Myths about writing are actually true.
I read an article not too long ago called myths about writing. In this article, the author claims these stereotypical myths are false and proceeds to "debunk" them. The problem with the article is that some of these things are entirely true, at least in my experience.
They begin with, "Forget about the myths and focus on your passions, strengths, and what you want to achieve."
10 Common but untrue writing myths
First of all, I want to say that I can agree with some of these statements, partially, but the others, I cannot. So let me try to clarify this article because I believe, for instance, if you tell people there is no such thing as writer's block, and someone has writer's block, then what are they to believe? They may think, "writer's block is a myth, so I must not be a writer since I am having trouble."
1. Writers have to write every day (NOT A MYTH)
Stephen King says he writes 1,000 words each day. I believe he knows something about writing. Each morning I write, and 1,000 words are not that big a deal. I write a few short articles each morning, about 500 words each, which takes an hour or so. Writing every day will keep you in practice and improve your writing skills. So, yes, write every day!
2. Writers must read a lot (NOT A MYTH)
I believe this is true as well! Reading science fiction before writing science fiction is a great way to feel your writing. It helps foster a writing environment in your mind, a form of thinking, the story will flow, and your imagination will explode with ideas. I not only read a lot, but I will also watch certain movies for inspiration, character examination, events, and thought exploration. There are not too many people who have lived in a third-world country, so how are you to write about one if the story calls for it? The same goes for a lot of imaginative writing. Inspiration is all around us, and reading other books is a great way to pack your brain full of helpful info!
3. Lock yourself away (MYTH)
Again, this is not a myth. Yesterday, I just wanted to write my two articles like I do every morning. However, my dog, Maxine, was in a mood and, for whatever reason, wanted extra attention. So I took her on a long walk through the woods. We took our time. She chased deer for a while and ran herself, tired. We returned to the house, where I attempted to write again, and she still wanted attention. She gets like this once in a while. So, I appreciate the days my wife is home so I can focus on writing in the morning. Locking yourself away from the TV, phone, dogs, etc., is sometimes necessary to write. How can you focus on your writing if you have to keep leaving the keyboard every 15 minutes?
4. You need a university degree to be a writer (MYTH)
With this one, I can agree. However, you will have to pay more for copyediting and proofreading. I am dyslexic, so I need extra help getting my manuscripts ready for print all the time. But, don't let not having a degree keep you from writing. Some capable people make it their living fixing our mistakes.
5. Your characters control your writing (NOT A MYTH)
This one is tricky. Obviously, you, as the writer, control your story. However, if you want exciting and unpredictable writing, you must allow the characters to control the narrative. If you have developed good characters and have their personalities as they should, then as you write them into situations, their personas will come out, and they will make decisions you may not make. That's good! Be unpredictable in your writing. Allow the characters and their different personalities to rule the story. You write the situations and let them figure things out their way, this is not only great for the readers who are always looking for patterns and stereotypical writing in stories, but it is fun for writers not knowing what will happen next.
6. Writers don't make money (NOT A MYTH)
Here is a tricky one. In the good old days, Stephen King wrote Carrie and submitted his manuscript to a publisher without an agent. The publisher took a quick read and threw it in the trash can. True story! A few days later decided to give it a second look and published it. We now have Stephen King. In fact, publishers love him so much and are so confident his books will sell they pay him millions up front every time he tells them the title of his next book. Today though, it is not so easy. The market is flooded with want-to-be writers, and publishers no longer accept unsolicited manuscripts from anyone. Go to publisher's websites and read the frequently asked questions. Most will state, "If you send us a book, we will throw it away without reading it." Harsh but true. One publisher I spoke with said they receive hundreds of manuscripts daily, and they all go straight into the trash. So, unless you have an agent or a stroke of good luck, making a lot of money at writing is tough.
7. If you're a good writer, you'll always succeed (MYTH)
This is another I can agree with; remember the story about Stephen King and his book Carrie? Who knows what would have happened if the publisher did not give it a second look? Even great writers fail sometimes. No one always succeeds, not even Stephen King, although he is doing quite well for himself.
8. Good writers are grammar fanatics (MYTH)
This is another I agree with, considering I couldn't be a fanatic for grammar no matter how I try because of my dyslexia. So, not all writers are or can be passionate about grammar.
9. Writer's block (NOT A MYTH)
This statement, "writer's block is a myth," cranks my gears. I have had writer's block, and it is not a myth. Let's talk about what it is and what it is not. First, speaking as an artist, there are days when you do not feel it. It happens. Ask any artist, whether painter, musician, or writer, especially if you do not "lock yourself away" to create. Distractions break the mood and interrupt the flow, thought process, and creativity. Sometimes you cannot get it back for a while. I have had it last a day, sometimes a few days. It happens. It is not an impenetrable brick wall. It will not last weeks. It will not stop you from creating at a later time. It is not the end of the world. You need a break, regroup, and solitude to create.
10. Writing is an obsession (MYTH)
Again, I wouldn't say it is an obsession for all writers. Maybe for some—more of a passion. I love to write and tell stories and always have. I wrote my first story in second or third grade and have loved it since. But I haven't always written. As an artist, I have used other communication methods, from art to music, even becoming a master leather smith.
So, here is the breakdown. Are these all myths about writing?
Writers have to write every day - TRUE
Writers must read a lot - TRUE
Lock yourself away - TRUE
You need a university degree to be a writer - MYTH
Your characters control your writing - TRUE
Writers don't make money - TRUE
If you're a good writer, you'll always succeed - MYTH
Good writers are grammar fanatics - MYTH
Writer's block - TRUE
Writing is an obsession - MYTH
Also, if you are keeping score, I wrote this article in less than an hour, which is about 1,300 words. So writing 1,000 words per day is not only feasible, it's not that difficult.
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