Friends, I fear Ava is a superior writer than I.
This isn’t just because she has a complete novel and I don’t, or that she writes more consistently than I do, or that she’s written much more smut than I have. All of these things are true, but they aren’t why I say her writing is better.
It’s because her writing is different.
Let me explain. When starting this blog, from the get-go, it was clear we had different styles. This I knew, but now, when placed side by side, it was much clearer. I think I tend to be more academic in all my writing. I did go to college focusing on writing, so it only makes sense. I do try to sprinkle in humor and references, but I’m a professional here! I’ve written papers on classical literature and Shakespeare, for Christ’s sake! Why does it bother me that Ava’s writing is different?
Because she’s freaking hilarious. Seriously. I had the idea for matching articles on us converting each other to Sandersonism and the Cult of King. Mine is very detailed and meticulous, laying out my exact journey and thoughts. Ava’s does much of the same, but with a level of wit that mine lacked. Even her title is golden. “How Saige Ruined My Life”? Storming genius. How do I top that? Mine was called “On Becoming a Fan of King”. No one is going to read my articles when she has titles like that. How bland. How sterile. How the hell do you top that?
You don’t. I had a choice to make. I only had a few articles prepped at this point. I could go back and spice them up, cutting out my crazy complicated sentences crammed with clauses. I could stop catering to my obsession with alliteration. I could increase my fourth wall breaks! Guys, I can be funny! Change myself to be what I think you may want!
But that, my friends, I cannot do.
I have to let Ava be funnier than me.
All is not lost, though! I had to remember that the grass is always greener. What if Ava is jealous of my alliteration, just as I am jealous of her natural humor? Is she the yin to my yang? A source of motivation and inspiration?
She is.
For months now Ava has inspired me with her dedication and love for both reading and writing. And while I am (and probably always will be) jealous of her abilities to devour books and vomit up chapters, she makes me want to be better. Already this year, I have read almost as many books as I did last year. I’ve written more in the last few months than I did the latter half of 2024. We’ve talked about our shared experiences in receiving rejection letters after submitting work. She watched my live poetry reading in May.
And she made me want to start a blog with a friend, to create a space where we can create our digital footprint and share our thoughts. Who cares if we have different styles and voices? If I sometimes fear I am inferior. I’m inspired to do better by her work, which is something I’ve needed since finishing college and no longer have writing assignments. I needed both my muse and my rival.
Thanks, Ava! For infuriating me with your talent, inspiring me with your prose, and relating to my struggles as an aspiring author. And for agreeing to start this little blog with me.
And to my dear readers, follow my example and accept your differences and frustrations, letting them fuel your fire and get your ass in your chair to actually do the hobby you claim to like.
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