Advice is everywhere. No matter your questions or concerns on any topic, someone is always willing to answer. Unfortunately, not all advice is good advice.
Writing advice can lead you down the rabbit hole of routine and discipline, of the idea of perfection. I'm here to tell you, it doesn't always work this way. Breaking away from tips and 'truths' you see on the internet is okay.
Listed below are some common writing myths you should consider breaking away from.
“Good Writing Must Always Be Perfect on the First Draft”
This is the most common myth I've heard. As writers, we want our writing to be perfect for our readers. First drafts, however, are not meant to be final.
First drafts are meant to be messy. It is where you get your basic ideas down, ones that no one else may ever see. It is the base for your story, and you can write whatever you want on your drafts. No one will see it!
You Need to Write Every Day to Be Successful
I understand why this is a tip given by many people. Unfortunately, it's not true. I will admit that writing every day does have benefits. It can keep your skills sharp, and lead you to new ideas. This tactic, however, is not always fruitful.
Writing every day can cause doubts you may not have had before. You may be tempted to procrastinate knowing what's on the horizon, feel guilty when you can't stick to a schedule, or lose motivation. Writing daily may work for some people, but you don't need to do this to be successful.
“Using Complex Language Makes Your Writing Better”
Sometimes, complex language can entice the reader to continue. It can help to convey complicated concepts and relationships within your story. Too much of anything can also be a bad thing.
I believe most writers use complex language to make their writing more mature, and there is nothing wrong with using it. However, using too much can overcomplicate your story. Some readers may struggle with difficult vocabulary, and this can make your writing wordy. Try to find a style in between!
“Outlining Kills Creativity”
Outlining is a technique that has been disputed for as long as I've been writing. It can also be a base for your story, somewhere to write down your ideas and thoughts through the process.
Creativity does not have to suffer in the hands of outlining! You do not have to stick to an outline you've made or outline every detail of your story. Play around with your outline, and don't be scared to stray away from your original plan. Rules are meant to be broken, especially with writing.
“Real Writers Never Face Writer’s Block”
No one is at their best every day. It is impossible to be one hundred perfect all the time, and this goes for writers, celebrities, etc.
Small writers may feel their goals are unattainable because of their writer's block, but it is natural. I'm sure every writer has experienced writer's block. It is part of the process we go through. It's what makes us writers work around the block and overcome!
“If It’s Not Hard, You’re Doing It Wrong”
Although we have writer's block, we also have writing spurts. It's okay to have those spurts of writing, and for it to feel easy in that moment. This is where most of our production comes from.
Arguably, this is also how your first drafts manifest! It may seem easy at the moment, but take the time to edit and properly look over your writing later. Fine-tuning is important to the process!
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