In a guest post on Jane Friedman’s blog, Joni Cole debunks 5 myths that can keep you from writing success. “If you buy into any of the myths below, let them go, and see how quickly you’ll write more, write better, and even be happier (because what writer isn’t happier when writing more and writing better),” she says.
- The myth of the “real writer”. “Writing lends itself to insecurity because our stories, real or imagined, matter to us,” Cole says. “Here is a reality check. You already are in the Club of Real Writers, assuming you are willing to put in the work of membership: writing; revising; accepting constructive criticism and praise; and pushing through rejection.” Avoid this myth, and you might find yourself more committed to your writing and the importance of what you have to say.
- The myth of the suffering artist. “Suffering is not a prerequisite to being a creative writer,” Cole writes. “In fact, neuroscientists researching creativity have found that positive emotional states are actually better for concentration and productivity, and help steady the mind for a complexity of reasons.”
- The myth of the muse. Like Santa Claus, muses are fun to think about, but aren’t real. Buying into this myth could create bad habits, like writing only when the mood strikes, rather than on a predictable schedule. Yes, you can be inspired, but inspiration rewards work.
- The myth of shitty first drafts. Thanks to Anne Lamott, a lot of writers have adopted the shitty first draft model, which frees us of the high expectation of creating a masterwork on the first try. While that’s helpful, Cole says we should honor every draft, even those that don’t work. After all, if you don’t create the first draft, you’ll never have the second, and you’ll never learn what the first draft needed you to know. Instead, enjoy your first draft.
- The myth of brutal honesty. “Brutal honesty is never a worthwhile objective when seeking or giving feedback, unless your definition of worthwhile is savagely violent,” Cole says. “It ignores the emotional quotient that goes into any interpersonal dynamic. It invites judgments and pronouncements. And it implies that positive feedback is untrustworthy.” Instead, focus on being constructive and appreciate the strengths in any piece of writing as well as the weaknesses.
