Fifteen Things a Writer Should Never Do
1. Don’t think there is a set of hard and fast rules writers must follow.
Everyone must do what works best for them. Listen to your internal voice, pay attention to it, and learn to trust its guidance. The number of opposing points of view within the writing world often frustrates people—but this variety of information allows individuals to pick what suits their skills. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.
2. Don’t try to write like those you admire.
You have your unique voice, your style - use it. If you attempt to imitate the style of someone else, readers will immediately detect it. Just remember what author Allegra Goodman said: “Understand the literary tradition, enjoy it, and gain inspiration from it — when you actually sit down to compose something, forget about worshipping greatness and idolizing masterpieces.”
3. Don't get too caught up in arguments over planning or no planning.
If you should write about what you already know, or if you should edit while writing or after. Just try different methods and do what works best for you. The feeling of having the choice is incredibly liberating.
4. When you are trying to sell something, it's best not to rely solely on one approach.
Keep working on your next project or idea while you're looking for opportunities. Working on your creative endeavors while also focusing on the business side of selling your work will help keep your writing career from becoming stagnant later.
5. Be professional, polite, and cooperative.
People in publishing communicate with one another, so your reputation will be determined by the relationships you make here. Publishing is a large enterprise, but it’s still a close-knit industry. So don’t let yourself get caught up in any salacious conversations.
6. Never be resentful towards someone for their honest feedback.
Everyone’s opinion is different, and all opinions come with their own value. You should decide which comments to take into consideration, recognize any common issues that you may need to address, and ignore any edits that don't fit your vision (unless they are needed to strike a deal). Keep an open mind—listening to criticism can help you grow as an author.
7. Don’t pay attention to the hurtful comments left by internet trolls—
Those people who write cruel messages with no other purpose than to be mean. It's their modus operandi: they troll (on Amazon, Goodreads, Twitter, etc.). Don't take it personally. The message they convey is as empty as the 0s and 1s used to program it. The best response is to ignore them completely.
8. Never let your attention slip with the basics:
Accurate spelling, proper punctuation, and correct grammar. They are the foundations that keep our writing houses from crumbling … and our queries from getting discarded without a chance for our stories to shine through.
9. Never write something simply to satisfy a market trend and turn a quick profit.
By the time your book is ready for publication, that trend will have passed. The world doesn't need another clichéd vampire romance novel or horror story with a predictable scare. Write the story that keeps you up at night with characters that come to life on the page.
10. Don’t be resentful of another writer’s accomplishments.
Instead, celebrate them. I saw my peers achieving the same things that I was striving for, and instead of being envious of them, I learned from them. I came to understand that somebody else's success doesn't take away from my own.
11. Never presume that it's straightforward.
Authors with a book published or a story in print have likely submitted hundreds of manuscripts that weren't accepted. Accurately predicting success is often impossible unless one has already achieved a great deal of it.
12. Take a break from the desk occasionally.
Writing is an art form that takes its inspiration from life experiences. It's all too easy to be stuck sitting for hours on end and neglecting to live.
13. Never underestimate the educational and therapeutic value of a good book.
Many authors have learned the craft of writing through reading rather than through an MFA. All it takes is a library full of great reads to really understand the craft. Well, that and a lot of practice.
14. Don't linger on something that isn't working.
If a story isn't going anywhere, don't spend years trying to fix it. You can always come back.
15. But don’t make the mistake of giving up completely.
We writers must write. Even if, after a few glasses of wine, we say that this time is it; we all know we'll be back at our desks soon enough. That's when the incredible moment of inspiration arrives, and the story idea flows like a pebble down a steep hill.
Eric Myers
Want to see just how good you are? Submit a sample of your latest work for a free evaluation and critique.
