All I’ve ever wanted to be one of the most clever writers in the world and, thanks to Facebook status updates, I’m not even sure I’m the most clever writer in my house.
Not a day goes by where I don’t read an article, short story, book or tweet and think to myself, Oh man, that’s so good. I wish I’d have written that. The disease is called Writer Envy and I have it. BIG TIME. There are signs everywhere, like when I can’t put down a book because the story is so riveting (The Rule of Four). Or when I retweet someone else’s witty one-liner (like this).
This got me thinking: Is it healthy to have Writer Envy? Shouldn’t we all have it? Isn’t it in our nature, as writers, to be a little envious of great writing? I have to think that we weren’t on the constant lookout for great writing we’d never mature as writers. So I’m glad I suffer from Writer Envy. I hope it’s an ailment I carry with me the rest of my life. My only hope is that one day someone reads something I wrote and thinks, Oh man, that’s so good. I wish I’d have written that.
So here’s my question to you: What writers cause you to suffer from Writer Envy the most?
(Note: My top two are Kurt Vonnegut and Dave Barry. Hands down.)
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I have been envious of Stephen King for so long I can’t remember when I didn’t want to breathe life into characters the way he does. The lives of his characters are so real, I wonder if he isn’t just a little mad, or perhaps I am the one who is mad. His stories sing, because his characters dance.
Oh, gracious …Who am I *not* in envy of?! As a poet, I’m currently suffering major envy in regards to Gwendolyn Brooks, Sandra Beasley, D.A. Powell, Nicole Walker, Bob Hicok, Terrance Hayes, Natasha Trethewey, Nikky Finney, Kevin Young … I could go on forever. In general as a writer … is it too much to say that my major envies are you and Robert Lee Brewer? I’ve been following both your writings in blog and editorial form for years now, and I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’ve considered both your jobs “the dream,” ha-ha!
Personally I think writer envy is grand. It keeps me motivated. In the iconic words of When Harry Met Sally, “I’ll have what [they're] having!” Writer envy makes me want to write until I achieve what they’ve achieved. I joke constantly that I’m going to be the next Poet Laureate, and while my sights aren’t really that high (at least, not entirely) my writer envy of Natasha Trethewey makes me think, “If she can do it by 46, I can maybe do it by … 30?”
Chuck Palahniuk and J.K Rowling geniuses in their own rights.
Amy Tan, most probably. Her stories ring true for everyone, regardless of your culture or ethnicity. I’d love to have that kind of cultural, creative impact.
I think Writer’s Envy isn’t a bad thing, so long as it inspires you to actually write and improve. I have a bad case of it, but it tends to incapacitate me and block me for long stretches of time…
Chuck Palahniuk, Paul Auster and David Mitchell.
As a person who reads (and writes) Young Adult Paranormal/Fantasy, I definitely would’ve wanted to write The Hunger Games, Vampire Academy, Fallen, Twilight…I definitely have writer’s envy!!
Ken Follet and Gregory Maguire. Both have such vivid imaginations and engaging characters that I get a little misty eyed reading them. They are my favorites!
Anton Chekov. Irene Nemirovsky. Mark Danielewski: his novel “House of Leaves” was a revelation–a crazy, hot mess–but creatively brilliant.
Steven Erikson. Everything he writes is so dense and powerful. In my opinion that is.
There is a genius with whom I am acquainted named Douglas Shull. Very witty, and good with the bass guitar. He may not be a writer though. However, I think he should be. Then there is the brilliant James Scott Bell. His generosity and willingness to teach about writing astounds me. He is amazing! Mark Twain…. WOW!! There are so many writers who have my accolades What a blessing to have them here, on this planet, in this era.
I’m with you on Dave Barry. That man can take anything and make it seem funny!