‘Write Everyday’ and other Writerly Advice you can safely Ignore
Writing can be difficult not only for beginners but also for seasoned writers. Practising the craft day-in and day-out can bring dullness into routines. Veterans too are constantly looking to improve their work and their productivity when it comes to writing projects.
So, they turn to advice from others whose work they look up to or from communities or even the internet. However, a piece of advice, no matter how brilliant it sounds, may not work for everyone. A writer’s temperament and personal working style plays a huge role in deciding a routine and work plan.
Let us look at some of the commonly quoted writing advice and when it will work for you.
Write Every Day
This is the most common and widely used phrase when it comes to talking about improving productivity.
What it really means: Stay consistent with your efforts
It may not work for everyone because it can feel difficult to power through a busy workday or while you have other life responsibilities. It is better to write at your own pace and have a flexible writing schedule that lets you be regular without it being overwhelming.
Write What You Know
New writers take this to heart, writing only what they have experienced, or have understood or anything that is closer to their area of expertise.
What it really means: Writing from personal experience can be powerful and relatable to your reader but do not let this maxim limit your creativity. Fantasy genre would have died if writers took this seriously. Imagination, speculation, exploring new, and even absurd ideas has made for some great fiction.
Know Your Grammar
Writers strive to have impeccable grammar while also adhering to rigid structural rules.
What it really means:
Good writing is meant to communicate clearly but some stories may call for authenticity and unconventional storytelling. Know the rules but also experiment sometimes to see what you can achieve. At all times though, make sure that you are not confusing the reader.
Don’t Edit While You Write
It is often said that self-editing disrupts the creative process and that the first draft is when you put down all ideas on paper. First drafts are meant to be messy but does that work everytime?
What it really means:
Do not let the pursuit of perfection interfere with creativity.
For some writers, editing helps refine ideas and clarify their expression. It also helps streamline the structure and build momentum. The key is maintaining a balance if you like to edit as you go along.
Write for an Audience
Many people advocate keeping in mind your ideal reader while writing. This might limit your creativity or experimenting process.
What it really means:
Be mindful of your audience’s tastes and also see that your writing adds value. However, adhering to a formula may make your writing shallow and you may lose your unique voice. Don’t write so that your work only fits a mould. Stay true to yourself and your life philosophy.
Trust Your Own Process
The world of writing is filled with advice, but it’s important to remember that not all advice will apply to you. Writing is a deeply personal endeavor. The most important thing is to find your own rhythm that lets you grow as a writer. Don’t feel pressured by conventional wisdom—trust your instincts and write in a way that works for you.
