In this series, we’ve covered myths about Writing and Writers. But even with the many myths about writing and writers, there are even more about the potential barriers to writing and some commonly held myths that are plain annoying.
Here are some myths that prevent some people from pursuing their writing:
Myth: I’m not good enough to be a writer.
All writers feel like this at some point. Even the most successful wonder if they will ever publish again. It’s part of the creative process. You pour yourself onto the page and wonder if it will be good enough. The only difference between a writer and you is that the writer doesn’t let those feelings stop her. Writer’s write even when it feels like everything is awful.
Myth: Writing is too hard for me. I must not be a writer.
Writing is hard for everyone, not just newbies. There are times when all writers struggle to find the words or the plot. This too is part of the process. The sad truth is that writing never gets easier no matter how long you write. It does get faster, but not easier. Experienced writers learn how to dig deep to find the hard truths. They know how to work through the obstacles, but they still face them. They have the basic skills down. It takes practice to get faster, but practice does not make it easier. Writing will always be a soul-wrenching experience fueled by self-doubt.
Myth: I don’t have a support system.
Don’t let a lack of support stop you. It’s easier to write with support, but you can do it on your own. If your immediate circle won’t support you, reach out to communities and groups that will. Find books to guide you. Check your local library for writing groups. Check social media for opportunities to connect. Join NaNoWriMo for their local write-in events. If you want support, you can find it. You may have to look beyond your immediate network though.
Myth: I don’t have the skills.
Okay, this may be true. But the great news is that there are plenty of places to learn. You could attend a class at the local college or community college. There are online classes. And some counties have continuing education classes you can take. There are writer’s workshops and seminars. If you can’t swing a class, you can select any of a number of great writing books. The point is you can learn the skills. Not knowing is no excuse.
Myth: My grammar isn’t perfect, so I can’t be a writer.
Writers make mistakes. No one’s grammar is perfect except perhaps Grammar Girl. You do need to know grammar well to write well, but you can learn and improve your skills if they need improvement. If you feel weak in any area of writing, take it as a sign to learn. There are great books and classes you can take. Don’t let a lack of grammar stop you. And don’t think you have to become Grammar Girl to begin.
And these are the myths that exist only to annoy writers:
Myth: Anyone can write.
You may not see this one as a negative myth, but it is. It’s also one of the most popularly held. Everyone has stories, but not everyone can bring those ideas to life in book form. It takes more than a concept. It takes the ability to recognize the story within the idea. It takes the skill to bring that concept to life. It takes talent to craft characters, scenes, tension, setting and a satisfying climax. Most of all, it takes time and dedication to finish. Lots of people talk about writing but rarely pick up a pen to do it. They compare their ideas with published books, but don’t do the work to actually write the book they say that’s in them. Writing is about more than a good idea. It’s sticking with an idea through plotting, characterization, setting, and spending hours and hours and hours at the computer or table writing until it’s finished. And then it’s spending even more time going back over it to perfect it.
Myth: Writers don’t need time to write to write.
Anyone who writes will know the struggle getting people to respect their writing time. It’s almost as if people believe books are written in the dark of night by elves or that they flow from the writer in rapid bursts leaving them with huge chunks of time for other things, like meet for lunch or attend lectures or run errands or any number of other things that are routinely asked of us. Writing takes time. It takes focus. It cannot be fitted around others’ schedules. That’s why writers often beg off social invitations and let phone calls go to voicemail.
Myth: I have an idea for a story you should write.
This is not a negative statement on the surface, but there is an underlying belief in this statement that writers are actively searching for ideas from other people. It’s not true. We are not. If you have an idea, write it down in story form. Don’t push it on another writer. Writers are full of ideas. They don’t need yours. It doesn’t matter how great the idea is, and sadly, it is rarely great. Most of the time, this statement is made by someone who wants to have their story published but don’t want to do the work to make that happen. Sorry, I have my own work.
Myth: I’m a writer too.
Again, this doesn’t seem like a negative and sometimes it is not. This is a great statement when I run into someone who actually writes. I love meeting other writers. Unfortunately, most people who say this to me have never written anything. They talk about it. Or they bring up a poem they wrote in high school. These people are not writers. Being a writer is being someone who writes on a regular basis. If you don’t actively write, then stop saying you’re a writer. You’re not. If you want to be a writer, pick up a pen and begin.
Next week, we will finish the series by looking at myths surrounding publishing.