Writing Tips You’re Allowed to Ignore

“You must write every day.”

Consistency definetly helps when it comes to writing, but guilt most certainly does not. Never let guilt push you into writing. Write when you have time and are in the right headspace. Push yourself a little, but if the words aren’t there: edit, read, re-read, or daydream! There are lots more things to writing than wordcount.

“Adverbs are forbidden.”

Sometimes the adverb is fine and there are no better words without turning your writing into something incoherant. Put in the work and try to find another word, but if you can’t, don’t stress! The writing police are not coming, I promise. Use them sparingly, but go ahead and use them.

“First drafts should be perfect.”

Absolutely not. If a first draft is ever ‘perfect’, then you need to do start editing, or it wasn’t a first draft. It is true that the more you write and build up your skills, the less work your first draft will need, but it is still supposed to be a bit of a mess!

Also, first drafts look different for everyone. They could be all the scenes stuck together with no transitions yet. It could have place holder names and ‘(research xyz topic here)’.

Regardless, they are allowed to be disasters.

That’s literally their job.

So, write the words, let it be messy. You can always edit later.

“You can only write one genre.”

Write the stories that excite you! Cross genres, if you want! Even if you try another genre as a writing experiement or to have some fun, it helps to step out of your comfort zone and try your hand at something different. It helps with creativety as well.

You wrote a spicy rom-com and now want to write a werewolf book? Or a time-travelling western-mob-crime book?

Do it!

(I did...)

“Write what you know.”

Readers like a confident writer, which often translates to writing something you know a lot about. But, you can also write what you’re curious about.

Research exists for a reason! If a topic interests you, then you research, investigate, and put the most fascinating parts on paper.

Remember: Everyone writes differently.

Try different ways to write. Try different writing programs. Figure out what works for YOU as a writer.

Writing is supposed to be fun!

Can it be stressful, and agonizing, and frustrating?

Yes.

But, you are creating something brand new. Have fun, enjoy the process, and breath through the struggles.