Resist Temptation

Brooding about so-and-so-author-who-just- came-out-with-book-four-in-four-years kills any chance of worthwhile writing.

In a weak moment, googling this author and reading her blog might seem inspirational. Judging her books trash, acknowledging they do seem to be selling by the tens of thousands, convincing yourself that doesn't change their trash-status...

Hmmm. The adrenaline is flowing. Words might even be flowing across the page.
But more likely, you will be slumped over the keyboard feeling like your own writing is trash and you'll never finish another book.

Using the rush of feeling that comes from thinking about the success or failure of other authors  to drive your own work may put words on the page in the short term. In the long term it results in shallow, contracted writing.

Word that speak deeply about the human condition flow from a self solid in its identity and purpose as if no other writer ever picked up a pen, or tapped keys on a keyboard.