As I might have blogged about previously, one of the best pieces of advice that I ever got (regarding wanting to be an author), was to 'keep reading.'

I have always been an avid reader, so that was never an issue.😀

While I have always read a lot of fantasy and science-fiction, even though I do not really write a lot in those genres. Despite their rather obvious inspiration.

Well, I have written a few short stories - and one novella - in the fantasy genre - but they remain unpublished for now. But mostly I write in the genres of magical realism and contemporary fiction.

Right now, I am rereading the books in the Malazan universe, by Canadian authors, Steven Erikson and Ian C. Esslemont.

It is somewhat of a monumental task, since there are quite a few books in that particular fictional universe, and quite a few of those exceed the 1000-page threshold. And there are more books forthcoming! 😅

But the books have a complexity about them, that makes a reread very worthwhile - and I find them just as inspirational as I did the first time around. But sometimes, with inspiration, comparison inevitably follows.

Erikson, especially, writes very beautifully. Poetically, even. Indeed, quite a few of the chapters in his books are prefaced with a piece of poetry. And so, whenever I have read of few chapters of one of his books, and then return to my own work, I can once in a while think that my own work comes up a bit short, somehow.😅

Sure, I know (but perhaps have to remind myself!) that I am not quite as practiced in the craft of writing as they are; I have only had one book published so far, after all, and I am currently working on my second book. Also, I am not a native English speaker, so I do not have the same kind of grasp - or indeed, mastery - of the language, as they have.

And also, they just might be more talented writers than me, of course! 😄

But inspiration from someone that does something better than you, can of course help you on your own journey to become more skilled at what you do, including writing. And generally, I do find that to be the case. But once in a while, I can also feel just a bit intimidated, and start to devalue my own work, because of that inevitable comparison.

Of course, it is crucial to be able to be both critical and analytical in regards to your own work.  - it is an integral part of what can make you a better writer, I believe. But if the level of self-devaluation is on such a scale, that it makes you lose your motivation to write, it becomes an issue.

I am well aware, that all of this goes on in my own mind, of course - the only one that has made that comparison is myself, no one else. And the devaluation that follows is also my own.

I think it might be something that I have to learn in regards to my own creative process - that I have a tendency to devaluate myself, rather than being critical in an inspirational way, that supports me to keep writing - and reading - instead of feeling despondent. 😀

Also, it might just be a reminder, that whatever you do in your life, whatever you want to achieve, creatively or otherwise, it is important to remember to have fun along the way. 🥰