Debunking Common Myths About Writing
Have you fallen for any of these myths about writing?
Posted by Melissa Donovan on April 5, 2018 ·https://www.writingforward.com/
Myths abound in the world of the arts, and writers are not immune to them. Many of us succumb to the fallacies that are floating around about what it means to be a writer or what it takes to become a writer.
So what’s the matter with falling for myths about writing?
Myths about writing lead to unrealistic expectations. Some of us end up believing that becoming a writer is easy. Others believe it’s impossible. We think writers are poor, drunk, or living in a state of perpetual despair. After all, one must struggle to become an artist, right?
Myths About Writing
Expectations are important. When we set realistic expectations, we can plan accordingly, and our chances for success increase exponentially. Conversely, when our expectations are incorrect, we are setting ourselves up for disappointment and failure.
So let’s debunk some of the most notorious myths about writing:
Myth: You shouldn’t read much, because other writers’ styles might leak into your work and it won’t be original.
Truth: That’s like saying you shouldn’t interact with other people because you might adopt their personalities. Trust that your own unique style will emerge, even if it is influenced by other writers. You’ll never become a good or great writer if you don’t study the work of writers who have gone before you,. You’ll also be ignorant about the craft and the marketplace, and it will show in your work.
Myth: Good grammar is unnecessary if you want your writing to be raw and edgy.
Truth: Writing is raw and edgy because of what it communicates, not because it’s peppered with typos and constructed with poorly structured sentences. Bad grammar and weak sentences are not interesting or original; shoddy writing signals a lack of professionalism and a lack of skill.
Myth: We should only write when we’re inspired.
Truth: There may be some truth to this one. But that doesn’t mean we should sit around waiting for inspiration to strike. Writers must learn how to get inspired and stay inspired. And we also need to learn how to get our work done even when we’re not feeling inspired. Otherwise, we’ll produce a whole lot of nothing.
Myth: Artistic success is borne of pure talent.
Truth: Talent is a booster, not the foundation upon which a successful artistic career is built. There’s no single ingredient that leads to success. Talent helps, but hard work, commitment, and self-discipline help a lot more.
Myth: You don’t need to hone your creative writing skills because you have natural talent.
Truth: No matter how talented you are, you are not born knowing how to read and write. There is work to be done!
Dispel Those Myths About Creative Writing
Misconceptions about the arts are rampant. It’s no wonder artistic people are so misunderstood by the rest of the world. We tend to be an unusual bunch, and many of these misconceptions come from artists themselves.
Have you ever fallen prey to any of these myths about writing? Are there other myths about writing that you’ve noticed? Share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a comment, and keep writing.
Excellent!
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One of the best things about reading other writers’ writing is that because my own expectations for a story which turn out to be wrong often lead to my OWN new stories!
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KC, I find that your experience is true with many writers, myself included. I am often inspired by other writers. Great Comment! Thank you, Karen 🙂
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You speak and write Reality! ♥
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Reblogged this on Plaisted Publishing House and commented:
What are you thoughts on this?
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Hi Claire, Well, it was simple and I don’t think it comes as a surprise to most writers. Writers, I believe, know that writing is something a writer loves to do, regardless of any myth. Karen 🙂
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Myth: We should only write when we’re inspired.
Shouldn’t it be “We should write only when we’re inpired” ?
Misplaced modifier “only” error. Sentence implies that the only thing we should do when inspired is write and nothing else. Corrected sentence says intent of statement as to when we should write. Then the myth stated correctly. I see this error misplaced “only”in almost all written and spoken speech I hear.
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Carl, I see your point and I think I have been guilty of that myself. I will keep this in mind. Thank you, Karen 🙂
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That first myth surprises me, I can’t imagine a writer who doesn’t enjoy reading. I have to admit I do need inspiration to write, but for me a little goes a long way. I just finished a 10 year project that began with a single idea.
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Robert, Wow! Ten years! What is or was it about? It must be very in-depth and interesting! Karen
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Actually it was just a 90 minute two act stage play. But the challenge to writing it was because it has only two characters, so I had to make all the dialogue and action happen through them. It’s basically a boy meets girl love triangle, with one part of the triangle being an off stager character. It took so long to write because I’d set it aside and work on other projects when I ran out of ideas, then get back to it when the well of creativity had refilled.
All told I’m proud of my little comedy/drama. It was the third two act stage play I attempted, but the first I completed. I’m calling it Serenade.
I’m also completing a novel that took 18 years to write, so 10 years (actually 11, I checked my old drafts) doesn’t seem so long. 🙂
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Wow. That is amazing! So much determination. Writing for those who write is can be it’s own reward. A true love, as it were. Congrats! Karen 🙂
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Thanks, Karen! I do love writing, it just takes me a long time to do it right.
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Reblogged this on Viv Drewa – The Owl Lady.
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Thank you, Viv Drewa for reblogging. I liked this and I am glad you did too. Karen
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Karen, thank you for another excellent post!
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An excellent post, Karen. Your comment about success being partially talent and largely hard work and discipline is spot on.
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Much truth! Great post. 😉
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I thought so too! 🙂
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🙂
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An excellent article, I’ve had to work through the only write when you are inspired, if I followed that nothing would be done.
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Eric. I agree 100%. Me too. I just write whether inspired or not. Thank you for an insightful comment! Karen 🙂
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You are 100% right. I never read a book that wasn’t as good, as the book could be. I have three 200-300 books ready and waiting for a proper editor. I go to writer’s workshops and I learn. Stay in tense and remember the who, what, where, when and how of every situation. Don’t lose the reader. Worthwhile and needed suggestions Karen.
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