By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

What can we do when many of our writer friends are receiving publishing contracts and we’re facing one rejection after another? We want to congratulate the writer and be happy for their success in a sincere manner, but the hurt and envy may cut so deeply that our creativity vanishes. We are paralyzed, leaving us paralyzed in a state of doubt and confusion about our abilities as a writer.

Writers, you are not alone. It’s human nature to question why others are doing well in their endeavors and we are struggling. A writer who claims they have never encountered envy isn’t honest.

What are some practical steps when envy hinders our creativity?

1. Take the problem to God and tell Him what we are feeling. Be honest. Forcing ourselves to write when overwhelmed doesn’t solve the problem. Use prayer, Scripture, nature, wise counsel, or other activities to find help and peace.

Truth: Our God is a big God, and He can take whatever the world shoves His way. He already knows what we are feeling and loves us unconditionally.

2. Admit jealousy, then consider gratitude for all God has done.

Truth: Gratitude is the key to unlocking our awareness of blessings. List all God has done for you not only in your writing career but also in your personal life. Celebrate his love and provision.

3. Examine your method of writing. Ensure you educate yourself daily in the craft, marketing and promotion, readers, and giving back to the writing community.

Truth: If God called us to be dancers, musicians, artists, or accountants, wouldn’t we strive for the necessary education and practice our skills?

4. Pursue other creative outlets that bring us joy. Develop hobbies other than writing.

Truth: God cares about us, and He has given us other gifts and talents to enjoy.

5. Give back to the writing community by helping others.

Truth:  God doesn’t want us to keep our knowledge secret. He wants us to share and help others.

6. Remind ourselves of why we began writing. Recall the joy and enthusiasm.

Truth: When God calls us to write, He directs our paths. We are human and make mistakes. But our God is forgiving. Through every adversity, there is something we can learn to increase our spiritual awareness and the task to which He has called us. We lean more on Him and seek to better serve Him.

7. Take small steps and commit to getting back into the world of writing.

Truth: Get back in the game. Listen to Head Coach Holy Spirit who guides and encourages us, not Satan who thrives on condemnation.

God doesn’t care how many books we’ve written, sales numbers, or awards. He cares about our relationship with Him, others, and our obedience to write for Him.

The green monster might temporarily steal our writing creativity, but we know how to recover creativity by walking the right path with God.

How do you respond to envy in the writing world?

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards, the Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, an active member of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. DiAnn continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, BookBub, YouTube, LinkedIn. or her website: diannmills.com