tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post2164051496063168385..comments2024-03-29T03:42:04.742-04:00Comments on Author, Jody Hedlund: Fighting The Green-Eyed Jealousy MonsterJody Hedlundhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-65889852385837587912010-12-09T20:52:56.596-05:002010-12-09T20:52:56.596-05:00Thank you for this post - very encouraging. I loo...Thank you for this post - very encouraging. I look forward to following you.<br />Blessings,<br />DebbieDebbie Dillonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06542211096013253656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-3479088535961479072010-12-09T15:48:00.667-05:002010-12-09T15:48:00.667-05:00Yep. Been there, done that, will be back for more ...Yep. Been there, done that, will be back for more I'm sure! It's really hard not to get jealous, but for me it goes hand-in-hand with my own insecurities!Jill Kemererhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07865493609868329393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-28543755435980136002010-12-09T14:55:00.204-05:002010-12-09T14:55:00.204-05:00Thank you for being honest about jealousy!
I have...Thank you for being honest about jealousy!<br /><br />I haven't gotten to agent-searching level yet, but I've sometimes been guilty of blog jealousy and other things. It's really silly and I need to just get over it.Karen M. Petersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06972093977468313631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-30158280571524982322010-12-09T12:08:15.819-05:002010-12-09T12:08:15.819-05:00I've definitely tangled with the jealousy mons...I've definitely tangled with the jealousy monster. I think it's only human, especially when you feel like you're working so hard for something and it *seems* to happen more easily for others. But usually, it really isn't the case. Everyone has bumps in their path and struggles you're not aware of. <br /><br />As for competition, I tend to take a middle of the road view. Yes, readers have limited time, so there is definitely some competition. However, I think, depending on the genre, it may not be as big of a deal. If you write really heavy literary fiction or Oprah book club type books and those readers only read say--a book or so a month, the competition seems a bit tighter. <br /><br />However, if you're in say, romance, where readers devour 2-3 books a week (according to stats) then there's a little more room. Like for me, I don't think hmm, should I buy fave author #1 #2 or #3 this month--I buy them all, lol.Roni Lorenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02719679344024635326noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-64375450741624359912010-12-09T11:32:36.599-05:002010-12-09T11:32:36.599-05:00What an interesting post! I'm so glad I'm ...What an interesting post! I'm so glad I'm not the only one. I class this in the same category of feelings I had in high school when all the girls felt prettier, smarter and all around cooler than me. And I deal with it in pretty much the same way. I give myself about 5 seconds to have a pity party and then I go do something that makes me happy. Like, umm, write. =) Not surprisingly, I get caught up in how much I love whatever I'm doing and totally forget about everyone and everything else.Sierra Gardnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16364930724666386832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-45568551469279852102010-12-09T10:45:06.776-05:002010-12-09T10:45:06.776-05:00It's hard to turn that monster off, but like v...It's hard to turn that monster off, but like vvdenman, I liked your comment about there being enough readers for all of us. That's so true.Pattihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00685341739870191402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-19682317112924552002010-12-09T09:12:55.921-05:002010-12-09T09:12:55.921-05:00"There are enough readers for all of us."..."There are enough readers for all of us."<br /><br />I like that. Thanks for the reminder.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-70367388552026235342010-12-09T02:22:34.629-05:002010-12-09T02:22:34.629-05:00Ofcourse I have battled the green eyed jealousy mo...Ofcourse I have battled the green eyed jealousy monster, Jody. Then I start comparing my writing with that other writer's. Its tough time out there and we are bound to feel jealous when we see someone get success faster than us.<br /><br />But eventually I manage to talk myself out of it saying that everyone will get their success, we have to constantly strive to be better and better. I channelise my energies into my work.Rachna Chhabriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16900999965919504282noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-22650571396869152342010-12-08T22:15:58.694-05:002010-12-08T22:15:58.694-05:00Hi Jody -
Thanks for your honest post. Would you ...Hi Jody -<br /><br />Thanks for your honest post. Would you believe one of my blog ideas is about competition?<br /><br />I like what Keli said about not making comparisons. If I write anything else here, I won't have any material for my post!<br /><br />Blessings,<br />Susan :)Susan J. Reinhardthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07461276857852409546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-72982316523400955552010-12-08T20:19:38.273-05:002010-12-08T20:19:38.273-05:00Jealousy is an awful emotion--in any area of life....Jealousy is an awful emotion--in any area of life. I know! As writers, if we're always comparing ourselves to someone else, I suspect we'll always be unhappy. Yes, I too have been jealous of others' writing accomplishments. I just try very hard to be happy for them, and for anyone's success in any endeavor. Not as easy thing to do. We're all human!!<br /><a href="http://annbest-jen.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow"><i>Ann Best, Long Journey Home</i></a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-7624152425932112762010-12-08T18:59:22.227-05:002010-12-08T18:59:22.227-05:00Very thought provoking post, Jody. Thank you for b...Very thought provoking post, Jody. Thank you for being so honest and for shedding some light on a topic that I am sure we all fall into.Tracy Krausshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05066853243062725525noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-55257764734890525822010-12-08T17:00:01.240-05:002010-12-08T17:00:01.240-05:00Honestly?
