It’s a revelation to think of this as grief: and less shameful. I try to frame the question as ‘What does success look like for me?’ and that changes as I age. Now I try and promote fellow authors in a monthly podcast for Shine Radio Petersfield. My cohost is Tim O’Kelly of One Tree Books, so it’s also supporting indie bookshops.
I love that my writing could give you a different perspective on feelings like that - you're right, it always seems like a feeling we're not supposed to have. I don't remember seeing anything written about this topic before so I'm really glad Katie chose it for her series. Your podcast sounds fantastic!
An important topic for authors and other creatives. See others as allies not competitors. And understand the circular firing squad of people's public personas - we can always find someone doing something far better than we can!
Yes, and I think it's important to talk about the emotions involved - you can want to see others as allies, but it can still be hard to not be pulled down by everything you "should have" achieved.
Absolutely, Stephen. I think whatever level you are at whatever you are doing, human nature seems to be to seek out what people are doing ‘better’ than you.
It’s a revelation to think of this as grief: and less shameful. I try to frame the question as ‘What does success look like for me?’ and that changes as I age. Now I try and promote fellow authors in a monthly podcast for Shine Radio Petersfield. My cohost is Tim O’Kelly of One Tree Books, so it’s also supporting indie bookshops.
I love that my writing could give you a different perspective on feelings like that - you're right, it always seems like a feeling we're not supposed to have. I don't remember seeing anything written about this topic before so I'm really glad Katie chose it for her series. Your podcast sounds fantastic!
I agree, a totally different way of thinking about it, and makes so much sense!
An important topic for authors and other creatives. See others as allies not competitors. And understand the circular firing squad of people's public personas - we can always find someone doing something far better than we can!
Yes, and I think it's important to talk about the emotions involved - you can want to see others as allies, but it can still be hard to not be pulled down by everything you "should have" achieved.
absolutely. We talk ourselves into despondency - feeling we have failed - or been betrayed. Most serious writers are very serious indeed about it.
Absolutely, Stephen. I think whatever level you are at whatever you are doing, human nature seems to be to seek out what people are doing ‘better’ than you.
Love this. Thank you. I look forward to the full series.
Glad you enjoyed it! I'm looking forward to what comes next too.
I hope you like it
Such a beautiful way of unfolding the story. Thank you for this delightful guest post. I've now subscribed to her Substack too.
Thank you! <3
I’m glad it connected with you ❤️