Myths About Writing a Book
There are so many writing myths out there. These myths can be misleading and may hinder aspiring writers from realizing their full potential. Newbie writers can be deterred by these myths, so let’s debunk some here!
Writing Myth #1: First Drafts are Perfect. First drafts are called first drafts for a reason. They are far from perfect and will likely require several revisions before reaching that final draft before publication.
Writing Myth #2: Writers Have to Write Every Day. While some writers like Stephen King will push that this golden rule of writing every day, it can be entirely unrealistic to those who have other obligations. Life happens. Writers have families, jobs, and other responsibilities. You don't have to write 2,000 words a day to be considered a real author or even an author who takes their craft seriously.
Writing Myth #3: Long Hours = Productivity. Just because you spend hours at your computer, doesn't mean you'll spend more time writing than staring at a blank page . Don't force words onto the page if they are refusing to flow. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your book is let your creative battery recharge.
Writing Myth #4: Once You Have an Idea, the Book is Half-Written. Not quite. A brilliant idea isn't enough. Writers still need to pay sufficient attention to the writing process and structure. New ideas aren't so new anymore. You have to find ways to make it unique by dedicating yourself to the page and story with your voice and style.
Writing Myth #5: Experienced Writers Don’t Need Editors. Writers will almost always have blind spots when it comes to their own writing. Writing is personal and up-close. Traditionally published authors with many bestsellers under their belt are still required to go through the editing process.
Writing Myth #6: Traditionally Published Authors are Better than Indie Authors. Today, self-publishing can be a great alternative to traditional publishing. While it will take a lot more from the author, self-published books compete with traditionally published books all the time.
Writing Myth #7: You Need to Have a Degree to be a Writer. Qualifications don't make you a writer. If you write, you are a writer. If you don't have the best grammar and writing skills, an editor can work to fix those.
Writing Myth #8: Writers Should Only Write When Inspired. When it comes to writing, it can be difficult to find time to dedicate to storytelling. Because of this, writers have to find ways to stay inspired and self-motivate themselves to sit down and face the blank page.
Writing Myth #9: Write Only When You Have a Perfect Idea. Waiting for the perfect idea to set off the lightbulb can have a writer putting off the drafting phase. Instead, let the creative juices flow and force yourself to face that blank page.
Writing Myth #10: There are Good Writers and Bad Writers. It's probably more accurate to say that there are writers who understand the expectations that come with storytelling and writers who do not understand the expectations. Understanding the structure of story is one that is hard to grasp, but one that will benefit you in the long run.
Writing Myth #11: Good Writing is Subjective. While this can be true, it is also false. This is because different readers may have different expectations. Some writers like particular things and gravitate toward those things, while others might not and dislike books that contain those particular things.
Writing Myth #12: Good Writing Does NOT Include Excellent Grammar. Standard grammar and standard mechanics are important tools that support good writing, but an error-free manuscript does not make a good book. The enjoyment of a book is more often than not determined by the reader.
Writing Myth #13: Over-Preparation is a Good Thing. Being over-prepared is okay, but you should leave your characters some wiggle room to come alive and tell you want they want to do. Often times, characters like to do something entirely different from what you want them to do. Let them guide you sometimes.
Writing Myth #14: A Writing Tool Can Make All the Difference. While writing on a computer can be easier and faster than writing by pen, the tools you use don’t make you a better writer. A tool can make the process easier, but a tool cannot magically make you the #1 writer of the century.
Writing Myth #15: You Need a Huge Chunk of Uninterrupted Time to Write. Not necessarily. We know plenty of writers who only dedicate one hour of time to their craft, or they merely sit down to write 500 words a day. Either way, you’re getting words on the page and that is amazing!
Writing Myth #16: Writing is an Innate Talent. While some people may have a natural inclination toward writing, it is a skill that can be developed and improved through practice, study, and dedication. Writing is not a talent that one either has or doesn’t have; it is a craft that can be learned.
Writing Myth #17: Writing is a Solitary Endeavor & Authors Shouldn't Seek Feedback. While writing can be solitary, there are many groups writers can join, whether on Facebook or Discord. Such groups can make the writing journey less lonely. Additionally, feedback from others, whether it's from beta readers, writing groups, or editors, is invaluable in improving your work and making it more appealing to a broader audience.
Writing Myth #18: Writing Fast Means Writing Poorly. Writing speed and quality are not mutually exclusive. Some writers produce high-quality work quickly, while others prefer a slower pace. It varies from person to person.
Writing Myth #19: Writing a Book Will Make You Rich. While some writers achieve financial success, it's not guaranteed. Many writers, even talented ones, face challenges in making a living solely from book sales.
Writing Myth #20: The First Draft MUST be Perfect. Many writers fall into the trap of believing that their first draft should be flawless. In reality, first drafts are typically rough and imperfect. The primary goal of the initial draft is to get the ideas down on paper. Revision and editing are crucial steps in refining and polishing the work. Accepting imperfections in the first draft allows writers the freedom to experiment, explore ideas, and later shape the material into a more refined and coherent piece. The key is to embrace the iterative nature of the writing process rather than aiming for perfection from the start.
