#IWSG MARCH 4th Book Launches & Big Idea Challenge

 

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting! Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post. And please be sure your avatar links back to your blog! Otherwise, when you leave a comment, people can't find you to comment back.

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

The awesome co-hosts for the March 4 posting of the IWSG are PJ Colando, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, and Natalie Aguirre!

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Remember, the question is optional! 
March 4 question - What elements do you include in your book launch? Or what do you have in mind for your future book launch? Or what advice do you have to offer to others planning to launch a book?

My answer: 
When Launching a Book, I Always Keep These Basics in Mind
When launching a book, I always remind myself that the work doesn’t end when the manuscript is finished. In fact, that's when a new phase begins—one full of excitement and hard work. There are some basic steps to keep in mind that can make the process smoother and more successful. Here’s what I’ve learned about launching your first book.

1. Know Your Audience
Before you even start thinking about a launch date, you need to understand who you're writing for. Who are your readers? Knowing your target audience helps you decide everything from your book cover to your marketing strategy. Whether you're writing for fans of romance, fantasy, or paranormal, identifying your audience early will shape the way you promote your book.

2. Set Your Date & Plan Ahead
Choose a launch date well in advance. I recommend giving yourself 2–3 months of prep time. A well-executed launch takes more than just announcing the release. It requires a lead-up, the right activities on the day, and post-launch follow-ups. The more time you have to prepare, the better!

3. Build Your Author Platform
This is the time to really show up online. Create or update your author website, social media profiles, and email list. I know it’s tempting to focus only on the writing, but your platform is just as important. Engage with potential readers, share updates, and build a community around your work.

4. Don’t Forget Goodreads
If you’re not already on Goodreads, it’s time to get there. Goodreads is a powerful tool for authors. It allows you to connect directly with readers, join relevant groups, and even host giveaways to get early reviews. The site has a built-in audience of book lovers who want to discover new books, so getting your book listed and engaging with readers there is essential.

5. Get Reviews Early
Speaking of reviews, start collecting them as early as possible. Reach out to book bloggers, readers, and influencers within your genre. Advanced reviews can help boost your book’s visibility on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads. The more reviews you have, the more likely it is that new readers will take a chance on your book.

6. Create a Launch Plan
A clear launch plan is crucial. Break down your timeline into pre-launch, launch day, and post-launch phases. Use a mix of social media posts, email newsletters, virtual book tours, giveaways, and even paid ads to spread the word. If you want to use paid ads, they can definitely help you, but you don’t have to go that route. There are other ways to get the word out that might be more affordable, though they may require a bit more work on your part.

7. Celebrate the Launch
Launch day is finally here—don’t forget to celebrate! Host a virtual party, run a special promotion, or do giveaways to keep the momentum going. Show your excitement and thank your readers for their support. They’ll appreciate the personal touch, and it helps to build long-term connections with your audience.
Launching your first book can feel overwhelming, but with these basics in place, you’ll be prepared. Focus on building connections, planning ahead, and using platforms like Goodreads to help get your book in front of the right readers. It’s all part of the journey, and before you know it, your book will be out in the world!

What plans are you making for your book launch?

The Novelty is offering the 
Big Idea Challenge, starting March 2.

During March, writers taking part in the Big Idea Challenge will receive:

• A live writing class with Booker Prize winner Yann Martel (Life of Pi)

• Weekly group study sessions

• Panels with New York Times bestselling authors

• A synopsis workshop with a Penguin Random House editor

• Our online accountability challenge group

When they sign up, they will get our new program, The Big Idea course, which includes 30 plot-building lessons and a one-to-one coaching session with a bestselling novelist. Plus they’ll get access to live classes and workshops for a full year.

Writers can sign up here at The Big Idea. 

Special incentives will be provided for the Insecure Writer's Support Group.

The Insecure Writers Support Group--Overcoming Procrastination

#IWSG DAY OCTOBER 1ST, 2025

Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Sign Up And Become a Member

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting! Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post. And please be sure your avatar links back to your blog! Otherwise, when you leave a comment, people can't find you to comment back.

Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!

Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.

