There are many common writing myths, often fueled by stereotypes we see in films, books and TV shows. Think about how many times you’ve seen writers portrayed as quiet, brooding loners, for example.
Outdated writing advice has also contributed to the bad reputation writers sometimes get. Tips like ‘only write what you know’ and ‘don’t use tools or technology’, have only made the problem worse, often undermining confidence, productivity and creativity.
This article will debunk some of the most common myths – from the assumption that writing isn’t a “real” job to the belief that you must “write every day”, and prove that you don’t need to fit into a certain mould to succeed.
Myth 1 – Writing isn’t a real job
Although it can be challenging to break into, writing is undoubtedly a ‘real job’, and many people build successful careers out of it. From proofreading and copywriting to journalism, screenwriting, internal communications, and public relations, there are plenty of exciting career paths for people wishing to leverage their writing skills.
Content creators and social media managers are currently in high demand, with both roles requiring an excellent grasp of the English language. In fact, the creator economy has 207 million content creators worldwide, and this is expected to double by 2027. There’s also a growing need for technical writers who produce documents and guides to explain how to use products and services. Experts say the demand for technical writing is expected to rise by 10-11 per cent by 2026.
Writing goes far beyond penning and publishing novels. Identify the type of writer you want to be and explore pathways to enter that field.
Myth 2 – Your first draft must be perfect
A first draft is just that, a draft, and in no way should it be perfect! Drafts are for jotting down ideas and article skeletons. They’re not supposed to be neat and polished.
The best writing tip somebody ever gave me was to set a timer of 5, 10 or 15 minutes and to jot down whatever comes into my head. Next, go through what you have written and edit as appropriate – and hey, if you end up deleting the whole thing, that’s fine too!
Getting bogged down with perfect spelling and grammar in the first draft stage can seriously hinder creativity.
Myth 3 – You must write every day
Like anything in life, consistency is key. However, it’s not a hard and fast rule. Life happens, and sometimes it’s just not practical to write, especially if you’re juggling other responsibilities (hello, fellow toddler mums!). On these days, cut yourself some slack and try not to stress.
Reading is one of the best ways to improve your writing skills, and this doesn’t mean trawling through long-form novels. Short stories, non-fiction articles, poetry and magazines all count!
I like to write ideas or even sentences in the notes app on my phone. They might never get used, but knowing I’m still flexing this part of my brain on non-writing days helps me feel like I’m doing something positive towards my writing goals.
Myth 4 – You can only write what you know
If I only ever wrote about what I knew, my job options would be very limited! Throughout my career, I’ve written on a wide array of subjects, including art and antiques, technology, veterinary medicine, pet care, and travel – all topics I had very little knowledge of before taking on the projects.
While it’s great to write from experience, not knowing much about a subject provides an opportunity to learn something new each time. As long as you have good research skills, imagination, and empathy, you’ll have no trouble exploring and writing about topics outside your personal experience.
Myth 5 – Writers work alone
Many writers do enjoy working in a quiet room or office, myself included. But it can get lonely!
Writing with others has many benefits, not least that you’ll hopefully gain a few friends! It’s good for emotional support, too. When you and your fellow writer are staring at a blank screen, hours away from that all-important deadline, you have somebody to share the load with.
Letting friends or family read your work can also bring some perspective. No matter how good of a writer you think you might be, everyone makes mistakes. Make sure those reading your work are honest enough to share their thoughts on any plot holes and inconsistencies. You could even ask them to proofread.
Myth 6 – You need a degree in writing to succeed
It’s entirely possible to succeed in writing without a degree. Many writers break into the industry through self-study and by gaining work experience. You could start a blog, self-publish a book or pitch to online publications you want to write for. As long as you have a passion for words and a willingness to learn, it is absolutely feasible to forge a successful writing career without formal education.
Myth 7 – It’s easy to ‘just write’
Hands up if you’ve felt panicked when somebody asks you to ‘just write’ something. It could have been some marketing copy, a press release or a blog post. Whatever it was, I can bet you didn’t just open a Word doc and start tapping away!
Writing takes time and patience – and if you’re feeling tired or ill, it can be an even more arduous process. The next time you’re facing a blank page and an impending deadline, set a timer for 10 minutes and jot down anything that comes to mind without worrying about grammar or sentence structure. Getting in some exercise or changing your environment are other good ways to get your creativity flowing.
Helpful resources:
UK Writers’ College
Journalism
National Union of Journalists
The Write Life
Are there any writing myths that you’ve believed or encountered? Let me know in the comments below.
