Writing Lessons & Advice: Myths on Writing
I recently learned the old show, Mythbusters, was one of my husband’s favorites. He was home more often over the summer for reasons I’ll keep private and discovered it's available on Amazon Prime. So streaming his old favorite show was one of the ways he liked to pass time and how we’d spend some nights together. For those unfamiliar, Mythbusters was a science-oriented program that ran on the Discovery Channel from 2003 to 2016. In each episode, hosts Adam Savage, Jamie Hyneman, and others experimented with various myths, misconceptions, rumors, and stunts to see if the notions held plausibility in reality.
Inspired by my husband’s binge-watching, I thought I’d look into five myths related to writing.
Myth: Good writers don’t need proofreading or feedback.
Reality: All the head knowledge of writing rules isn’t enough to save one from occasional confusion, typos, or oversights. Proofreading and feedback are a few things that make a writer better, no matter their experience! (Common errors will be discussed in a later lesson.)
Myth: Good writers work quickly and effortlessly.
Reality: Many aspects in the art and act of writing are learned skills, not unlike cooking, driving, operating computers, or playing sports. Some writers might seem to be gifted with putting pen to paper easily, but it's still work for them. At times, the creative juices flow more easily than others. More still, many writers often have a perfectionist mentality, constantly cycling through brainstorming, drafting, editing, and revising before they’re satisfied with their message. (Even I can't leave some of my own work alone after its scheduled or posted!) No doubt days, months, or even years have gone into finessing much of the literature or content you enjoy. A well-done writing process is not short, but worth the effort to most writers!
Myth: Writing is a solitary activity.
Reality: An average onlooker may wonder how writing could possibly be a social task. This misconception is understandable because writing is typically an individualistic process. It has a nature of being a solo activity because a single person works at expressing their own thoughts in their own ways as they type away at a computer or scrawl in a notebook. Some writers may even feel they concentrate better in an environment of limited distraction and interaction.
So how does a social element fit in? Some common ways are through seeking feedback on drafts or ideas; taking classes or workshops, or working in a public setting if preferred or allowed. Other ways are through certain employments, like tutoring, teaching, editing, or journalism. Also, just like with other common/general interests, creative writing groups are prevalent both online and in-person (NaNoWriMo is in this vein BTW). More still, some writers are active on social media, promoting their work, engaging with fans, or supporting other writers.
Writing may often look like a withdrawn pursuit, but it is nonetheless a form of communication that is done with and for others. Writing and social connection are not hard to combine; if not even a necessity!
Myth: Everything has to be figured out before writing.
Reality: This myth may have some roots in preference and process. Some writers--like plotters-- like having their concepts all outlined, charted, or diagrammed out before getting into the thick of the project. Even still, the early steps of the writing process often emphasize brainstorming and organizing your ideas into some coherence. They aren’t bad things to do before writing, but they aren’t absolute, rock-hard requirements either if not otherwise instructed. Pantsers like me would be in a lot of trouble if they were! If starting a work with little more than some strong ideas is what works for you, that’s perfectly fine!
Myth: A writer needs extensive, formal education and/or degrees in a related field.
Reality: The amount of education needed depends on how you approach writing. Of course, many professional fields often require knowledge, techniques, and experience developed in higher education. On the other hand, a casual writing hobby can often suffice with the ELA studies provided through most primary and secondary education. Even at that, many people--from the erudites to the average Joes-- come to the writing craft from less traditional or literary-oriented areas, possibly to create work that reflects or focuses on their expertise in some way.
Busting this myth isn’t intended to discourage or devalue the higher disciplines of writing/literary studies. Rather, I hope that the average Joe feels less intimidated knowing that just about any level of writing experience or expertise is an acceptable place to start as a writer. Plus, many writers find ways to grow and develop at their own pace and in their own ways--perhaps through a combination of groups, workshops, avid reading, or disciplined habits. If perchance someone is curious about needing a college-level writing degree or what one can offer, I’ll post some discussions in the source links to hopefully help the decision. Also, a future lesson will discuss other potential education and development opportunities that anyone from the erudite to the average Joe can consider.
I hope busting these writing-related myths helps you think differently about your writing and writing in general!
Are you relieved or surprised by any of these busted myths? If you want to discuss any other myths or topics you want me to cover in the future, you’re welcome to reach out to me on the web chat feature or socials!
Sources/further reading
Discussions about writing degrees:
Comments