The awesome co-hosts for the October 1 posting of the IWSG are Beth Camp, Crystal Collier, and Cathrina Constantine!

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Remember, the question is optional!

October 1 question - What is the most favorite thing you have written, published or not? And why?

Skipping the question for something different.

Hey Guys, 

This is Juneta. Since Ive been living in a nursing home my days ruN together despite being reminded that Wednesday Oct. 1 is  IWSG Day. Appologies, going up now==and then delayed because of computer problems. This time will be the charm.

My photo of my current coffee cup.

My other cup. I need lots of inspiration.

 

Procrastination and I are old friends—though not the kind you want hanging around when you’re trying to write. One minute you’re opening your document, the next you’re scrolling, cleaning, or suddenly deciding the.Chrome bookmarks needs alphabetizing. Sound familiar? The truth is, procrastination usually isn’t laziness—it’s fear, perfectionism, or overwhelm dressed up as “I’ll do it later.” The good news? You can push past it. Here are ten simple, practical ways (plus a bonus) to get the words flowing instead of stuck in your head.

10 Ways to Overcome Procrastination in Writing

1. Start Small – Commit to just 5–10 minutes. Momentum builds once you begin.
   
   

2. Break It Down – Big projects overwhelm; smaller steps make them doable.
   
   

3. Create a Routine – Anchor writing to a daily habit like morning coffee or bedtime wind-down.
   
   

4. Set Clear Goals – Know what you’re writing each session (scene, word count, paragraph).
   
   

5. Limit Distractions – Turn off notifications, close extra tabs, or use focus tools.
   
   

6. Time-Box Your Writing – Try Pomodoro (25 minutes writing, 5 minutes break) .(Wonderspace Pomodoro online workspace))
   
   

7. Change Your Environment – Switch locations to spark focus (library, café, or a cozy nook).
   
   

8. Accountability Helps – Join a writing group, partner with a friend, or share goals publicly.
   
   

9. Embrace Imperfection – Give yourself permission to write a messy draft—perfection comes later.
   
   

10. Practice Self-Compassion – Don’t guilt yourself; reset and try again tomorrow.
    
    

Bonus Tip: Reward Progress – Celebrate each session, no matter how small. Acknowledge the win and let that energy carry you forward.

  

Truth is I have been procrastinating a lot lately. As of a year ago, I’m living in a nursing home with three other roommates. My journey here is a long story but writing in this environment, loss of home and freedoms, with roomy’s, and a situation that at times can be depressing is challenging for writing.

After a year, I finally wrote a short story for Storytime Blog Hop–a magical romance meet cute. I’m getting there. It's been a process. I have a Star Wars coffee cup and a baby Grogru for ritual inspiration. I started out writing fan fiction.

I utilized from the list below: One, Two (Analysis each scene of my zero draft), Three (Ritual over Routine because of environment), Four (Loose goals because of distraction), Five is out my control, Six, Seven (when cant get past the blank page), Eight, Nine, and Ten (this one is harder than it sounds–remember “Failing is the FIRST STEP in success.) BONUS Coffee, Chocolate, and Cheese and sometimes Online Shopping.

The thing about procrastination is it feels powerful in the moment, but it only has as much control as you give it. Writing doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to exist. A messy draft is progress. A blank page is nothing. So, pick one strategy, try it today, and give yourself credit for showing up. Your story’s been waiting long enough—it’s time to meet it on the page.

Me & My Social Links

Inspiring Advice From IWSG Experts

Writing can be a discouraging journey. That is why today, we are going to bring you some hope from past and present IWSG Admins.


