48
In the end, a fi rst-class you is better than a second-
hand version of somebody else. Write books that
can’t be clumped with a bunch of similar ones.
—David Morrell
But when it comes to writing, the “Sam Snead Off
the Practice Tee Syndrome” is based on a fallacy.
When you read something that is stunningly origi-
nal and think you could never, even on your best day,
have thought that up, you’re right. Nor could any other
writer, anywhere.
That’s because that particular bit of brilliance be-
longs to that writer alone. It came from his own mind
and life and heart and experience, fi ltered through bil-
lions and billions of brain synapses over the course of
decades. There is no way anyone else can duplicate that
background.
And that’s why there is more than one book pub-
lished each year.
You have something unique to write, and your job
is to fi nd it.
Same goes for style. You have your own, waiting to
get on the page.
And guess what? Mr. Brilliant Genius Writer cannot
duplicate you.
So learn from the greats. Read and study those you
admire. But never compare yourself to them.
You are becoming the best you, not another them.
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