvement. I try not to be envious - to just watch and learn - but I'm not always successful.
ReplyDeleteNo one else occupies that space of yours and can write of your experiences or FROM your experience. Write on...Right on.
ReplyDeleteHugs~
Know what you mean, I am spurred on to better writing as I re-read Gormenghast.
ReplyDeleteI must listen to audio books!! I've never done that! I must!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are your own writer and your style is yours to nurture in the fertile ground of these fine writers! Take care
x
My husband bought me Thirteen Moons several years ago for Christmas. Thank you for the reminder that I need to read it. You ARE a great and talented writer...continue on being yourself!
ReplyDeleteThanks all. Last night I'd tapped keys till my knuckles were weary and I could think of nothing to say, so I was beating myself up a little.
ReplyDeleteJilda has no sympathy when I get this way. She usually says just write you big whiny baby. That always seems to help:)
The journey is rewarding if we continue to try to improve. No, do not compare yourself to others, or, as is written in Desiderata, "You may become vain and bitter, for alweays there will be greater---and lesser---persons than yourself"....
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post and will add Thirteen Moons to my Kindle. I look forward to reading more of your posts- thanks for stopping by today!
ReplyDeleteLove how Jilda says, "just write, you big whiny baby!!". I like your style of writing very much. I do agree that we should never compare ourselves with others. That way only leads to unhappiness.
ReplyDeleteI have just found your blog and am enjoing it very much.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading more.
Thanks for your visit to Raindrops and your comments.
Best go now and read a few more of your posts!
Enjoy your day
Fiona