A lot of people are going to weigh in on your work. Attend to what your instincts tell you is valid and helpful. Set aside what doesn’t serve to get your story where you believe it should go. This, BTW, is darned hard and takes practice.
– C. Lee McKenzie


Keep writing and dreaming. Take breaks for a while, if needed, but come back. Always, keep a list of your accomplishments and a few kind phrases from writer friends nearby, just in case you need this armor to fight trolls - don't let them live under your bridge of creativity and threaten you with insecurity. Never give up, never surrender! :)
- Tyrean Martinson


Don't listen to the nay-sayers, yet be open to critique. Read frequently and widely. Remind yourself why you love to write. And just keep writing, and writing, and writing...
- Elle Cardy/Lynda Young


If you try to please everyone, you will lose your enjoyment of writing. Write the story you want to read, the one that makes you happy, because there are people out there who will be happy to read it too.
– Christine Rains

Don't compare yourself to others. Everyone has different circumstances and/or are in different parts of their writing journey. Yours will be your own. No one can write your words but you.
Not all advice or rules are to be followed. Think for yourself and if the so-called writing rule isn't working for you then break it.v Above all else, never ever try to please everyone or you will fail before you even get started. There will always be someone that dislikes your writing no matter how good it is. It could be the best ever and someone will hate it. It could be the worst ever and someone will love it. You can't please everyone in anything in life, so don't try. Write the story you want to tell, find a good group, take constructive feedback, and ignore the naysayers. Don't engage them either. They live for that. Ignore and don't let them deter you from your writing goals.
- Pat Hatt


My advice to beginning and veteran writers is to find your people. Most of the time, writers work alone as they pick or pound at the keyboard. But working alone doesn't mean a writer needs to be lonely. Find your community whether it is a face-to-face group or an online group. If you're really lucky, you'll find both. Your tribe not only provides mental and emotional support and energy, they know most of what you need to know to be a successful writer, or they know someone who knows. They are a resource and an inspiration. IWSG has been my online community for all its years and I hope many years to come.
- Susan Gourley


A business partner from long ago had a saying. “When the dream’s big enough the facts don’t matter.” And that certainly applies to writers. If your goal is big enough and a burning desire, you will find a way to make it a reality.
And either path you take, traditional or self-publishing, will require an education. Learn all you can about every aspect of your chosen path. You have once chance to make a good impression and do it right.
- L. Diane Wolfe


You will always doubt, whether it’s your first book or tenth. Is it the vision you wanted to create and will others enjoy it? You have to go on faith. Believe in yourself. Believe in your creation. If you believe, it doesn’t matter what other people think. You will know in your heart you gave it your best.
- Alex J. Cavanaugh


When sales aren’t plentiful and you feel discouraged, please remember that even if you only had one book sale in a particular month, a reader chose your story over a million others, and give yourself a pat on the back.
- Sandra Cox


The key to success is persistence despite failure, adapting, pivoting, and being open to new ways of looking at things, or doing, or learning. The ones that never give up eventually, find success by their own definition, by building a body of work that allows readers to learn to trust you as an author and creator. It also builds confidence in your-self and creates new skills in an industry that is always changing. Key: Know what you really want, and what you are willing to do to gain the skills to achieve it. Simply put: Never give up!
- Juneta Key


The intersection of what you enjoy writing + identification of your strength + growth opportunities = your sweet spot.
For example, I love writing flash fiction. Short bursts of writing exhilarate me + I’m quite good at it + it fosters tight, lean writing habits = win, win, win.
Oh, and did I mention the fun factor?
If writing feels tedious or like a slog, then something is off. Even during the difficult moments (which is normal and which there will be plenty of, trust me…) try to find that spark and what drew you to writing in the first place.
- Michelle Wallace



What inspiring encouragement would you offer?

#IWSG DAY - March 2022

Insecure Writer’s Support Group—A database resource site and support group for writers and authors. Featuring weekly guests and tips, a monthly blogfest gathering, a Facebook group, a book club, and thousands of links–all to benefit writers! #IWSG

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer help and guidance. It’s a safe-haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer—aim for a dozen new people each time—and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
Be sure to link to this page and display the badge in your post. And please be sure your avatar links back to your blog!  
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.  

Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

The awesome co-hosts for the March 2 posting of the IWSG are Janet Alcorn, Pat Garcia, Natalie Aguirre, and Shannon Lawrence!

Remember, the question is optional!

March 2 question - Have you ever been conflicted about writing a story or adding a scene to a story? How did you decide to write it or not?

Why would a writer feel conflicted about adding a scene to a story? There are many reasons.

