I’m not who you think I am: “the other writer”.
In writing, there is a pervasive myth of “the other writer.” In this ridiculous tale we tell ourselves, “the other writer” is an omnipotent genius who can write no junk. They never doubt the words on the page. Everything comes easy to “the other writer”: book deals, best-selling titles, accolades and awards, affection and fame.
I’m here to tell you “the other writer” doesn’t exist. (Well, except for Stephen King.)
But really, when was the last time you heard a writer brag about how easy they have it?
If you did hear such drivel dribble out of a writer’s mouth, you’d immediately block that person and label them as a poseur.
So why do we allow ourselves to believe that the flawless “other writer” truly exists?
I think it’s to soothe our tortured brains—it MUST be easy for SOMEONE, right?
Let’s hear what YOU think. Please comment below…and I’ll do a recap post in a few weeks.
(P.S. I don’t think it’s easy for Mr. King, either.)
45 comments
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July 12, 2023 at 8:39 am
Laura
That other writer can be a very snarky companion
July 12, 2023 at 9:03 am
Joyce Uglow
The first half of 2023 is different from previous years. So far this year, I’ve happily gained some credibility with published poems. 😊 To your question: Compare/despair struggle is real. Social media is a great place to celebrate, but it can paint a picture about this tough kidlit industry. If one allows the struggle to take over, it can seem like “other writers” publish a plethora of brilliant books while mine reside in Never Never Land.
July 12, 2023 at 9:10 am
Jenny Harp
It’s not easy…but easy is sleazy
July 12, 2023 at 9:21 am
Writer on the run
Oh, I have been going through the struggle for the past few months. If only I was like all those success stories… as I read another rejection letter or find out that the agent I researched is now closed, or get stuck again with a story. But some how I am getting back up on the horse and not giving up.
July 12, 2023 at 9:40 am
christinashawnbooks
Difficult or easy is all dependent on perspective. I think what’s important is to work together through the highs and lows.
July 12, 2023 at 9:47 am
Marsha Weiner
WHAT!??!?! You mean to tell me that I am NOT THE ONLY ONE WRACKED WITH INSECURITY, DOUBT IN GAZILLION FORMS AND COLORS and projected, lustful envy?!?!??! WHAT THE F*@K!??!?!?
July 12, 2023 at 10:03 am
Cheryl Coate
Oh that life were easy! The hardships make the successes that much more satisfying….or so they say! Perhaps thinking that the “other writer” has it easy and doesn’t struggle is simply that green goblin of jealousy that rears its ugly head from time to time. Let’s just slap it silly!
July 12, 2023 at 10:21 am
Angie
Haha! You hit the nail on the head!
July 12, 2023 at 10:46 am
M.A. Cortez
Having been a writer for over 20 years, still trying daily to perfect my craft (that’ll never happen) . I don’t believe any of us just sit down and write a winner, we write and hope it’s a piece that will have potential, and then we get to work.
We try to create something that will connect with someone else and it’s hard work. Rewarding and wonderful, but still hard work. The other writer, is a myth.
July 12, 2023 at 11:44 am
dedradavis03
And THAT is the best feeling when someone tells you they “felt” your words. I’ve only experienced this with Instagram, Twitter, and blogs. The day someone reads my BOOK and tells me this, I. Will. Bawl. 👏🏼👏🏼😄🥲🩵
July 12, 2023 at 11:02 am
Wendy Greenley
I think we all believe in that “other” effortless writer because we want to BE that writer someday. (Like we want to believe in Santa Claus 😁 Or is it just me?) It’s important to love the process, the act of writing itself, or we’ll be continually frustrated. And sometimes even when we love the process, we still need to deal with frustration after frustration, so the unlikely fairy tale ending is tantalizing.
July 12, 2023 at 11:22 am
Henrietta Choplin
One of the most encouraging posts that I recently read, (posted by a 12X12 participant) admitted that she did not always have a monthly contribution. The perfectionist in me said, “Wait… What”?!
July 12, 2023 at 11:41 am
dedradavis03
Wow! Great conversation starter. Being in the trenches and unpublished, I always think everyone is a better writer than me, and I tend to think once you have an agent, you have it easier. I know this is irrational. I know it is! But this is such a challenging journey, and my mind plays tricks and tells me mean things!
