Bad advice. At least once, we’ve all listened to it, then wished
we’d spit it in a bucket somewhere.
As serious writers, musicians, parents, or friends, we are forever looking for ways to
improve our skill and reach more hearts with our lives. We read books, attend
conferences, and go on as many blogs as we can, to get the best
advice possible.
But sometimes we come across a bit of bad advice. If we know
it’s bad, good. We can spit it out like a cow spits out the stubble, only
swallowing the grain. If we’re unaware that it’s bad, then not good. We can go
down a wrong path in our career, or at the very least, waste precious time.
A frustrated writer once told me not to read craft books, stating that my writing was good enough
and those books would only confuse me. Had I listened to this bad advice, I
would be a much poorer writer than I am today. With the help of all the craft
books I’ve read, in spite of that poor advice, I believe my writing is
improving every time I sit down to type, or get out my journal to muse.
Have you ever read or heard some bad advice concerning your
writing, or another skill? Did you know it was bad, or did you listen to it,
later realizing it wasn’t sound? How do you sift advice to weed out the stubble
from the precious grain that nourishes?
Congratulations, Glenda, for making us feel so smart, and for being courageous enough to share your fun moment!
If you'd like to see what ditzy doing won Glenda a tropy and a $5 gift card, click on this link: Win a Prize for the Most Ditzy Doing!
Good Advice-filled Day,
If you'd like to see what ditzy doing won Glenda a tropy and a $5 gift card, click on this link: Win a Prize for the Most Ditzy Doing!
Good Advice-filled Day,
I was recently told not to write in first person present tense--that it would never sell. Well, just picked up a bestseller book and guess what--it's written that way. So I guess I will stick with my gut.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Glenda.
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Glenda!
ReplyDeleteOh Jen, I've heard some strange advice. Someone told me to start my novel with lots of backstory. (I spit that one out!)
Ah, bad writing advice. I tend to have feelers for it, although I have fallen prey to it at times in the past. Less often with age, thank goodness!
ReplyDeleteAs for how I sift advice, I sift through gut-feeling, plus I consider the source. I tend to surround myself with people I admire professionally and personally, so that ensures a greater likelihood of good advice being sent my way. ;-)
Blessings to you and yours!
Janette