One of the reasons is linked to “artistic wiring” and visualization.
Perhaps the scene in question is particularly challenging. Maybe you’re not sure how to paint a vivid picture in words, in order to draw the reader into your scene.

The flexibility of the mind's eye is amazing. It can take many forms, and differs from writer to writer.

You may be one of those creatives who find it a challenge to fully visualize your scenes. Then we get artists who have that special brand of creativity: they can see mentally in three dimensions, in full color and can even rotate objects; for example, sculptors who are writers.

But we are all wired differently.

Each writer just has to find that unique pathway in your mind; one that belongs to you.

Here's an exercise to enhance visualization in your scene:

Copy a chapter of one of your drafts into a new document.

Erase all the dialogue.

Read the remaining prose.

That's what you're 'seeing.'

Concentrate on just that and ask yourself:

What image have I drawn with those words?

How are my characters moving through the scene?

Does that imagery paint a clear picture of what I wish to convey?

Hopefully you will move forward with more confidence, to tackle that challenging scene.

February IWSG Day 2022

Hey Insecure Writers, 

Happy IWSG Day!  #IWSGPit, January 26, 2022, was a success.  Thanks to all you authors pitching your MS at our #IWSGPit. You made us a trending topic on Twitter in the UK--Twitter's top ten.  Check out the screen shot for that day.  #9 Woohoo!  

IWSG has been named, again, as the best writing contest by Reedsy for 2022.  The contest they are referring to is our yearly anthology contest.  Watch for the call for submissions for our new contest announcement for 2022 here.

FEBRUARY IWSG DAY 2022 

Sign Up And Become a Member
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience, or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

IWSG CO-HOST FOR FEBRUARY 2ND:

 The awesome co-hosts for the February 2 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler, Jacqui Murray, Sandra Cox, and Lee Lowery!

FEBRUARY 2ND IWSG OPTIONAL QUESTION –

 Is there someone who supported or influenced you that perhaps isn't around anymore? Anyone you miss?

My Answer:

I have participated in online RPG's (role playing games) since 1999. It is where I honed my writing skills playing in Star Wars althernate universes, LOTR, regency romance, and various other RPG's online. 

I have a friend I played SW RPG up through 2014. We played for years with several people but in the last five years until we stopped just each other. We both have moved in different directions in our lives. I miss those days.  I miss the shared writing connection I had with my friend.  

We both became better writers in the way we played RPG, learned, and challenged each other to raise the storytelling bar.  I still repurpose those original characters I created back then to use in others stories that I write today.  Mainly, because I miss those characters almost as much as I miss my friend. 

IWSG GOODREADS BOOKCLUB
FEBRUARY 2022:
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 

Discussion Day Thursday February 24th

.Poll, Check-in, and Discussions 

From Toi Thomas

In February we’ll feature books from authors in the 1-50position of the IWSG blogging list. Remember, if you are not currently on the IWSG blog hop list and don’t plan to join, the registry is the only way for your books to have a chance to be spotlighted by the book club. 

Please click this link to fill out the form to be added to the IWSG Book Club Spotlight Registry. 

If you are on the blog hop list, please don’t join the registry. We want to be fair and give everyone an opportunity to be featured, which mean some of us will have to wait our turns. As the book club administrator, I’m still eagerly waiting in anticipation for the day one of my books has a chance to be featured. 

Advice to the Frustrated Author

 

                                                                            Pixabay.com 

We all know that writing is not the way to get rich fast, but I’m sure everyone following this blog has been frustrated with writing and publishing at least once. I know I was. Several times.

The good thing is that I’m stubborn as a mule. If I want something, I work to get it, even if it takes ages. I shudder to think how many of you give up because the headwind is too strong.

 So here are a few words of encouragement:

Things will get better!

Your Indie sales are low? Agents reject your queries again and again? That’s all too familiar to most of us. If you don’t mind listening, I’ll tell you a bit about my journey.

 When I started out Indie publishing at a time where the concept was still alien, most people told me I’m crazy (I am but that’s beside the point). I hand-sold 1000 copies of my first ever novel (a historical novels based on genealogical research) over the next 2 years, and the feedback I got was great. BTW, the novel is still selling today.