July 12, 2023 at 11:41 am
Bonnie Adamson
I’ll add another phantom: the “other illustrator.” The culprit here is those impossibly pristine sketchbook pages posted to Instagram that we’re meant to believe were just tossed off casually as a “warm-up” that morning. Even the artists who *do* draw and sketch beautifully without effort curate their work and don’t show you all the false starts. I see these wonderful posts, and think, “Golly, everything they do is magical!” We seem to need to believe it’s possible.
July 12, 2023 at 12:00 pm
marshaelyn
“The other writer” has been a bug in my brain for years, rejection after rejection. I’m finally confident enough to tell it to “toodle-loo.” Great storytelling is hard work…period. And, yes, some authors/illustrators get “lucky” with a quick acquisition, and I applaud their good fortune. What I know is that I really, really love the time I spend in storytelling mode, whether I’m learning from gurus like Tara, Julie, and Emma; or I’m working hard in the sweat of frustration to craft the BEST story. Doing what I do for the last five years STILL makes me happy. And that’s what’s “magical” to me.
July 12, 2023 at 12:06 pm
Diana Delosh
Yes that “Other” writer/illustrator, you know the one that always gets their story published and or gets all the PB illustration assignments, while you seem to be ignored. Sigh. Whine whine whine and woe is me. The rational me knows that they have their share of dark moments. BUT sometimes you just can’t help yourself. Loving the act of creating story, art is one thing and I really do. BUT the other parts of being author/illustrator; the submitting, the rejections, the waiting, the not knowing, the deadlines, the constant insecurities. UGH!
July 12, 2023 at 12:12 pm
Tunisia
I agree. There is no “other writer.” Just like there are no overnight successes. We don’t know the work someone puts in behind the scenes that ultimately leads them to success or notoriety. We should celebrate with others, put in the work, and know one day our turn will come.
July 12, 2023 at 12:28 pm
Nadia Salomon
Love reading some of these responses. A lot of spot on responses. I don’t ever think about the ‘other’ writer, because I have myself – challenging me daily. Imposter syndrome, insecurity, dry spells, juggling life, etc. all contribute to life as a writer. In my experience, I’ve learned to compete only with myself and support others on their writing journey. And that writing is communal. Most of my best work is a result of writing with others. Ideas get sparked and I have a community to encourage me and hold me accountable to see what happens next… I’m looking at you critique partners and writing buddies –
July 12, 2023 at 12:31 pm
Pamela Harrison
Writing is hard, especially if you are a perfectionist like me. Finding the “right” word, editing to cut what isn’t necessary, keeping to the suggested word count. Even coming up with a topic that will appeal to readers. Published authors make it look easy, but I’m sure they revise many times just like we do. However, writing is also fun and exciting. We wouldn’t do this if we did not enjoy playing with the creative process.
July 12, 2023 at 1:13 pm
Martha Hollenhorst
When someone is good at something, they make it look easy. We don’t see all the hard work, failures, and self-doubt that it took to get there. Thanks for reminding us.
July 12, 2023 at 1:14 pm
Rinda Beach
I thought about quitting Monday night. I couldn’t sleep, and I couldn’t write. I felt like I couldn’t get anything right. I allowed myself the opportunity to fail, to figure out how to quit. Then I slept.
The next morning I woke up feeling lighter. Guess what? I could write that day. I finished a new chapter for my middle grade, and I edited an old one. I also got an email from someone who liked my blog that night. On Monday I was second guessing every single word, every single image I picked. YUCK! And I hadn’t done a single thing for my family.
So, I’ll keep on writing, because I love doing it. I’ll work on balancing MY life, and MY writing life. It’s lovely to be able to use words the way writers do. Thank you for giving me a chance to write this.
July 12, 2023 at 1:17 pm
Holly Vagley
Tara, you nailed it. Thank you for this. Be Well!
July 12, 2023 at 1:44 pm
Chris Bailey
Thank you! This is why we need our groups. Crazy monsters hide under our beds when we don’t have a friend to hold our hands for a reality check.
