My least favourite profession? Authors.
Specifically, skiffy and fantasy authors.

More specifically, talented skiffy and fantasy authors.

With exponentially increasing specificality, incredibly talented etc.

With laser precision, Neil Gaiman, Alan Moore, China Mieville, Iain Banks (the 'M' is silent), Sergei Lukyanenko and probably Neil Gaiman again.

I've been trying to writemake a wordbook for some time now, and the twin challenges of a) not writing like my favourite authors and b) writing anything near as well as them are doing my nut. Anyone else ever feel insignificant?
(Falstaff's Spiritual Successor, Sat 29 May 2010, 1:01, 10 replies)

Practice practice practice! (annoying phrase, right? :P )
You don't want to write like them anyway, there's nothing more rewarding than developing your own voice in your work.

Case in point: Terry Pratchett will never be successfully mimicked.
(Sivvus trolley collision in the fruit aisle led to a jam, Sat 29 May 2010, 1:15, closed)

It's even worse than voice
I got 40,000 words into my first serious novel before I realised I was basically writing Night Watch. Which seemed kinda superfluous, given that it had already been written. Out with the editing chainsaw!!
(Falstaff's Spiritual Successor, Sat 29 May 2010, 1:42, closed)

yes
When I was 11 my writing was basically rehashed Michael Moorcock. Over the years I've really tried to develop my own style, but yes it is tough to be so outclassed even before I've started
( Amberl was stripey and dominated Europe, Sat 29 May 2010, 1:19, closed)

Oddly enough, I'm given to believe Gaiman had the same problem.

(Falstaff's Spiritual Successor, Sat 29 May 2010, 1:44, closed)

copying Michael Moorcock
or problems with style?
( Amberl was stripey and dominated Europe, Sat 29 May 2010, 1:48, closed)

Trying to be Moorcock. I'm sure he said as much in an interview.

(Falstaff's Spiritual Successor, Sat 29 May 2010, 1:52, closed)

Haha that's quite unusual
I don't really keep up with Gaiman, so it's quite an interesting fact. Moorcock is sadly underrated
( Amberl was stripey and dominated Europe, Sat 29 May 2010, 2:13, closed)

Read Neal Stephenson
and cry.
( uncle bastard is twanging a dan moi, Sat 29 May 2010, 10:39, closed)

love his books
Then somebody pointed out that he has trouble finishing his stories and I have to agree that he seems weak in this area (imho etc.)
('tin'tintin, Sat 29 May 2010, 13:52, closed)

It's very true
but much the pleasure is in the journey for his writing, so that's okay.
( Fronds are waving gently on, Sat 29 May 2010, 20:38, closed)