 So, enthusiastic as I was, I thought I was destined to become a good mid-list author. I got an agent and wrote more novels. One by one, they were rejected. And that wasn’t a question of quality. To prove the point: I got phone calls from German editors who apologized for not accepting my novel despite their strength. They had guidelines from their admin that told them only to buy historical novels set in the Middle Ages, or fantasy novels that were set in a Tolkienesque world.

 I returned to self-publishing, and since I was bilingual, I wrote my novels in English. I had no idea of cover design, copy writing, or marketing, and never heard of rapid release, eMail lists, or writing to genre. I only wanted to tell stories that other people liked. Sure, I found some rabid fans but no financial success.

 After Indie publishing more than 12 novels, 14 novellas, and a stack of short stories, I sat back and re-evaluated what success meant to me. I had learned a lot since the gold-rush times of Indie publishing and realized that my love and my strength lay with short fiction. I prefer writing short stories and novellas, and my fans love those tales for their rich small-scale worldbuilding. So I started honing my short tale craft and began sending out my stories.

 To my great surprise, the very first one I sent out was snatched up and included in the IWSG anthology "Voyagers: The Third Ghost" and the editors loved it. Nearly at the same time, the Swords & Sorcery online magazine bought my story "A Twist in Katlani’s Plan". And a few months later, Dean Wesley Smith bought one of my short stories for his Pulphouse Magazine (it’ll get published sometime later this year). There’s no question of what I’ll be doing for a while yet: I’ll be writing short stories, sending them out to paying markets for some time to come.

 Sometimes being mule-headed has its advantages. You just have to find the right direction for your inner mule. With that in mind:

Cherish your mulishness and write with joy!

The Write Advice

Did you just cringe at the blog post title? Are you contemplating it? Or do you just don't care? Guess what? All are okay. For it can be right to cringe over the wrong use of write. It can be right to think about it and see how it fits. It can even be right not to care and take it as it is. It can even be right to do all three. Come again?

Every person is an individual with strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes, beliefs, and all kinds of other things. So what are you going to get? If you've been around a while you already know the answer. You are going to read conflicting advice, advice you disagree with, advice you agree with that doesn't work for you, advice you agree with that does work for you, and even advice you may think is nuts but works.

Writing advice is just that, advice. Or tips if you prefer that word. Either can be right. All can be right. All can be wrong. It all comes back to you.

You have to decide what works. You have to decide what doesn't. You have to decide for yourself. You have to do the work. Yep, there is no way around it. It all truly does come back to you. Thankfully, there are steps you can go through.

Step 1

Decide what you are looking for. Editing advice, marketing tips, etc.

Step 2

Search and gather that advice.

Step 3

Narrow what you have found down to the best 10. Or pick a number that is good for you.

Step 4

Decide what you want to learn and expand upon. Could do this sooner, but by seeing the advice collected, you could have a better idea about what you want to explore.

Step 5

Compare the advice to each other and your capabilities. Does it make sense? Are you able to do that or willing to give it a try? Does it fit in your budget?

Step 6

Fact check. There are many out there just after money or recommending useless things because they are an affiliate or something of the like. Double check anything that recommends a service. Scams and worthless so-called systems abound. You don't want to get caught up in those. Also, use common sense. If it sounds to good to be true, it almost always is. If you find anything guaranteeing sales or that you'll never have to edit a word after the first draft, better to turn and run the other way.

Step 7

Deploy the advice that you have gathered and remember that it is a marathon. Everything from writing to marketing takes time. You can't just go "poof" and have things done.

Step 8

Keep track of results. There is no sense in putting more money into an ad that did nothing the first time. There is no sense in following a writing schedule that you can't seem to follow.

Step 9

Adjust and continue to adjust until you find your groove.

Step 10

Rinse and repeat for the next aspect you are looking into.

Even this advice won't work for everyone, but you have just checked something else off that won't work for you. That means you are getting closer to something that may work. Only takes one tip or piece of advice to help you on your way and/or teach you. You just may have to wade through much to find what works.