July 12, 2023 at 2:04 pm
Kathy Doherty
I’d rather have lemon juice squirted in my eyes than write a first draft. First drafts are stinky, and I’m a perfectionist. But I love the revising stage where I can get out of my own way. And, yes, I think writing comes easier for some writers than it does for me…especially lyrical authors.
July 12, 2023 at 3:25 pm
Susan Jobsky
You nailed my inner critical voice! I’ve written a story about a dog and her girl for my daughter. I sent it for critique and was told children would not relate to specific scenes, and my main character needed to earn his success. I reworked and reworked the story of this puppy who chose his girl and lived his best life with her until it’s not the story I wanted to tell. I went the hybrid publishing route, paid for publishing, and finally gave up trying to make the story work. The voice in my head calls me a failure, washed up before I even began, and I’ve not touched a keyboard in almost a year. Perhaps this is the year I find courage and confidence, push that negative voice out of my head, and follow my heart to a beautiful book for my granddaughter’s birthday.
July 12, 2023 at 6:25 pm
Carrie Finison
When you read a published book that’s really good, it seems so effortless. You don’t see the months (probably years) of revision and struggle that went into it. Intellectually, I know what the writer must have gone through, but when I read the results and then compare my current WIP draft, it feels like I’m way off the mark!
July 12, 2023 at 7:15 pm
Robin L
I hear you. I scrape for ideas and so admire those who seem to explode with them and write books I wish I had written ;). But I also struggle with seeing PBs published that make me honestly wonder how they made it through the acquisitions process. That’s not quite the same as believing the flawless “other writer” exists, but it still feels discouraging.
August 2, 2023 at 12:24 am
Tom Barrett
I wonder this as well.
July 13, 2023 at 6:02 am
Jennie
I appreciate this honest discussion. I’m an ” older’ parent raising 20 somethings and a Late Bloomer in this new world of book writing. I know from everything else I’ve ever done (and I continue to instill in my young adults) that mastery takes more than degrees earned from test talking and the ability to talk about a subject matter . SCBWI has been a great place to take my time and be encouraged by HONEST successful picture book authors and illustrators as I work toward my writing goals.
July 13, 2023 at 9:40 am
bamauthor
To be honest, I never allow myself to think about “the other writer.”
July 13, 2023 at 4:55 pm
Marty Bellis
All you have to do is read Jane Yolen’s posts or listen to one of your ‘hero’ writers talk about their rejections to realize no one has a magic ability to write perfectly and brilliantly at all times. But —- on one of “those days,” which come along way too frequently, it’s easy to believe your writing stinks and everyone else is light years ahead of you. Then a lightning bolt hits, you write something you love, and voila, you’re quite the genius. It’s a rollicking roller coaster ride, full of highs, lows, and in-betweens.
July 13, 2023 at 6:01 pm
deirdreprischmann
I think it’s mostly because everyone except experienced writers thinks writing a book is easy. Experienced writers have seen past the multiple false mountain peaks and the end of the line stretching around the corner. It’s a long, difficult journey. And the myth of the other writer gives us hope – hope that one day, maybe we’ll be able to sit down and crank something out that isn’t complete drivel.
July 13, 2023 at 11:04 pm
Willy Martinez
I write because I have to create. I have to tell a story, even if it’s in my own personal journal. I get stuck up in my head too much if I don’t write it.
July 13, 2023 at 11:35 pm
seschipper
Wow, Tara, perfect post for those of us who think our writing is far from perfect! I always enjoy the success stories, though! They help you realize the need to keep moving forward. 🙂
July 14, 2023 at 6:35 am
sarahpeacetobias
I think thinking about and focusing on “the other writer” gives us an excuse for our procrastination, for our fear of failure, for our holding back words and ideas. It’s hard to look inside of ourselves and accept our flaws and foibles. Focusing on “the other writer” is envy and jealousy, and let’s our feelings of lack off the hook. The problem is “the other writer” never let’s us off the hook really. The only thing that will is working through our internal struggles and getting down to work and having the courage to potentially fail and then start again. Though, when we do our internal work, “the other writer” can expand and encourage us to keep going and see the possibilities ahead.
