This post by Marcy McKay originally appeared on Bestseller Labs on 10/14/14.
Every writer has experienced this emotion. When ‘it’ happens, your head explodes, rage swirls through you, while an imaginary fist pounds your gut.
When? Why?
It so happens that overnight, the internet has been buzzing with the latest literary whiz kid, who hit the New York Times Bestsellers List.
“It was my first try at a novel,” she chirps.
Your bitterness tastes like bile. Rage and resentment flood your veins. That poison you’re feeling is…
Jealousy
No matter how the scenario plays out, the end result is the same. You hate another writer for having what you want: fame, fortune and fabulousness. All that glory should be yours.
This emotion is so all-consuming that its evil twin – envy, is listed as one of the Seven Deadly Sins. The desire for others’ traits, status, abilities or situation is such an offense here in the human realm that your punishment is to spend eternity in the freezing waters of Hell.
I didn’t even know that Hell had freezing waters, but I’d rather not find out.
Jealous Much?
Jealousy does not work and play well with others. There’s no room for abundance. Only you get to be king of the mountain.
This recent Salon article showcases how one author’s deep envy for John Green on his success with “The Fault in Our Stars” almost destroyed their friendship.
Read the full post on Bestseller Labs.