Thanks for sharing. This journey of writing, creating, and just trying to make something happen can feel like an emotional obstacle course. And you have captured it perfectly - the jealousy, the pressure, the endless loop of editing three chapters until they feel like a broken record in your brain. It’s all so real, and so human.
But here’s another perspective I want to offer: what if the feeling of being stuck or jealous isn’t the enemy? What if it’s just part of the creative process, like the messy kitchen before a great meal? Sure, it’s uncomfortable, like a splinter you can’t quite get out. But maybe those moments are what force us to pause, reflect, and dig deeper. Not to beat ourselves up, but to shift focus from “what’s not happening” to “what is.”
And that other writer? Whether she gets her book deal or not, her path doesn’t make yours any less valid. It’s a wild thing we do, thinking someone else’s success erases our own potential. But your words, your story – at the end they are yours. No one else can tell them the way you can. No book deal or lack of one will ever change that.
You’re doing the work, one imperfect, wonderful word at a time. That’s what matters.
Thank you so much for sharing, Wasim! This is a great perspective to have and one that has definitely helped me stop being for hard on myself during creative "winters."
Thank you for reading and building on my thoughts!
Congratulations on finishing up your first draft.. I would highly recommend to print it all out on paper and then go about editing it with a pen/pencil in hand for the first edit.. you know, the good old raw way of enhancing the draft, much like how Hemingway must have done when writing his memoir book: ‘A Moveable Feast’. All the very best!
Congratulations on your draft. My memoir is still a work-in-progress and focuses on embracing sensuality post-ministry. (I was a pastor's wife and in the throes of evangelicalism for over 20 years.)
I have writing in literary journals and a viral HuffPost piece, but I get anxious when others are wrapping up work or showing more progress than me. I think it coincides with how I had to rediscover so much in mid-life. It's hard to not feel like I've wasted time.
But 2025 brings focus and opportunities that fit my journey for which I am thankful.
God I totally relate (note the jealousy throughout this post!!). I get really hung up on people being "ahead" of me, as if we are all not on our own unique timelines with different and equally valuable accomplishments. I often have to remind myself that while other people were figuring themselves out, dating, and growing up, I was getting divorced and leaving the church? But, that doesn't stop me from comparing lol
I would love to read your HuffPost piece if you feel comfortable sharing!
Goodness, Mollie, this season of life seems so long ago! (It got picked up by Yahoo and received over 2k comments I wisely did not read.) Now, I focus on solo sensuality endeavors as I embrace body autonomy.
Thanks for sharing. This journey of writing, creating, and just trying to make something happen can feel like an emotional obstacle course. And you have captured it perfectly - the jealousy, the pressure, the endless loop of editing three chapters until they feel like a broken record in your brain. It’s all so real, and so human.
But here’s another perspective I want to offer: what if the feeling of being stuck or jealous isn’t the enemy? What if it’s just part of the creative process, like the messy kitchen before a great meal? Sure, it’s uncomfortable, like a splinter you can’t quite get out. But maybe those moments are what force us to pause, reflect, and dig deeper. Not to beat ourselves up, but to shift focus from “what’s not happening” to “what is.”
And that other writer? Whether she gets her book deal or not, her path doesn’t make yours any less valid. It’s a wild thing we do, thinking someone else’s success erases our own potential. But your words, your story – at the end they are yours. No one else can tell them the way you can. No book deal or lack of one will ever change that.
You’re doing the work, one imperfect, wonderful word at a time. That’s what matters.
Thank you so much for sharing, Wasim! This is a great perspective to have and one that has definitely helped me stop being for hard on myself during creative "winters."
Thank you for reading and building on my thoughts!
In the words of Charles Bukowski:
“Don’t try.”
Congratulations, Mollie.
It truly gets easier... and then hard again.
A path with valleys and mountains.
A path like no other.
Thank you. Happy to meet you here. I am new. I am still looking around.
I stumbled upon you.
Welcome, Corina! And thank you so much <3
Congratulations on finishing up your first draft.. I would highly recommend to print it all out on paper and then go about editing it with a pen/pencil in hand for the first edit.. you know, the good old raw way of enhancing the draft, much like how Hemingway must have done when writing his memoir book: ‘A Moveable Feast’. All the very best!
I love this idea!! There is something very special about writing with an actual pen!
I needed this.
Thank you.
🖤🖤
Congratulations on your draft. My memoir is still a work-in-progress and focuses on embracing sensuality post-ministry. (I was a pastor's wife and in the throes of evangelicalism for over 20 years.)
I have writing in literary journals and a viral HuffPost piece, but I get anxious when others are wrapping up work or showing more progress than me. I think it coincides with how I had to rediscover so much in mid-life. It's hard to not feel like I've wasted time.
But 2025 brings focus and opportunities that fit my journey for which I am thankful.
Happy editing!
God I totally relate (note the jealousy throughout this post!!). I get really hung up on people being "ahead" of me, as if we are all not on our own unique timelines with different and equally valuable accomplishments. I often have to remind myself that while other people were figuring themselves out, dating, and growing up, I was getting divorced and leaving the church? But, that doesn't stop me from comparing lol
I would love to read your HuffPost piece if you feel comfortable sharing!
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/open-marriage-20-year-old-model_n_65a45bb4e4b07bd6950d3af6
Goodness, Mollie, this season of life seems so long ago! (It got picked up by Yahoo and received over 2k comments I wisely did not read.) Now, I focus on solo sensuality endeavors as I embrace body autonomy.
Here's to figuring it out as we grow up! 😅🥂
Thank you for sharing!! lol good call on not reading the comments 😂
I’m looking forward to reading!
Here’s to one less unfinished project. I really enjoyed the peace you described in realizing you had said everything you needed to say.
Oh thank you! It was so a good feeling 🖤
Bravo!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼
XOXO
Congratulations on your first draft! Huge milestone 🙌🏼✨
Thank you! It's so exciting!