The Only General Writing Advice You Will Ever Need

inspirational.

I am the lord of the internet and I deem this worthy.

Disclaimer: I am not the lord of the internet, that title is not held by me. The Lord of the Internet is a title I do not hold.

Chris: Much thanks. I appreciate it. I take all manner of comments, but, and I’m sure everyone with a weblog will share this sentiment, it’s especially sweet when they’re kind.

Howard Lord: I’m gonna pretend I didn’t read the disclaimer, assume you are indeed the Lord of the Internet, because I’ve always suspected one existed anyway, and use your approval to market this joint… Appreciate you taking the time to drop a comment.

I like to read what I write but I hate to write, even though I must. When I read great writing that others have written it is almost enough to make me quit. Those bastards are good! But I know they had to work at it, just like I do.

I edit too much. I pounce upon anything I wrote five years ago and change single words, or cut out paragraphs. The laugh is that I often change it back to the way it was. Hah!

It’s so true Vince. I create this problem for myself a lot. I’ll read other people’s writing and think, “God damn, they’re good”, and lose sight of my own work. I’ll start to judge it relative to other people’s stuff, which I think is a bad idea when you are writing.

Comparison is good, learning from others is good, but judging your writing based on James Joyce is a bad idea. For one I’ll never live up, for another I run the risk of losing my voice by mimicking anothers.

The question I try to stay centered around is does this live up to my standards? Have I really put the required time and creativity into this piece? If I can walk away honestly answering those two questions then I can usually relax and let the writing do as it will. But it’s a good point you bring up. Happens to me as well.

And editing is a bitch for me. Requires a concrete, sequential part of my brain that isn’t very developed. I’m more abstract and obtuse. I’ll do the same thing though, twist the words until it resembles what I started out with.

It helps me to think of different flavors of editing. I’ll edit a blog post differently than I will an academic paper. The goal, context, style, and audience of the writing often dictates my editing strategy, and the time I put into it. Not every piece of written work requires the same energy or arrangement. Sometimes not editing is the best edit you can make, depending on the situation.

Really appreciate the comment and your thoughts Vince. Nice to know we’re sailing in the same waters.

No need for complicated rules to get writing. These are great. I tend to edit as I write, so I will keep reading the first 4 suggestions over and over. Repetition is good.

Your page was forwarded to me by a good friend, In doing so, he proves he’s indeed a good friend
Vince, I read, read, read just about everything you mentioned and then some.
Advice lists are - as you advise - meant to be read and discarded. If you keep them, when you’re ready to put words to paper, you get them out and by the time you go through them, your mind is so crapped up with other people’s thoughts, whinings, harangues, etc, you’ve lost the good stuff that was in your head ready to make great stories. And you sit staring and the keyboard wondering why nothing comes out of you - except maybe an advice list.

Terri- I hear you. Despite my suggestion I still find myself editing as I write from time to time. Everyone will have their own style, but it kills my writing when I stop to edit. I really believe you need to put in down before you switch focus. Writing is right brain, editing left brain, when they mixed it can staunch flow, in my opinion. Thanks for the comment.

Michael - And thank you for the comment Sir. And I agree. You put it well, your head gets “crapped up with other people’s thoughts” about how you should be doing it. I’m all for advice and learning, but at some point you have to set it all aside and let your voice carry you. This is your journey. It is your story. No one can do it for you, or they can, but then you will have lost what makes you unique. The trick is to incorporate and transcend the teaching and advice, and it’s hard to do if you’re still clinging to someone else’s philosophy on how it should be.

Found this page while playing with Stumble! Am a new Blogger and agree with all you say.

Page discarded, idea withheld.

Thanks.

Chatty - Appreciate you dropping a comment. And you are welcome. I visited your site. Thought the “DM” might pertain to gaming, and though I don’t partake myself I’ve always wished I did. In any event, keep up the good work over there. I don’t come across many sites related to DM’ing. Granted, I’m not out looking for them. The only other one I’m aware of is Treasure Tables. Might be worth checking out if you’re not aware of it already.

Thanks again Chatty.

What a terrific site. I was actually browsing the Internet while enduring writer’s block, then found this. Good timing

yes. read the list every day. write every day. always have both a book and a pad of paper and pen with you to jot down those stray thoughts that will run away if not committed to paper!

Dereck - Thank you for the kind words Sir. I also find myself on the internet during times of blockage. Walk in the woods usually unclogs the pipes, but, you know, here’s the net right in front of my face.

