Celebrating 1.7K Subs With Some Bad Writing Advice! (Featuring J.R. Traas)

The paragraph discusses the importance of staying relaxed and not worrying about making mistakes in the artistic process. It emphasizes the need to enjoy creation and feel the excitement of it. The speaker warns against approaching art with fear and timidity, as this can hinder one's ability to fully express themselves. The introduction of the podcast is made, and the guests are welcomed. The conversation aims to address common bad advice given to beginner writers and to provide practical guidance based on decades of combined writing experience.

This section delves into the critique of common writing advice, such as 'write what you know', which can be limiting if taken too literally. The discussion highlights the importance of using one's personal experiences but also encourages learning and incorporating new knowledge into one's writing. The paragraph also addresses the potential pitfalls of writing only what one has directly experienced, suggesting instead that writers should focus on creating a personal connection to their work. The conversation touches on the importance of understanding and effectively communicating themes and emotions through storytelling.

The paragraph critiques the advice of writing every day and emphasizes that life can sometimes interfere with such strict routines. It argues for a more flexible approach to writing, acknowledging that creativity cannot be forced. The discussion suggests that mental work on characters and stories outside of physical writing is equally important. The paragraph also addresses the fallacy that one must write a certain number of words per day to be a successful writer, advocating for a more personalized and adaptable writing practice.

This section critiques the advice 'Kill Your Darlings', which can be harmful to new writers who are still developing their style. The discussion explains that this advice can lead to the removal of important and loved parts of a story without adding value. Instead, the advice should focus on being open to the evolution of ideas and the transformation of a story throughout the writing process. The importance of not removing elements simply because they are personally appealing is stressed, encouraging writers to focus on the overall narrative rather than individual parts.

The paragraph refutes the notion that there are no new ideas left in writing. It highlights the infinite possibilities in storytelling and the unique perspectives each author brings to their work. The discussion emphasizes the role of evolving technology and changing publishing methods in opening up new horizons for creativity. It also touches on the cyclical nature of human storytelling and the importance of sharing and remixing ideas. The paragraph encourages writers to draw inspiration from a wide range of sources to create something unique.

The final paragraph encourages aspiring writers to view writing as a craft that requires time, practice, and patience. It advises writers not to be too hard on themselves and to enjoy the process of writing. The conversation ends with a reminder that every writer, regardless of their level of experience, can contribute something unique to the world of storytelling. The paragraph concludes with a call to action for writers to continue writing, learning, and growing, embracing their passion and creativity in their work.