When to ignore writing adviceSome writing advice feels like gospel—you’ve heard it over and over: And sure, experts so often quote these tips for a good reason: they work. But they can also lead to panic when they don’t work for you. Let’s break it down. A lot of writing advice assumes we’re all plugged into a single, universal brain. (Hmmm…interesting story idea…) But writers have wildly different styles. Some need structure and outlines; others freeze under too much planning. (Like when I get stuck in an outline/research spiral for hourssssss.) Some thrive with daily word count goals. Others find that forcing it every day kills the flow (and the joy).
What’s worse is that some advice gets repeated so often, it becomes immune to context. Like the idea that “first drafts should be ugly.” That system works well for me, but others can’t stand writing that way. So how do you find your own best writing vibes? First, consider the source: Are your writing gurus creating the kind of content you want to write? Are they working under the same constraints (clients, deadlines, word counts)? Second, try things your way, then borrow selectively from others. Keep what works. Toss what doesn’t. Use what gets you to the finish line and ignore the rest without guilt. ♥️
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