I think that anyone who is healthy enou...Honestly?<br /><br />I think that anyone who is healthy enough physically to waste time on being jealous of another human's success, happiness, or talent or good fortune should get on their knees and thank their lucky stars it's so.<br /><br />Then they should go back to their own writing and try to make it the best it can be.<br /><br />I'm sorry if that sounds harsh. I've just seen way too much on the medical front- not just my own experiences but those of people I love and complete strangers- to abide pettiness. Life is too short, everyone, please, please do not waste time on things like being jealous of other people. Fight it. Your time is so much better spent on caring for yourself and building up your own self-esteem so you don't worry what the person next to you is achieving. Focus on your own goals, and appreciate the good things you have.<br /><br />~bruFebruary Gracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01078037856070486022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-22510350251628186932010-12-08T16:47:11.737-05:002010-12-08T16:47:11.737-05:00I'm getting better at keeping the monster at b...I'm getting better at keeping the monster at bay. It's just not worth the energy. And I'm learning to trust God that his blessings will come my way in due time--and that he has more than enough to go around.<br /><br />Just finished a guest post for Rachelle on this exact topic. :)Marla Tavianohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14485117754789717519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-45633394956084955452010-12-08T15:40:43.703-05:002010-12-08T15:40:43.703-05:00wonderfully honest, thoughtful & uplifting pos...wonderfully honest, thoughtful & uplifting post. lifts one writer's spirit! (gratefulness is, as you show, 1 way to combat the green-eyed monster!)josie lynn richardshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04010485103164485795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-84522542297347903012010-12-08T15:07:29.534-05:002010-12-08T15:07:29.534-05:00Another "Jodyism" gem for my notebook: &...Another "Jodyism" gem for my notebook: "I'm competing against myself! I want to always do better and be better than I was with the last book." That's the perfect attitude to combat jealousy. The thing is, jealousy is such a negative force. Wallowing in it keeps us from doing our best work. I keep Proverbs 14:30 in mind: "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones."Carol J. Garvinhttp://careann.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-60070632896542566272010-12-08T14:59:29.237-05:002010-12-08T14:59:29.237-05:00I remind myself that a great Christian novel is go...I remind myself that a great Christian novel is good for the entire industry. The more great authors (like you) writing Christian fiction, the better it will be for everyone!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02512158365021041194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-57711182611387851412010-12-08T14:07:09.323-05:002010-12-08T14:07:09.323-05:00Dear Jody,
Yes I have suffered with this monster....Dear Jody,<br /><br />Yes I have suffered with this monster. However, I have been able to convince myself to delight in their success. Like any author your emotions flow from your heart to your fingertips, to you story.<br /><br />I'm not a big fan of jealousy so I try to overcome it with love. I start with analyzing what I "feel" my competition is. <br /><br />Is it my genre? Is that something I really want? Readers read a lot! I too have several authors I love, from several genres.<br /><br />I'll even admit that I was a little jealous of you Jody Hedlund...with her 900+ followers. And I with my 15...then I got the 16th (you) and I felt better. :)<br /><br />BriAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07707709087040036470noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-54976188603573441132010-12-08T14:06:29.445-05:002010-12-08T14:06:29.445-05:00Thanks for this post. I've definitely experien...Thanks for this post. I've definitely experienced my share of jealousy. Since I'm just getting started with blogging and still at the beginning stages of getting published, I'm sure I'll feel it again and again. <br /><br />I think what makes people jealous is the feeling like if some one else has a success, it means there isn't room in the Universe for that success to reach them