I had a rip-roaring good time last evening with a critique group I taught last winter. They are still meeting, still working, still writing. Hurray and thanks for inviting me. These folks are so genial with one another. But I’ve been in groups where the green-eyed monster lurked around every corner.
Writing Tip for Today: Writers are people so jealousy naturally arises. But is writer’s jealousy any different from the garden-variety type? What does it look like?

• The Loneliness of the Contest Entrants. You and a writer buddy both enter the same contest. If writer buddy wins and you get 3rd Honorable Mention, what do you say and how do you really feel? Easy one. Smile, tell buddy what a great writer she is, clap on back. Depending on the contest prize, pop open champagne. If you’re like me, inside you wonder what you did wrong, why you ever thought you could write, imagine buddy is putting up with you until that first big advance. Secretly think the judges erred. Sulk, mope and pity-party factor: High.
• The Winner Treats All. You and your crit group work tirelessly to achieve publication. Then it happens: a member lands a contract. For years, she’s promised to take all of you to Hawaii when she’s published. Hawaii’s out but member takes everyone out to dinner. You feel guilty for plotting the member’s demise, wonder if God wishes you’d take up knitting instead. Sulk, mope factor: Moderate.
• Secret Agent Writer. You meet a writer at a conference who casually talks about, “my agent this or that.” You ask who represents this writer and he looks at you like it’s top secret. You ask for a recommendation and the writer clams up. You want to ask if the guy gets many nosebleeds in the rarefied air where his ego resides. Ick Factor: Extreme. For a hilarious romp through this publication life, read The Accidental Bestseller, by Wendy Wax.

I’m having fun here, but I do think this kind of stuff happens. Have you encountered some form of writer’s jealousy? What happened and what was it like?