FYN - You nailed one item I purposefully left off the list. I have a longer post about it awaiting departure, and I thought I’d just tie the two together somehow. I’m with you though, write it all down, every mundane thought, every dull observation, write it all down, no matter how insignificant. I started to do this compulsively recently and it saved me from the throes of my summer writing hibernation. Thanks for dropping a comment, and the reminder.

Part of me always wanted to be a writer, but the logical thinking, uncreative side part of my brain convinces me that I can’t do it. Simple lists like this are great reminders that even those of us who don’t seem to have a knack for the creative can still take one tiny step at a time and write something, even if it isn’t profound. Thanks for posting. I am now off to explore the rest of your site.

wowee!! Very good! Thank you!

Huh? What? ten who what?

Write every day? Right! Every day!

Starting tomorrow. No. Only joking. Writing this to you is that first step of that famous long journey. Thanks for the kick start.

Once upon a time, there was a me. He was a young, handsome, clever me and wanted to be a writer … (Hey, this is easy. I can do this - emphasise in turn each syllable of last sentence).

Yes, thanks once again for your comprehensively inspiring and info packed blog.

imagine imagining imagien them imagining imagine you imaging them imagineng you…

Jennifer - I say if you feel compelled to write then write. I run into the same thing myself though. The rational part of me tells me this is stupid, or shamefully bad, or a waste of time, and maybe it’s right sometimes, but screw it. The first step is letting the words out, and doing this over and over, without getting caught in logic and should, amounts to deliberate practice, which will increase skill and confidence… I appreciate the comment Jennifer, and much thanks for jumping into the rest of the site.

Lauren - Thank you for the comment. I wasn’t sure what your second comment up there was all about, or how I should take it, but it amused me so there it sits in all its perplexing wonder, to me.

Quillan - And thank you Sir for the taking the time to speak up. As you said, it’s easy huh? Writing isn’t hard. Editing is hard, but writing is easy, and thinking yourself worthy of writing anything, that can be a bitch.

What about figuring out - especially if you’re giving advice to other writers - that ‘everyday’ (as you’ve used it above, twice) is, in fact, two separate words?

Great advice.
Thaanks!

Paul- I thought it could be used either way, but I’ll defer to you, and, what I’ll assume is, a keenly trained spelling Nazi mind. I stink at spelling more often than not. So consider it fixed, and thanks for pointing that out. I shudder to think how many people may have totally missed the point of the post. I know when I read something with a spelling mistake my brain freezes up, and I can’t for the life of me figure out what the hell it is they are trying to say. It happens to me just about everyday.

Vishal- Thanks. I appreciate you taking the time to let me know your thoughts.

I didn’t miss the point of the post. Most of it is good. Well done, top marks etc.

I just didn’t get that someone could offer writing advice while making such an error. It’s not Nazism, by the way - the allusion is both fatuous and insulting. I wouldn’t dream of pointing out such an error to anyone else - like I said, it’s because you’re offering writerly advice. Your standards, therefore, should be much higher. Don’t you think?

Oh, and…
“I know when I read something with a spelling mistake my brain freezes up, and I can’t for the life of me figure out what the hell it is they are trying to say. It happens to me just about everyday.”
… is neither as funny, nor as clever, as you think it is. I’ll say it one more time, just so you get it - I expect you, as you should expect yourself, to be a bit more, um, careful, simply because you’re so free and easy with the ‘what makes a good writer’ advice. Want to be a good writer? How about, first of all, learning how to spell? It’s not that difficult. More importantly, it’s one of the most basic elements of the whole business of writing.

organized writing is nice but I love a good rant

PS if we all follow the same guidelines reading and writing will become boring

god no please

Paul - First of all I meant it when I said thank you. I appreciate it when people point out my mistakes, whatever type they may be. One way we learn is by making mistakes. So today I know more about “every day” versus “everyday” because you took the time to point out my error. Though this fact probably won’t stop me from screwing it up again.

However, can’t say that I was appreciative of the manner in which you choose to inform me. I thought your comment ran a bit sarcastic. Granted, we both know text is ripe for misunderstanding. I may have read your comment wrong. I’m open to that possibility. For my part, in the future, I’ll look into giving people more benefit of the doubt, though I think I’m already a pretty easy going fellow.

For your part, maybe next time you can try being a bit more aware of how another might receive your comment. I agree with you that spelling and grammar are essential aspects of proper writing, but so too is clarity of intent.

