The Worst Advice Given To New Writers

I’ve been a writer for a long time. I’ve taken a lot of courses and read a lot of books. I’ve also given and taken a lot of writing advice.

Here’s the one bit of writing advice that I consider the worst. ☠

I didn't used to think of it that way. I used to think it was great advice. I used to (shudder) give this advice. But I'm wiser now, more experienced and I'm never giving it again.

What is this horrible advice?

The key to writing is Butt-In-Seat is the worst advice ever

Basically, this means that you need to sit your butt in a chair and write something. It sounds like good advice, and that’s what makes it so damaging. 😨 😰 😱

So why exactly is it bad advice when it sounds like common sense?

Simple.

If you don’t have ideas when you sit down to write, then adding more time to it, just shoves you in a never ending spiral of guilt and shame for not writing. And if it continues, you might get to the point where you never want to write again.

At the very least, you won’t finish your book for years.

Butt-In-Seat is the worst advice given to new writers because it guarantees your book will remain stuck.

So what should you do when your book is stuck if Butt-In-Seat isn’t the answer?

It’s actually Butt Out Of Seat.

✅Go outside

✅Take a walk

✅Write random ideas down in a journal

✅Take a shower

✅Have a dance party

This works because you're giving yourself time to plan. Time to think without pressure. You can’t force creativity, but you can call it in.

✅Plan out your book

✅Get to know your characters better

✅Take a course for wherever you're stuck

✅Hire professional help for your book

Once you know what you’re writing about, you’ll find that writing becomes so much easier.

Even fun.

So the next time you can’t write, get your butt out of that seat, and think about your book while doing something else.

You’ll find it makes all the difference to your book.

And if characters are where you're getting stuck, be sure to check out my new course on Creating Compelling Characters at the link below in the comments. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.