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Introduction
This one is for the writers.
It can feel very dog-eat-dog in the literary world. In a way, you’re competing with other writers for just a handful of coveted slots. This is especially true in markets where, to avoid competition between similar titles, an editor will reject your manuscript by telling you “We’ve already got a folk tale fantasy.” So, I get why it can feel like other writers are the competition. So, why is it problematic to make them the competition? Let’s talk.
The Bar Keeps Moving
A lot of writers I’ve seen will set their bar against other authors. “Well, X got a press tour. X got illustrated endpapers. X got a big publicity campaign.” And they’ll fester in bitterness. Wondering why X got the thing and they didn’t. While it’s perfectly appropriate to recognize real inequalities in the publishing world, place the blame where it belongs—with the people holding the purse strings. Resenting other writers for their good luck is just petty, and reduces your chances of forming real, lasting happiness in this business.
We’re All in This Together
Whether you enjoy this fact or not, you will need other writers at some point. Maybe it’s a blurb request. Maybe you’re looking for a panel spot. Or, hey, maybe they’re just the only ones who definitively understand the strange, wonderful career path we’ve chosen. As much as friends and relatives can be supportive, there’s nothing like venting to another writer who gets it.
And then there’s the excitement of building each other up, and cheering each other on. Compliments from another writer just hit different. Being in community with other writers is one of the best ways to bolster yourself in what can otherwise be a lonely journey.
Enemies to friends trope
Some of my closest friends now are actually people I’ve met through the writing world. I think that’s emblematic of the fact that this career is tough, and niche, and other writers understand the ins and outs of something so special and important to me. Something so crucial to my soul. I could view them as enemies, set my bar against them…but what would I gain? And what, of course, would I lose?
In conclusion
None of this should sound revolutionary. It’s not. Or maybe it is, in this world where we’re often set against each other. But I hope that the next time the envy bug bites you, you won’t immediately unsheathe your claws…because there’s so much you’re missing out on.
Thanks for reading! Shout out some of the kindest writers you know.
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C.J.’s Corner
Get to know me and what I’m up to. Read it all or skip to your favorite section. (Links work only in web version.)
I’m writing:
Watch this space. Things are moving…slowly.
I'm querying. It’s going. That’s enough about that, lmao.
The Enter Here anthology has been released! We finally got our physical copies in and they’ve been arriving to Kickstarter supporters. Didn't do the Kickstarter? No worries. Get it here! If you are a reviewer with a site or booktok or whatnot and would like a free review copy, contact us at enterhereanthology(at)gmail(dot)com.
I have been writing Miracle Girl, a contemporary horror novel about a woman possessed by her dead sister and a defrocked priest with nothing to lose. Betas have read it and it’s ready for another round of revisions, but I’ve been too afraid to open the feedback. Someone poke me.
I’ve also started writing Faces for Saints, another contemporary horror novel about a thriller writer who faces off with a serial killer—and supernatural oddities—in the Wisconsin woods. I’m onto 16k words now!
I’ve also also been reworking Godkillers, my epic fantasy novel about a witch and witchhunter joining forces to kill the evil gods. Just waiting for betas before revisions!
I’m heading into my second class for StoryStudio Chicago’s Novel in a Year Program mentored by Cynthia Pelayo, horror author of Children of Chicago and other books! I’ve had so much fun communicating with a cohort of other writers and leaning more deeply into my craft.
I’m reading:
I have also half-read a bunch of other stuff but these are my mainstays.
The Knight and the Moth - Rachel Gillig | The Raven Scholar - Antonia Hodgson |
|---|---|
I finished it! It’s so freaking good omg, such an effortless blend of fantasy and romance. | I’m almost done! WE’RE ON A BREAK right now because I’m so afraid of how much the ending is going to wreck me, also I was on a work trip. |
All the Hearts You Eat - Hailey Piper | |
A trans girl dies in the cove…but she doesn’t seem to be fully gone. Loving this creepy small-town horror. |
I’m watching:
It’s baseball season! Which means I’m watching a lot of the White Sox. Yes, I like sports. I contain multitudes.
C.J., a white blond woman wearing White Sox shirt and cap
I’m listening:
Things have gotten to the “listening to all of Linkin Park on repeat” stage of things. Returning to my youth, if you will. Current heavy rotation are “Halfway Right” and “One More Light. “
I’m playing:
My video game brain is so dead. Stand by. I might just pick up Cult of the Lamb again though because my friend is playing and I’m jealous. Or Expedition 33?
I’m doing:
A lot of travel! I’ve been to NYC, Phoenix, and I have a trip to Notre Dame coming up in June.
I’ve also been doing a little more painting! Here’s Neema Kra from The Raven Scholar.
Neema Kra, a slender Black woman in a sparkly and shimmery black dress.
