Today I want to remind you to follow your writing instincts, even if they’re wrong. That’s right. Especially when you’re a newbie, every instinct you have is likely going to be crap. And that’s okay. In fact, that’s really the only way to can learn, in my humble opinion, is to studiously do the wrong thing until you realize why it’s wrong, and move onto something else. Just like reading the Cliff’s notes on a novel is no substitute for the depth of understanding you get from actually reading the book, there is no way for a human being to side-step learning by trial-and-error, at least not completely. It’s the way we’re wired. It’s the reason you can’t advance someone’s knowledge of the cultures of the world by simply explaining it to them — they need to go out and experience those cultures first-hand. Experience re-wires our brains in a way that raw information does not.
Your other option is to read everything about the writing process — much of which is contradictory — and try to follow every word to the letter. I’ve tried this, and I have found out it just doesn’t work. I always end up going back to my own style — I can comfortably write between 500-1000 words per day, and I have to edit as I go. I’ve read that writing and editing use different parts of the brain, so there’s no way you can mix these two activities. Meh. I can. It feels right. And so I do it. Maybe it’s wrong, but until I come across something that feels more right, I’m going to keep doing it. And you should follow the process that your instincts tell you to follow as well; process is unique and personal.
This isn’t to say that writing advice is useless. Writing advice gives you new alleyways to explore. It broadens your palette of what is possible. Go ahead and try the latest ideas on how to write, and see if it works for you. Then listen to your instincts. They will tell you if you are on the right track.
I am currently trying out a new approach with my current novel, where I do significant planning, both plot-wise and character-wise, before writing. So far my instincts are telling me I’m onto something. Wish me luck.
Happy writing.