too. As you've said, that isn't true. There is enough room for all of the great books in the world and every writer has the same opportunity to succeed.Ghenet Myrthilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12621168379560585094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-7526166865575682132010-12-08T14:05:13.247-05:002010-12-08T14:05:13.247-05:00Thanks for your honesty! It frees us to be honest ...Thanks for your honesty! It frees us to be honest too. Yes, I'm sure we've all been frustrated and wondering when it'll ever be OUR turn. Working hard, writing hard, doing all the "right" things, and still nothing happens. While others land agents, get editors, and proudly give out their ARCs. <br /><br />But on the flip side, it's really FUN to celebrate with someone, because we know what it's like to be unpublished! And you're right--we're not in competition. We're fellow writers, and we can inspire and help each other. Thanks!Carol Riggshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14092209912983783974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-67080125023394539362010-12-08T13:41:41.847-05:002010-12-08T13:41:41.847-05:00Back at you, Jody! I love seeing the other thought...Back at you, Jody! I love seeing the other thought processes, so thank you for sharing your side, as well. :)Michelle D. Argylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09696465137285587646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-11435389560335485822010-12-08T13:41:05.296-05:002010-12-08T13:41:05.296-05:00Great point, Susan! I think it's good to reali...Great point, Susan! I think it's good to realize that if others can make it, then it's possible for us too. <br /><br />And Michelle! LOVE your continuing thoughts on competition! You've really got me thinking today! ;-) That's why I've always loved reading your posts and dialoging with you!Jody Hedlundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12424307540530719614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-31594219097525553062010-12-08T13:37:49.874-05:002010-12-08T13:37:49.874-05:00Well I'd be lying if I said I'd never expe...Well I'd be lying if I said I'd never experienced jealousy, but it is usually short-lived. I think the success of others typically makes me feel like it's possible for me too. I'm truly happy (with a hint of jealousy) every time someone I know achieves something I'm struggling for. Especially if I know they've been working just as hard as I have.Susan R. Millshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09578747592345750650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-66743438832455978402010-12-08T13:05:21.775-05:002010-12-08T13:05:21.775-05:00I have to tell you I've been there. I've a...I have to tell you I've been there. I've also let go and let God run the show and have questioned him on why the long wait. The bottom line is, it's out of my hands. I can no more control a literary agent picking up the phone and offering me a contract than I can a hurricane. The only things I can control is my stories and then there are days that I wonder about that as well.Tanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10518718614911804428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-27717379603359456502010-12-08T12:34:44.319-05:002010-12-08T12:34:44.319-05:00I battled with jealousy several years ago when a f...I battled with jealousy several years ago when a fellow writer's speaking ministry began growing by leaps and bounds. I wanted that too! <br /><br />So, I decided to try a different approach and I started praying for her - a lot! I prayed that God would bless her and give her tons of opportunities and expand her platform.<br /><br />It sounds hyper-spiritual, but it really did help me. It helped me be excited for her and not jealous.<br /><br />The strangest thing happened last year - she asked me to come on staff as her Executive Editor in her ministry! I had NO idea that my prayers for HER would ever affect me directly, but somehow they did. <br /><br />Of course, I still have to remind myself of that every now and then! :-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8539581256374625880.post-2802465473692419232010-12-08T12:23:53.599-05:002010-12-08T12:23:53.599-05:00Great post! I battle jealousy allll the time.Great post! I battle jealousy allll the time.Chantalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09543581308363689982noreply@blogger.com