And it should go without saying, but I'll say it anyway, completely ignore advice that sounds dumb. "Publish without ever editing" is just one such example.

Have you ever found any advice or tips that worked? Any that you thought would work but didn't? Can you spot the scams and crappy advice? Do you know anyone whose tips worked for them but not you?

The Insecure Writer's Support Group and What We Offer Writers

It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. I encourage everyone to visit at least a dozen new blogs and leave a comment. Your words might be the encouragement someone needs.

Today’s co-hosts are Murees Dupe, Alexia Chamberlynn, Chemist Ken, and Heather Gardner!


If you’re new to the group or site, here are some of the things we offer:

We are now on Twitter - catch us at @TheIWSG

We have a monthly newsletter that features articles, writing links, and the month’s featured IWSG member. You can sign up HERE and received a free gift.
One of those articles is by an IWSG member - this is where you get to contribute. Here are the details:

Topic Ideas: your number one writing, publishing or marketing tip; a motivational pep talk or inspirational story; a snippet about something you used to be insecure about but overcame or an aha moment you had about writing/publishing.

Length: 200 words or less

How to Submit: Send a DOC attachment to Chrys Fey at ChrysFey(at)yahoo(dot)com Put “Member Article” in the Subject Line.

We have a very supportive group on Facebook with 3200 members. We have special feature days M-W-F, and this month, we are introducing some fun new things on Wednesdays.

Also on Facebook is the IWSG Critique Group for those seeking critique partners.

We offer all writers a free ebook, The Insecure Writer’s Support Group’s Guide to Publishing and Beyond. It offers tips from our members on everything from writing to publishing to promoting.

We have an anthology contest each fall where members can submit stories for a royalty-paying anthology. Released last month, Parallels: Felix Was Here was the first one. Keep watching the site for details concerning this year’s contest and a chance to cast your vote for the genre.

Plus, we even have our own t-shirt.

If you’re a writer looking for resources and support, you’ve come to the right place.

4 Ways to Sift Through Writing Advice

There's a plethora of writing advice out there in bookstores, on the internet, at writing conferences, in critique groups, within the circle of family and friends. We are surrounded by well-intentioned people with opinions on how we should write. Some of the advice is sound, some of it contradictory, some baffling and some seems to make sense but you're not so sure a few months later. How then can you sift through all that information to know which advice to follow?

Ask yourself where the advice is coming from. Advice from an industry professional may carry more weight than the advice given to you by your closest friend whose last written project was done in high school, or your dad who secretly prefers you to become a lawyer. Even the advice from industry professionals shouldn't be taken at face value. Not all editors are made equal. Not every agent has the same vision for your story. Not everyone who writes about writing has the same amount of experience.

Reading advice isn't enough. You might read or hear a great piece of advice and nod in agreement, but ultimately you have to put what you learn into practice. It's the only way to know if it works for you, the only way to truly learn.

Excuses will hold you back. Have you ever heard a piece of writing advice and dismissed it? I know I have. When writers raved about outlining, I switched off. Yeah, I'd think, that's great for them but not for me. I championed the cause for winging it. The story would let me know where it was going when I got there. It wasn't until much later that I tried outlining. I haven't looked back since and wish I'd made the change years earlier. Not every piece of advice will work for you, but you won't know until you try.

Don't take every piece of advice as law. Sure, adverbs can weaken prose, but that doesn't mean you can't ever use them. They aren't disease-ridden pests to be blotted from existence. The same goes for dialogue tags or any other writing 'rule' you might encounter. Writing is creativity and anything creative requires bending the rules. The trick is learning which rules to bend and when.

You want to make your writing the best it can be so that means putting the effort into learning the craft and listening to a wide range of advice and opinions. Don't cut yourself off from those opinions. Listen to them, consider them carefully, perhaps even put them into practice, and keep writing.

What writing advice have you heard and dismissed? What advice do you wish you followed sooner? How do you sift through all the advice?

Lynda R Young
@LyndaRYoung

Photo: a closeup of a mirrored heart which was part of the Vivid Light Festival in Sydney.