Disallowed

Allowing myself to compare my work with that of other writers would be discouraging, so I won’t do that. I won’t allow it AND I won’t do it.

Reading other writers sometimes makes me cry. Quite often I’m crying because of the beautiful way they have chosen to express themselves and their thoughts on a topic. Other times I cry because their message hits me right in the heart.

You simply cannot emulate those you deem to be “best.” You can take an example and work harder at your craft.
That you CAN do!

Pam Schroeder once labeled me an intellectual.
That one comment has shaped my thinking
(and, of course, my writing) for most of my life.