The writing world is filled with myths and misconceptions. For a writer, believing in these could discourage you in your journey or slow you down. Here are some you need to know about:
Perfect writing time/place/attitude
There is no perfect writing place, time or attitude. There is just writing. Most of the writers I know have woken up in the middle of the night to write something that just popped up. I once burnt onions in the kitchen just because I had an idea that needed to be put down and forgot all about it, well that’s until the house was filled with smoke. A writer can write, anywhere, anytime, anyhow. What you do is just write.
Writer’s block
At one point or the other, you will experience it. Where you are just drained, do idea in sight, what to do? You turn your head to other things. Inspiration comes when you least expect it. But don’t kid yourself that you will never have it. It happens. After all, you are only human.
Writers do gramma-Fu
If they were grammar ninjas, why do we find mistakes when we read their posts? Like I said earlier no one is perfect. What awesome writers do is edit their works off. If there are still mistakes, the good thing about writing is that you can always edit it.
If you are good, you will make it
There are awesome writers out there who are good but haven’t made it because of one reason or another. What differentiates you with them is that you try and keep on trying.
Worthy ideas are special and unique
There is no idea that is special and unique, chances are someone already thought about it. that’s why they say there is nothing new under the sun, just advancing what is already there.
Characters control the writer
Actually, the opposite is true. Writers control the characters. It makes sense because these writers are the ones who came up with the characters in the first place. Before a writer writes the actual novel, he/she would have planned on what the characters would be and how the story is going to flow.
A debut novel is a writer’s first novel
This is the biggest lie of the millennia. Most novelists will tell you they write manuscript after manuscript after manuscript before they are even considered for publishing. Chances are that you will also find some unfinished novels on their computers. Writers must start from somewhere, just like everyone else. They learn and practice and get good with time.
Real writers find writing easy
If it were that easy, I would be walking on published papers right about now. Writing is not easy, that’s why not all of us are writers. The process of coming up with content is tiresome and draining. If you meet a writer who has made it in this industry, respect the hell out of that person. They went through a lot to get to where they are.
Writing is a solitary activity
Creative materials are all around us and inspiration might come from anywhere. It might also come from another writer and that is why sometimes books are co-authored. Writing with someone else enhances your knowledge and expands your experience base. You get to learn new things from each other. Don’t be skeptical about it when an author approaches you. Many authors have put their names on the global map because they included others in their writing journey.
So what myths do you know?