There’s a lot of writing advice out there, but not all of it serves you. In this episode, we’re unpacking 3 common writing myths that might be slowing you down or making you over-think your story.
If you’ve been feeling stuck, this is your permission to let go of the “rules” and reconnect with the story you need to tell.
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Episode at a glance:
[02:10] Myth #1: You have to have your story all figured out before you start writing
The truth is, you don’t need a complete roadmap or template. You just need a direction. Instead of mapping out every twist and turn, start with what you’re pulled toward – a voice, a character, a moment, a dynamic that intrigues you. All you need to begin is one thread that pulls you into the world of the story. From there, just follow that thread to the next idea and the next idea and the next.
[06:11] Myth #2: Plot is the first thing to develop
Start with the main story problem, not the plot. The events need to be infused with meaning, and that meaning comes from your character’s inner problem: what they want, what they fear, what they believe. Once you know what’s at stake for your character internally, you can start creating the external dilemmas that challenge that.
[06:11] Myth #3: Write for an audience
Your first allegiance and responsibility is to the story, not the audience. Writing with an audience in mind too early can dilute your voice, compromise your vision and cause a lot of self doubt. Yes, revision is where audience awareness comes in. But during the drafting stage, stay true to what you’re trying to discover through this piece of writing.
Link Mentioned In This Episode:
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
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