Melanie Nilles

At some point as writers, we think to ourselves, “My writing sucks!” No it doesn’t! But it’s hard not to think it. I go through moments of self-doubt, even now, with five books contracted. I still doubt whether my stories will be read and appreciated. I see other similar books by prolific, successful authors and think “Mine is horrible compared to that! He/She already did something similar. How can I beat that?”

I can’t. But…

Mine are written as only I can write them. My stories are not theirs. I have been accepted above thousands of others who submitted. Those other authors wrote what they know. They haven’t had my experiences, nor do they see the world the same as I do. My stories may have similar elements but they are completely different, as only I can write them, and I do write well. Mine are good. Someone will read and enjoy them, and they can’t be compared because they are different plots, different characters. I wrote what I like and know; they wrote what they know. And–dammit!–I have a more farfetched imagination and am not limited by what’s on this world. (The fact I enjoy anime is evidenced in Dark Angel, which is nothing like a certain popular YA series, which takes a more scientific, Earth-based, approach with a similar element.) I’m just starting, and I’ll make my own mark. I didn’t copy anyone. My stories will stand strong for their own merits, because it satisfies a different niche.

Next time you start feeling depressed because of rejections and reading similar stories to yours, remember this. Only you can write your story. It may need editing, but the world you create is yours. When it’s accepted for publication, it happened because someone believed in your work. You should too.