Cheerleading

Sorry guys. It was another work day that beat me about the head and shoulders. I pretty much got nothing accomplished today anywhere, although I did peg the cranky meter.

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As I catch up on Internet posts and so forth tonight, I'm seeing a lot of writers talking about writers they perceive as better or more experienced writers, and talking about them with a sense of awe and reverence. There's also some becoming modesty and self-effacement. But you know, I'm here to tell you that you've just got to cut it out.

Listen, when you say that I'll never be able to write as well as Writer X, or Writer Y, my response is why not? I know what you mean to do is compliment Writer X and be modest, but there are a couple of important things to remember.

1. You may not be able to do what Writer X does, but Writer X can't do what you do either. One of the writers of a book that is certainly going to make my best book list of 2011 suggested that she might not be able to write a book that is as good as Writer X's. I really disagree. I enjoyed her first book more than I did Writer X's. It was one of the freshest concepts I've seen in years. It bent the genre she wrote in in a lot of clever and interesting ways. It's not impossible she could write a book that deep and true some day. And I'll be there to read it.

2. I might actually prefer you to Writer Y. Another writer mentioned that a prolific writer was breaking into a new pantheon for middle graders (someone smells money!), and wondered if he should move a project up or way back accordingly. I've read this writer and Writer Y. I'd much rather read a book on this pantheon from this writer than Writer Y. The writer I like is less stilted and seems to be in touch with young readers much better. He probably can't give Writer Y a run for his money in exposure, but quality? Yeah. No problem.

I guess the point that I'd like to make to all of us is that, you know, believe in your possibilities. Write as authentically as you can, to the best of your ability, keep building your craft, and get to the top of your game, and your unique voice and vision will see you through.

To paraphrase a president during election time, 2008, "Yes, you can."

Now go out there and write me some books, damn it! Your books. Your true, original, unique, and wonderful books.

I'm going to bed.

Catherine

Mirrored from Writer Tamago.