Lately, it seems like everyone has advice on writing. Or maybe it's just me because I'm on Pinterest and there's an awful lot of writing quotes on there. In fact, I have a board devoted to writerly quotes*. Anyway, like I said, it seems like everyone is giving advice.
Many times, I find advice from people I never heard of. Some of it seems kind of logical and on point, some of it is like 'WTF?'. I have a tough time following the advice of someone I've never heard of. It's like 'who the hell is that to be telling anyone anything about writing?' I guess, for most people, I would fall into that category.
As I've said before, take only the advice that seems pertinent to you. If I sound rational and sane, and my advice seems good to you, by all means, take it. If not, toss it into the circular file**. These days, I feel like I shouldn't be giving anyone advice about anything, but occasionally, I might toss out a kernel of wisdom.
Sometimes I run across advice that seems okay, but it's from a person I don't respect as a writer or as a human being. Oh, they're quite successful at what they do, but I can't bring myself to consider what they're saying. I mean, there are certain people who are continually on the best seller list, but I wouldn't spit on them if they were on fire, so it seems kind of hypocritical to look toward them for advice. :shrug:
Besides, there's every chance someone I do respect said the same or almost the same damn thing. I can follow that and still feel good about myself.
Anyway, as always, keep the good stuff, chuck out the bad stuff. Write what you write your own way. And if something someone says inspires you, go with it.
Onward!
* not everyone on there is necessarily someone I respect or have even heard of. Sometimes I just click Save without thinking about it. Gut reaction clicking. You know how it goes.
** circular file = garbage can. Also known as File 13.
Like you, there's a lot of advice out there that I just ignore, knowing it won't be helpful for me. Sometimes I experiment with other approaches, just to see if they work. It's probably a 50-50 chance. I have a process that works really well for me, but from time to time it needs to be tweaked because it's no longer working. But experimenting itself is a real chore.
ReplyDeleteThe only advice I've ever paid attention to, which has been attributed to Nora Roberts, is: You can't fix a blank page. Beyond that, it's all trial and error. Now, I need to take LaNora's advice.
ReplyDeleteI like your advice: "take only the advice that seems pertinent to you."
ReplyDeleteWorks for me. :-)