Harnessing Jealousy: A Path to Writing Growth and Inspiration
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Understanding Writer's Envy
Envy can be a destructive emotion. It diminishes the person who experiences it and can negatively affect relationships with others. However, when it comes to other writers, jealousy can actually motivate you and propel your writing career forward at any stage.
I often find that my envy of fellow authors is intertwined with genuine admiration and gratitude for their work. Embracing positive feelings towards other writers and drawing inspiration from their success is far more constructive than allowing envy to take over.
The Power of Love and Gratitude
Brenda Ueland's reflections in "If You Want to Write" highlight the profound appreciation literature can inspire. She expressed her "wonderful gratitude and hope" when encountering the works of great authors, feeling a deep emotional connection that reminded her of the beauty of storytelling:
"I could hardly read a Chekov or a Tolstoi without a kind of obstruction in my throat of grateful emotion... If this is so, I am glad I live in this world too and believe in God and all His creations."
In moments when the world feels bleak, I find solace in Shakespeare's Sonnet 29. It begins with despair yet concludes with a powerful affirmation of love that brings wealth beyond measure:
"For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings / That then I scorn to change my state with kings."
This blend of love for literature, which captures both the darker aspects of humanity and the light of hope, is invaluable. Every aspiring writer surely has an author who embodies this remarkable ability to find meaning in a chaotic world.
Drawing Inspiration from Writers
Al Alvarez, in "The Writer's Voice," categorizes writers into two groups regarding inspiration. The first group comprises authors like John Donne and Shakespeare, who are so extraordinary that they set high standards but are difficult to emulate. They inspire us to aim for greatness without being relatable models.
The second group consists of writers who serve as attainable role models. According to Alvarez, these writers, although less dominant, impart the essential skills and techniques necessary during one's literary journey.
In my creative writing classes, I encourage students to select a piece they admire and secretly believe they could have produced themselves. This exercise often reveals useful insights into their personalities and aspirations as writers. It naturally leads to envy; students frequently express, "I wish I could write like that."
Using Envy as a Guide
Julia Cameron has pointed out the significant role that jealousy can play in a writer's development. She openly acknowledges the intense feelings of envy she has experienced. Cameron describes her emotions as "my jealousy roars in the head, tightens the chest, massages my stomach lining with a cold fist."
However, she has discovered that her envy serves as a valuable indicator of what she wants to write but fears attempting. For instance, she felt no jealousy toward successful women novelists but did envy women playwrights, which motivated her to explore writing for the stage.
Personally, I find myself envious of novelists, particularly those who receive acclaim in major publications. While I admire authors like Margaret Atwood, I don’t feel the same envy for others, like Richard Osman. This clarity helps me identify the genres and forms that resonate with my aspirations as a writer. As Cameron wisely states, "jealousy is a map."
Embrace Your Envy
As you immerse yourself in the works of fellow writers, pay attention to the feelings of jealousy that arise. These emotions can guide you to uncover your true writing desires. However, it’s crucial to keep these feelings in check; that green-eyed monster should remain contained!
In this insightful video, Janet Fitch discusses how writer's envy can be transformed into a source of inspiration and motivation.
Robert Greene outlines the signs of envy and how recognizing them can help you navigate your relationships with fellow writers.