Why It Might Do More Harm Than Good
In the digital age, writing advice is never more than a click away. For writers, the internet is a treasure trove of tips, tricks, and guidelines, all promising to help you craft the next bestseller. But what if some of this well-intentioned advice is actually holding you back? Here’s why you should be wary of certain writing tips you find online, especially when they come wrapped in the guise of universal truths.
The writing advice “Show vs. Tell” Conundrum
One of the most common pieces of advice floating around is the age-old “show, don’t tell” rule. The idea is that instead of flatly stating facts, you should immerse your reader in the scene, allowing them to experience the story through sensory details and actions.
While this is often valuable advice, it can also become a straitjacket. Not every moment in your story needs to be shown in vivid detail. Sometimes, telling is the most efficient way to convey information, especially when dealing with transitions, backstory, or minor events. Overusing “show” can bog down your narrative, making it tedious and overcomplicated.
The key is balance. Know when to show, and know when to tell. The internet might not always make that distinction clear, leaving new writers to grapple with a blanket rule that doesn’t apply in every situation.
The Demonization of “Vanity Presses”
Another popular cautionary tale is the warning against “vanity presses.” The advice usually goes something like this: Never pay to publish your work, or you’ll be scammed by a vanity press.
While it’s true that predatory vanity presses exist, lumping all paid publishing services into one category can be misleading. Today, many reputable hybrid publishers offer services that blend traditional and self-publishing models. They charge for their services but also provide value in terms of editing, design, marketing, and distribution that might be beyond the reach of an independent author.
The key is to do your research. Understand what you’re paying for and make an informed decision based on your specific needs and goals. Don’t let blanket internet advice scare you away from opportunities that might be the right fit for your writing journey.
Writing Advice Tyranny of Word Count and Genre “Rules”
Rigid rules about word count and genre conventions are another common feature of online writing advice. For example, you might read that a novel must be between 80,000 and 100,000 words or that certain genres have unbreakable rules regarding plot, character types, or themes.
While industry standards are important, especially if you’re aiming for traditional publishing, they shouldn’t stifle your creativity. Many beloved books break the rules. They defy genre conventions, stretch beyond typical word counts, or take risks that the rule-followers wouldn’t dare.
The danger of following these rules too closely is that it can lead to formulaic writing. Your work might end up fitting into a neat little box, but it could lose the unique voice and daring spirit that makes it stand out. Sometimes, bending or even breaking the rules is what makes your writing truly original.
Finding Your Own Path
The internet is full of advice, much of it well-intentioned, but it’s essential to remember that writing is an art, not a science. What works for one writer might not work for another. Instead of following every piece of advice you read, take the time to understand why certain rules exist and then decide how—or if—they apply to your work.
Trust your instincts. Seek out mentors who understand your unique voice. And most importantly, don’t let the noise of online advice drown out your creativity. Writing is a personal journey, and the best path is the one you carve out for yourself.
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