Comments on: “Comparisons are Odious” (John Fortescue)–and Lead to Creative Blocks! http://weavingthedream.com/blog/2008/comparisons-are-odious-john-fortescue-and-lead-to-creative-blocks/ Weaving Experiences of Transformation Fri, 10 Sep 2010 20:13:32 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.2 by: Paula http://weavingthedream.com/blog/2008/comparisons-are-odious-john-fortescue-and-lead-to-creative-blocks/#comment-7023 Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:05:18 +0000 http://weavingthedream.com/blog/2008/comparisons-are-odious-john-fortescue-and-lead-to-creative-blocks/#comment-7023 Right, Zita. Looking at how others follow through with their creativity can be very helpful and encouraging, but maybe that is the difference between odious comparisons and wise role-modeling. And what a difference that can make! Right, Zita. Looking at how others follow through with their creativity can be very helpful and encouraging, but maybe that is the difference between odious comparisons and wise role-modeling. And what a difference that can make!

]]> by: Zita Christian http://weavingthedream.com/blog/2008/comparisons-are-odious-john-fortescue-and-lead-to-creative-blocks/#comment-7022 Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:50:35 +0000 http://weavingthedream.com/blog/2008/comparisons-are-odious-john-fortescue-and-lead-to-creative-blocks/#comment-7022 As always, your blog gives me a sharper perspective on my writing life -- especially this entry. Let me add the positive side of comparisons. Unfortunately, for good or ill, I find comparing myself to other writers to be a double-edged sword. Years ago, before I had sold my first manuscript, I joined a writers' group and looked to its members who were published as proof that "ordinary" people could write stories that major publishers would buy. Those writers were my reality check. Now I look to other writers to see how they get through the no-contract, dry spells. They're writing articles, editing magazines, submitting proposals. They're working! Hard to do all that with a full-time job, community and family obligations. For me, perhaps what I need is a clean sweep of my calendar Zita As always, your blog gives me a sharper perspective on my writing life — especially this entry. Let me add the positive side of comparisons.

Unfortunately, for good or ill, I find comparing myself to other writers to be a double-edged sword. Years ago, before I had sold my first manuscript, I joined a writers’ group and looked to its members who were published as proof that “ordinary” people could write stories that major publishers would buy. Those writers were my reality check.

Now I look to other writers to see how they get through the no-contract, dry spells. They’re writing articles, editing magazines, submitting proposals. They’re working! Hard to do all that with a full-time job, community and family obligations. For me, perhaps what I need is a clean sweep of my calendar

Zita

]]> by: Paula http://weavingthedream.com/blog/2008/comparisons-are-odious-john-fortescue-and-lead-to-creative-blocks/#comment-6934 Sun, 30 Mar 2008 17:09:35 +0000 http://weavingthedream.com/blog/2008/comparisons-are-odious-john-fortescue-and-lead-to-creative-blocks/#comment-6934 THanks, Liz! Yes, I think it is when we are most ourselves in our creative work that the "not enoughs" become the most challenging. But isn't that when the work is also the deepest and richest and most rewarding? THanks, Liz! Yes, I think it is when we are most ourselves in our creative work that the “not enoughs” become the most challenging. But isn’t that when the work is also the deepest and richest and most rewarding?

]]> by: Liz http://weavingthedream.com/blog/2008/comparisons-are-odious-john-fortescue-and-lead-to-creative-blocks/#comment-6933 Sun, 30 Mar 2008 16:18:18 +0000 http://weavingthedream.com/blog/2008/comparisons-are-odious-john-fortescue-and-lead-to-creative-blocks/#comment-6933 Zowee! You certainly described me to a tee! I'm finding though that breaking the 'not enough' habit is a challenge. Not one I'm giving up on, certainly, but I do encounter slide backs. Following your advice and looking back I can see that the slide backs are fewer than they used to be. I, too, am writing a book. I decided that his book would be written in my voice, with my humor, my outlook, my experience. Talk about challenging the 'not enoughs!' But I think of your advice and I pat myself on the back and get on with it. I love your blog and connecting to a like mind. Zowee! You certainly described me to a tee! I’m finding though that breaking the ‘not enough’ habit is a challenge. Not one I’m giving up on, certainly, but I do encounter slide backs. Following your advice and looking back I can see that the slide backs are fewer than they used to be.

I, too, am writing a book. I decided that his book would be written in my voice, with my humor, my outlook, my experience. Talk about challenging the ‘not enoughs!’ But I think of your advice and I pat myself on the back and get on with it.

I love your blog and connecting to a like mind.

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