Over to Sarah:
A Tale of Two Writers
Kate Hardy is my not-quite writing twin. I met Kate at my first ever Romantic Novelists Association Conference, when we'd both just published out first novels having started writing at about the same time. Now she's published her 50th, and writing No 53. I've published my 5th and am writing no 6. Well, I did say she was my not-quite writing twin.
When you become a writer, it's all too easy to start comparing your career with another's. You enter a short story comp and don't get placed, then read the winning entry avidly, trying to work out what that story had that yours didn't. A friend gets an agent on the first attempt when you could paper the whole house with rejection letters. Someone publishes 50 books when you're struggling to finish No 6....
What have I been doing with my time while Kate's been so productive? I've developed a fabulous secondary career as a writing tutor, academic and blogger, which I love. I've taught creative writing at the universities of Oxford and Bristol, am the Royal Literary Fund Fellow at the University of Bath and blog about creative writing craft on www.sarahduncansblog.blogspot.com.
Is that better, or worse than having 50 books published? Or just different?
We have to follow our own paths and there's no point in comparing someone else's route with your own. You can only write your own book, not someone else's. At its worst, envy can be destructive and undermine your own creativity until you give up writing altogether.
Instead, celebrate your friends' successes and they will in turn celebrate yours when they come.
Cheers, Kate, and here's to the next 50!
Sarah Duncan's most recent book is Kissing Mr Wrong, which was shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists Association Romantic Novel of the Year. She blogs about creative writing craft at www.sarahduncansblog.blogspot.com. Autumn term for her weekly creative writing class in Bath starts 5th October; for more information contact Sarah at sarah@sarahduncan.co.uk.
Sarah’s offering a giveaway of A Single to Rome, which was longlisted for the RNA Novel of the Year – leave a comment below to put your name in the draw :o)
8 comments:
I didn't know that Sarah went to Leicester University, too. The New Writers' Scheme members of the Leicester RNA Chapter subscribe to her writing bog. Fabby advice, so practical, supportive and down to earth. I'd be dead chuffed to win one of her books. Have just started reading number 50, Kate. Well done, you are an inspiration.
Thanks for this, Sarah and Kate. It is very easy to be envious of other's success - especially when it is some 'celeb' or writer hyped up by a publicity depertment. Been there, felt that. However, you are right, there are so many other outlets for our writing now: like you, I have embraced blogging and really enjoy it. A timely reminder.
I met Sarah at my first RNA conference, too! At Leicester. And still have a signed copy of her first book, Adultery for Beginners.
Sarah's blog is brilliant. And success isn't counted in the number of books, but how much they're enjoyed. In that respect you and Kate are perfect writing twins!
Great blog Sarah. And thanks Kate, for the tip to pop over to Sarah's blog. What a fantastic resource for us budding writers. I've added you to my "favourites". Caroline x
Thank you Sarah, and well done Kate! Fifty! Shades of envy... x
50 or 6, either way it's inspirational that you've both worked hard to achieve your dreams, and us lucky readers get to benefit from it.
Sarah's blog is amazing. A great resource for writers.
I didn't know about it until I read this post and I'm so pleased that I did. I'm going to have hours of enjoyment reading all the writing tips.
First name out of the hat was Lizzie Lamb - Lizzie, email me on hate(dot)hardy(at)btinternet(dot)com and I'll sort out details with Sarah :)
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