You know, writing something along the lines of; “This list isn’t bad, and I believe your usage of the word “everyday” is incorrect because..” Something like that will probably elicit a better response from people in the future, and as an added bonus you get to engage a grand opportunity to educate someone.

Of course, if you’re really feeling motivated you could always send someone an email, and skip the comment altogether. Again, something along the lines of “Hey, I read your post, and thought I’d point out a grammar mistake you made…”

As for my own sarcasm, I thought it was both funny and clever so we’ll have to agree to disagree there. I’ll also point out that we are quibbling over a grammar mistake here, not a spelling one. We both know that I can spell so writing “how about, first of all, learning how to spell?, is actually much more fatuous than my Nazi comment.

Spelling Nazi, Grammar Nazi, Soup Nazi, these may all be insulting, I’ll agree with you on that point, but I wouldn’t call them fatuous. They make their point.

Oh, and my standards probably should be higher. I agree with you there Paul, but let’s not kid ourselves here, the greatest writers in the world make the occasional mistake. I’m not saying I’m a “greatest writer in the world.” I am saying even the best stumble in minor ways. This doesn’t make them less than when they do. Now if all my posts were written in a style similar to a stoned teenager’s text messages that would be a whole different story, but they are not.

Carrianne - I love a good rant myself. As for the organized writing, sameness you speak to, I hear you. No one wants that, or most folks don’t want that. When I made this list I felt justified giving it a pompous title because I basically suggest throwing it away, and finding your own voice.

It would indeed be a tragedy if everyone started to work off the same advice, or list, but they’ll always be the folks who can’t make themselves do it. The creative impulse is towards uniqueness, among other things. You know, snowflakes and stuff.

I appreciate your comment Carrianne. One of my closest friends in college was named Carrianne. I’ve got a soft spot for ‘em.

This goes without saying because this list so beautifully displayed it but for those that don’t quite get it, write with character.

Connor - Great point. And that’s the worry with editing, or at least my worry, that I’ll become overzealous and edit any of the character that might exists right out of my writing. But isn’t it great when you read someone’s work and feel like you can just take a hold of them?… Appreciate you taking the time to point this out Connor.

I teach writing, at a real university. I’ve just directed my students to your page. I’d have felt slightly more at ease (as a teacher) if it hadn’t had the bit about the prostitutes, but as a private citizen I thought it was funny.

You know there should be two of the letter “d” in “address,” right?

Sorry. I really am an English teacher.

SLH - I’m honored, and thank you. Hello students. And that prostitute bit just slipped out. I think a part of my mind started to rebel against the earnestness of the piece. Let’s hope they don’t find it offensive.

No need to apologize for pointing out my poor spelling either. My wife makes fun of my penchant for making up works. When I explain to her that it’s not actually a made up word, but my lame attempt at writing the english language she ribs me all the harder.

So, yeah, actually, as much as it pains me, I’ll have to admit I tend to forget address should have two d’s, two letters s for that matter. I mean, I know the word should, but I don’t often demonstrate my knowing very well :). So where is this bugger so I can change it, and none will be the wiser? Ah, I see it now, right in plain sight. How embarrassing. Paul would have really ripped me a new one if he had caught that as well.

These things can never be in the fine print can they?

Truly amazing and inspirational. I’ve taken a print of this and put it up on my workplace and at home.

Brilliant piece of writing. Beautifully composed and,dare i say it, worth paying attention to. All of it,

I StumbledUpon this and I think I’m going to start again. Thanks for the prodding.

Khaver - I’m humbled you think so highly of it. And it means the world to me that you’d drop a comment to let me know. Really, you have my gratitude Sir.

Glenn- And thank you as well. It’s very kind of you to take the time to write what you did. Thank you.

James - Happy to help Sir. You know, at this point I’m hoping this small stop on the StumbleUpon express might do just that. Motivate another click to someone else. Be better than ending up the last straw in a string of bitter disappointments. Thanks for dropping the comment James. I appreciate it.

Great points all the way around! The comment about right brain and left brain finally got through to me though. I was an art major and our teacher was constantly trying to make us think with the right side of our brains. I didn’t realize that writing was the same way and turning back to edit was actually messing up the process.

I’m printing your list, then taking it to Office Max for lamination. When I get home I’ll stick it to the side of my computer and read it often. Quick inspiration when editing threatens to drown me.

Umm… btw… I stumbled here to, but you have officially been bookmarked so, I shall return soon.

Very Nice. It’s too bad StumbleUpon doesn’t have multiple “Thumbs-up” ala Tivo - I would give you the big three my friend. Kudos for your initial post, and also for your thoughtful replies to the readers’ comments. It shows a bit of class that is painfully lacking on the ‘net these days.

