This writing tip will be a bit different than usual, though I feel it is something that every writer needs to hear. Instead of a tip regarding your writing, today we will be discussing comparing yourself to others.

If you're like me, you often struggle with comparing your writing to other writers. You read a book and are absolutely astounded. You're so inspired you decide to open up a new document or open to a new page in a notebook and write. Everything seems to be going well, but only a few minutes into getting the words on the page, you find yourself comparing yourself to what inspired you, and your comparison isn't good. You put down your writing and begin asking yourself questions such as "is my writing good enough?" Or "why can't I write like them?"

It's okay. I'm pretty sure every writer goes through this, so it's not abnormal. I go through it quite a bit myself, but then I have to step back and remind myself of one important thing:

- No one else can write my stories

Similarly, no one else can write YOUR stories. No one has the motivation and ideas like you. You are a unique, amazing writer. You can be inspired by other writers, but don't compare yourself to them! If you wrote like them, would you be unique? Would you stand out from the crowd? No.

Your writing is your writing, not their writing.

One of the other very important things to remember, when you compare yourself to published writers:

Most likely what you're comparing yourself to is a piece of writing that has seen a plethora of revisions. This piece of writing that you're holding so high has been carefully crafted by multiple hands, usually including the writer, critiquers, betas, an agent, and an editor.

Don't compare your step one to their step one hundred. You have to keep running the marathon if you want to get where they are. Don't let yourself be hindered, because you're comparing yourself to something that has been crafted longer. Don't allow yourself to sit in fear of getting the words on the page.

Just write. Everything else can come later.

If you want to look at someone else's work and be inspired, think of it as something like this: One day my writing will be perfected like theirs, but they were once in the same spot I'm in. 

Every writer was once in your position, and they still are, because we're always writing something new. I can guarantee you the writer you're comparing yourself to has the same fears as you.

I hope these reminders were helpful, because they're something that I often have to remind myself of, too. Truthfully, I'm writing this post as another reminder.

Remember:

- No one can write like you

- Stop comparing your step one to their step one hundred

- Know that every writer goes through this, and it's okay.

As always, with this series of tips, I want to leave you with a prompt, and I am really excited to see the responses to this one!

PROMPT: WHAT IS ONE THING ABOUT YOUR WRITING YOU ABSOLUTELY LOVE? LETS CELEBRATE!