I think so. We're generally told not to, but I've always found comparison a great way to learn. There's a smart way to do it, though, so we don't come away feeling like we'll never be good enough.

First, accept that everyone (even you!) has a unique perspective, and that writing is the purposeful art of self-expression. Good writing is, first and foremost, about mastering the art of telling your story your way.

Commit to only comparing the things you can control. Like technical ability, depth of knowledge, or the soft skills that lend to better writing and authoring. So if you ever find yourself lacking, you'll come away with a new list of things study. It never makes sense to compare what you can't control, because what could you do about it other than cry helplessly into the night?

Finally, compare yourself to a diverse range of writers, regardless of whether they're "better" or "worse" than you. In this creative field, we can learn something from everyone, regardless of whether they mean to teach us or not 😉

Comparison is only useful if you approach it with enthusiasm for your art and a genuine desire to learn. Otherwise, it really can be the thief of joy.

Originally published in Dot Club #22 (August 2020)