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Writing Myths Busted

By on April 18, 2016
Writing Myths Busted - Writer's Life.org

Whether you are a seasoned writer, or just starting out, it’s likely that at some point or another you will have reached out to try and find some advice on the most common mistake writers make, what to do and what not to do to ensure that you don’t fall at the first hurdle.

The trouble is, however, that there is so much advice out there, and really when it comes to being creative, can there be a 'one size fits all' rule? Some advice hinders rather than helps writers, so remember when it comes to being told how to write, it is sometimes best to follow your instincts, and do what feels right for you.

You’ll find some of the most common writing myths below - don’t let them fool you!

Writing is just easy for some people

Let’s face facts, some people might be really disciplined, others might be really talented, but neither of these things means that writing is a total breeze for these people. OK, so you hear some people talking about writing being a ‘natural’ thing that they just felt like they ‘instinctively’ know how to do, but don’t believe them. No one picks up a musical instrument for the first time and starts playing to a professional standard. Writing is much like this. It’s a craft that you must learn and practice, the more you practice, the more you improve. No one finds it easy, it’s about hard work, and discipline, and only with experience and dedication does it get easier to do.

You’ve got to have a gift to write

Don’t think that writing can’t be learned - it can. While it may be true that some people have a talent for writing, it doesn’t mean that those who aren’t naturally inclined to write, can’t become good writers. The more you learn and practice, the better you’ll get.

Writing isn't a ‘real’ job

Writing is a useful skill and spending your time writing can open many doors. In fact, when you think about it, almost all professions require writing in some form or another, so having a way with words can really boost your career.

Writing won’t pay the bills

The image of the ‘struggling but brilliant’ writer is one that we are all familiar with, but really writing can be a rewarding, satisfying and lucrative career. There are many excellent salaried jobs out there that you can work your way into, or, should you choose to go freelance, there are now many different publications and online jobs which are offering well-paid work.

If you want to be a fiction writer, sure it’s a tough business trying to get a book published, but don’t forget the other options such as radio script writing, short story writing and many more, all of which can pay well, and are easier to get into.

Writers Block is a lie

OK so this one is a little tricky, there can be times in every writer's life where they feel uninspired to write, or that someone has put a total block on their creativity. However writers block is curable and usually rears its ugly head because of what the writers themselves are doing. Next time it happens, try to understand why. Is it because you are procrastinating, or refusing to write unless the conditions are ‘perfect’, or perhaps the idea simply isn’t fully formed in your head yet? Either may you need to relax, keep on working at it and eventually you’ll get there.

Either way you need to relax, keep on working at it and eventually you’ll get there.

Don’t let your writing be stalled or intimidated by these myths, put them to bed once and for all, and don’t let anything stop you!

About Ty Cohen