I’m not a writer, at least not a professional one. I would love to, but for some reason it just never comes out as nice as I picture it in my head. Much like I can sing beautiful songs, as long as I don’t sing out loud.

With a little inspiration and reinforcement like this, maybe one day. Who knows.

Even though I am terrible at spelling/grammar/word-makin’, I still share your pain concerning spelling mistakes and the halting of comprehension that occurs as soon as I discover one.

I think it only bugs me in printed material though. Everyone (every one?) makes mistakes and -most- everyone understands that when trying to keep online content current without multiple rounds of editing and checking, whoopsies are going to make it to the front page.

Thanks - Keep it up!

-Jon

Brilliant - I was just having this conversation with my roommate last night when I saw that she was reading “How to Read Like a Writer”. I am especially fond of reading aloud. There is a rhythm to and a melody in very good writing that simply cannot be experienced any other way. Sheet music all looks the same to me, but concerts are very different.

Well, Hell …….what a lot of varied comments. I got a giggle from most of it. I must say I agree with you A.M about the sacastic manner in which Paul wrote his comments.
Get a life Paul ! And I thought your sarcasm was funny A.M. ……… I also know a sentence should not begin with the word ‘and’, just in case someone wants to pick me up on that one.
I read and write everyday and every day ……. thought I could throw in some sarcasm too.
By the way thanks for the information, and the comments from everyone.
I have enjoyed it all.
I Stumbled uon this site and have added it to my favourites ……. so I don’t forget where to look …….it’s my alzheimers you know .

whoops! forgot to put the letter ‘p’ the word upon in the second last sentence …….

I write everywhere. That’s why I am writing here. I don’t give a damn about what others think about my writing. Whether somebody likes my writing or not I write, write and write. Thanks for the stuff on writing. Man, keep on writing.

The wife sent me this link with a demand that I read it. It’s all stuff I had heard before, but not in such a localized form. I suppose she’s sick of my threats to finally write a novel… and wants me to “just do it”. It’s nice that she considers me capable enough to offer the polite shove. Procrastinating writers should print this list out… too bad I’m out of toner!

Nice work. Oh and Paul, settle down.

Thanks, man. That really reinforced what I have often felt, that it really comes down to two things, reading and writing, performed with regularity and dedication.

Hate to Nike it, but it really comes down to just doing it.

Thanks again.

Love this!

Kinda let the comments get away from me here. I apologize to everyone above for not responding sooner. Instead of replying to each in turn, which would turn into an essay rather quickly given my inability to stop my fingers from hitting the keyboard, I’m gonna shot an email to each of you with my thanks and thoughts.

Consider this a big general purpose thanks to the last nine people for taking the time to share your thoughts. I appreciate it in a huge way. And I’ll try to get back on top of any more comments that might make their way here.

“But don’t tell anyone exactly what you are writing: not even the prostitutes.”

I’m not following. Isn’t this selfish? I also don’t understand why artists are so secretive about his/her painting methods. We are not here to learn from each other? Sometimes I think people are insecure about their methods? Am I wrong? If so, please correct me, because I really don’t know…

It’s a great question timeman, and I appreciate you writing this, but I won’t be able to correct you cause I don’t know the answer. It’s such a subjective and personal call. If I had written something about each item, my thoughts on the one you pointed out would be talking about doing it is different than doing it. Talking about the story in detail to everyone is to risk wasting its vitality.

It’s not really a question of being secret about method, as it is energy, or at least that’s how I think of it. Share all the knowledge about craft and method you want. I agree with you on that. We are here to learn from each other so share away. In fact, I’d advocate giving away as much knowledge about craft and method as you possibly can, but be careful about purging the energy of your specific creative works. I see a difference between withholding knowledge about your methods, and keeping specific story details to yourself.

It varies of course, and people should do what works best for them. I’m of the opinion that telling a story over and over before it’s ever written is a good way to keep it never written. So when I say don’t tell anyone, I’m not suggesting they don’t share their knowledge of the craft. I am suggesting they be careful not to talk the story to death. I see a difference between method and product in this case. You can teach someone how to do something without betraying your intimate connection to a specific piece of art. Or you can do both, or neither, that’s the do what works best for you part.

Thank you so much. Your response answered one of my questions and made me realize what I should look for in answering the others.

I really enjoyed this article. Can I post it on my blog with a link to your blog?

Great blog. I stumbled upon it.

