Debunking some writing myths

This week at Watford Writers, Linda Spurr, a former BBC sports journalist, author and writing tutor, ran a workshop on debunking the writing myths. Here are a few:

1) You have to write everyday to be a writer

Writing daily is not entirely practical if you're someone that also has a job, a family, a home to look after and maybe a dog to walk. But that's fine. As long as there is some time each day dedicated to thinking about writing. That could be as little as adding mental colour to a character as you overhear snippets of conversation in the street. Last night I fleshed out a scene as I drove home, and felt very smug about it.

2) Writer's have to wait for inspiration

Rubbish. I'm a strong believer in making things happen for yourself, and if that means inspiring yourself, then so be it. Of course we all have times when the words don't want to flow, but even in these times there are things you can do. Scan the newspaper headlines, keep a box of pictures of people cut from magazines. Take a break, go for a walk, write something completely different. If that fails, do research instead. 

"There's no such thing as writer's block. That was invented by people in California who couldn't write." - Terry Pratchett

 

Some writers need a routine to get the ink flowing. Hemingway used to sharpen twelve pencils before he could write. I like to do the washing. Find out what works for you.

3) You have to write about what you know

If you understand people and feelings, then you can extend these to a historical or dystopian setting and it will still feel real. Fear, sadness and joy have not changed much.

4) Writing is a lonely, solitary activity

Well...yes and no. I find great inspiration from sharing my work with my writing group (and others!), and the discussions I've had with classmates during writing courses have been just as fruitful as the lessons themselves.

Jackie and Brian from my writing group have spent the last five years writing a novel together, and meeting three times a week in the pub, followed by numerous arguments over characters and their paths is definitely not a solitary activity.

5) Writers are born, they cannot be taught

As long as you have a passion for it, I think it can be taught and refined. You've got to put the work in.

6) "The character ran away with me"

A poor excuse for a spell in a story that doesn't quite fit. Stop. Get back to the goal of the chapter or episode, the conflict, and the lasting image you want to leave. 

Sometimes we all have to kill our darlings, as Faulkner said.