July 14, 2023 at 7:29 am
Antoinette Truglio Martin
As with baseball, if it writing were easy, the everyone would do it. I just get so stuck and frustrated with myself not being smart enough to get the stories that live in my head onto paper (sigh)
July 14, 2023 at 2:38 pm
Jilanne Hoffmann
I remember Oliver Sacks saying that writing was easy. Guess it’s “easier” than medical school and neuroscience? I do think some writers produce MSS much faster than others. I have compare/despair syndrome when it comes to production. But I don’t personally know anyone who says this is easy.
July 14, 2023 at 4:56 pm
Sylvia Mary Grech
I’m at the point now that I’m impressed by the stories produced but I never think that it must have been easy for the authors. I’ve also learned to be gentle with myself during the ups and downs of my writing process.
July 15, 2023 at 11:24 am
Penny Parker Klostermann
Guilty! I’m so guilty of thinking about “the other writer.” I think that’s why I really enjoy blog posts highlighting a book’s journey. Not only are those posts super interesting to me, but hearing about the book’s journey confirms that the author’s pen isn’t a wand that they waved over a piece of paper. Ha! I know that there’s no literal wand-waving, but it helps to hear that their manuscript started as a title, idea, character, sentence or Storystorm idea many years ago, and only after messy drafts and many revisions, is now a brilliant book worthy of being featured on a blog.
Since I can totally relate to Jilanne’s comment … “compare/despair syndrome when it comes to production,” the blog posts relieve me of some of my negative thoughts about my process and production. And now, since you’ve written this post, maybe as I read those blog posts I’ll use them as a tool to debunk the myth and think less about “the other writer.”
July 16, 2023 at 1:46 pm
Sarah Skolfield
For me, “the other writer” doesn’t necessarily have it easy but she knows how to get things done. She’s organized. She has a writing schedule. She knows when to give herself a break or when to push herself. When she revises a manuscript, actual improvements in the story appear. She knows she’s a real writer because she’s got a story to tell. It’s hard to remember that I have ever been that writer when the muse is hiding, my schedule is a mess and I’m trying to revise but the same words keep showing up on the page.
July 17, 2023 at 2:55 pm
ptnozell
So easy to get discouraged in this field. After all, what other pursuits are 99.9% rejection, with a few morsels of success (like contest wins & champagne rejections) thrown in to keep us going? It’s no wonder that we believe that the multi-published creators have some innate talent that we lack. The reality? Hard work; more hard work; and then add a bit of serendipity in hopes of achieving that elusive agent representation and eventual publication someday.
July 17, 2023 at 4:07 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
I don’t know anyone who thinks writing or the writing life is easy…thanks to blogs like this and other #kidlit communities we know the truth and accept this life because we love it. (Most days!)
July 21, 2023 at 3:13 pm
Adriana
Wait, no one has it easy when it comes to writing? That’s a relief! I think we trudge on hoping for some kind of mastery so at the very least starting a new work isn’t so difficult… and then continue hoping that revising isn’t such a struggle. But, following prolific writers like Jane Yolen, R.L. Stine, and Stephen King, you realize that even they face rejections. Even they have projects that flop. They just keep going. And so must we!
August 2, 2023 at 12:08 am
Tom Barrett
How timely this post is. I know I get caught up in wanting to have some ground shattering world changing thoughts when all I really need to do is speak from my heart and experiences without worrying about the supposed impact those words will have. You will never reach anyone until you put something out there. As Shia LaBeouf said in his famous video “just do it.”
October 26, 2023 at 12:15 am
Elayne
Maybe a lot of this is just translation error. Some people describing their hard writing work as fun (because, of course, a lot of it is!)–and others mistakenly taking their descriptions of the fun to somehow “mean” it must be effortless for them. But just like any other challenging activity, the fun isn’t in it being easy–it’s the challenge that makes it fun! Puzzling it all out and, getting to be creative and making your inner child feel warm and fuzzy.
I don’t think any writer has it easy, but some writers definitely have more fun than others 😂 — and I am trying to be one of those, for sure!