Timeman - that’s sweet. It really is an important point you brought up, and I’m glad you did. It’s hard because everyone works a little different, and when dealing in generalities you’ll always miss the nuances. Thanks for dropping back into the site.

Mirella- By all means please do, share away. And thank you for the nice words. It’s appreciated.

This page is great! I love it and I’m glad that I stumbled upon it!
I love to read so much, so I’ve decided to also start writing! I love it just as much!
One thing I always notice when I write is that I always get caught up in it and cant stop! I just wanted to say that I love that feeling!
Thank you SO SO SO much!!! You rock too by the way! Haha!

Thank you so much for this list, however, I just tried writing on my LCD with dirt. Can you offer me tips on how to clean my LCD? :-p

Seriously, though, this is a very good list. I’m off to write.

TTFN!

Katie - Thank you. You’re kind. And write away, not stopping is a good thing, though at some point it helps to organize it, I’d rather have the problem of too much, than too little.

Scott - Yeah, that can be a bummer, but dirt’s okay, just don’t use a Sharpie :). Thanks for the comment, and happy writing my friend.

Very good, thanks!

A.M. Thank you for the excellent advice. Totally agree with you, that all the energy should go into the work, not be scattered in sharing with others. Secondly you don’t have to deal with the “oh can I read it?” people. Thirdly you’re spared the advice of those who think they know where your story should go from there. A work in progress is subjected to enough of ones own personal demons it is best to not let others tread on it too.

The spelling errors are not what stop me cold when I’m reading, it’s the details. Dear authors if you change something please, please, please change it all the way through the story. i.e. The child was four suddenly two chapters (and a month) later the kid is ten. There were two cats, now it’s a cat and a dog. A characters name was George suddenly its Daniel. Bloopers like those can destroy the readers chance to “get into” the story.

Stumble also led me to your site and I will be sharing it with my niece who teaches. Thank you for sharing.

Sue - You are welcome, and thank you.

Theresa - Yeah, that can be a major distraction huh? Anything that can possibly rip the reader out of your story and into their own mind is usually a sign you screwed up somehow. Screwed up as it relates to your goal of immersing them in a story. While I’ve never been a big fan of outlining, because it’s difficult for me to think in terms of deliberate structure, in my writing and my life, the practice does help one avoid these inconsistencies you speak of, or it can help. And thank you for taking the time to comment Theresa. It’s a great point you bring up, so thanks for sharing.

You know, I’ve been working on a book for the longest time now. I get going rather well for some time, then life happens, I get distracted and I lose track of my writing. Thankfully, Stumble Upon continues to point me to pages like yours that remind me to keep plugging along with it. Thanks for the reminder! (BTW, bookmarking your site for future consumption — after I’ve done some writing of course!)

Direct and to the point, Good stuff that never gets old.

Such simple yet very valueble advice - thanks!

Bungirl - Much thanks for the nice words. Life happens to me a well. I’ve always admired the folks who remain totally dedicated to constant creation. Suppose balance is the key, but I can let things distract me from writing. Maintaining focus has never been my strength. Thanks again Bungirl. Look forward to hearing from you again.

I really feel that these rules (or guidelines) will really help improve my writing. I’d just like to thank you for putting these up.

~Alec

Maree- Thanks for the comment. I’m glad you enjoyed it, and took the time to let me know. I appreciate it.

Alec - You are welcome Sir. And thank you for sharing. Keep up the writing. Hope to see you around these parts again.

Repetition is important for learning, maybe not so important in your actual writing.

Pauls, make a point here. It’s probably a good idea to steer clear of saying the same thing in different ways over and over. Though I do think repetition in writing has its place, especially in poetry. You can work the reader into a flow, almost manipulate a feeling, with the proper use of repetition. Appreciate the comment Sir.

It should be “write in different media” not mediums.

Good advice though.

Great advice.
Like Strunk said, “A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts.”

A writer writes. Period. No excuses.

Wonderful advice…and yes I am a writer too. I do tell everyone that I am! Great to have it confirmed. Love it!

Oh ..forgot to mention…I cut and paste it to my writers magazine. Was looking for a place to ask if it was okay (was going to regardless of your answer):) and found your permission….you must be really great writer! Thanks again.

Hi,
I stubled upon your writing tips and found some great ideas.

Thanks for the tips and I look forward to “writing with dirt” as you say.

Christopher S.

Great thoughts.

I note that many of them apply whether you’re writing a book, an article, a blog, or even marketing copy.

Aah…
Precious advice indeed!