Thursday, September 29, 2016

Jealousy

     I have to admit it.  I am often jealous of fellow authors, the ones who post they are number one on some list or another on Amazon or a bestseller somewhere.  The only time I've gained the top of a list was when A Trashy Affair was given away free for one week, 11,000 downloads--and barely sold a copy after that since everyone who wanted it now had the book.  Amazon did take note, however, and bought the e-rights for their Encore program with a fair advance I've yet to earn back as it is now given away for free or sold for ninety cents.  Still, many people are reading it, and I hope it leads them to An Ashy Affair which was released yesterday and is also one of my best books.  That is about my only bragging right.
     When a fellow writer announced her fantasy book sold 250 copies in the U.K. and had been chosen for a book club, yes, I felt those pangs again.  Why not me?  I have readers in Australia, Canada, France most recently, and the U.K. She on the other hand is envious of the number of books I have in print, nineteen as of today.  What to do about these feelings? Tamp them down and say congratulations. Try to be happy for those who have succeeded.  Being at the top of a list is a very brief pleasure.  Then, it is gone, and you have to get back to work and try to attain it again. Writing is often cruel business.  Don't let jealousy consume you.
     Except for being prolific, I can't imagine anyone being jealous of me, though I know it has happened.  A person once posted a very ugly review on a book that had otherwise been well received (Paradise for a Sinner).  She linked it to her web site--and I did not go there to read it in full. I noted she had the same last name as a popular writer who also does sports romances, so perhaps a relative trying to boost another author's work by tearing mine down. Believe me, it wasn't necessary. That author far excels me in sales and fans already.  I am no threat to anyone. In fact, I owe that author a thanks as Amazon often pairs my books with hers.  There is plenty of room in the genre for all of us.  We don't need to knock each other down.
     I once had an art teacher who said, "Never compare yourself to others."  Do the best work you can, enjoy learning a new technique or selling a painting,  Don't say I'll never be as good as Renoir or Van Gogh or Rembrandt or the naturally talented person working at the next easel.  The same applies to writing.  Let go of jealousy, the urge to say something snarky about the other person's book instead of congratulations, and celebrate you own small triumphs without boasting or rubbing it in someone else's face.
      I do hope An Ashy Affair will reach the top of some list or other.  It isn't likely.  But, I know I've written a good, entertaining book that will make you laugh and cry.  My best hope is that you will enjoy reading it (and post good, not snarky, reviews).