The Most Terrible Writing Advice We Found on the Internet

Let’s face it: writing isn’t exactly the easiest thing to do. And with a gazillion resources on the writing process, it can be challenging to find the right balance between following a tried-and-tested path and doing things your own way.

But one thing’s for sure: if you want to develop your own voice and grow as a writer, avoid terrible writing advice at all costs. Here’s a list of the most horrendous writing advice we found online and what you should do instead.

1. Write what you know.

There’s nothing wrong with writing what you know. However, tackling only what you know can become a problem. Doing so can make your piece uninformed, one-dimensional, and lack-luster.

What to do instead: No matter how knowledgeable you are about a topic, it wouldn’t hurt to learn more about it—research about the topic and talk to people who know it well. 

2. Minimize reading to avoid copying.

This one goes on top of the terrible writing advice book. Some people believe that in order to stay original and prevent yourself from copying other writers’ styles, it’s best to minimize reading altogether.

What to do instead: If you don’t read enough, you can’t write enough. In fact, reading other pieces can help enrich your creativity. Remember: there’s a huge difference between getting inspired and plagiarizing.

3. Run everything by the grammar police. 

Some people think that running the piece by a grammar app is enough. Grammar is important, and there’s no doubt about it. However, it’s not the end-all, be-all of good writing.

What to do instead: Grammar apps surely help a lot in catching errors. When it comes to narrative style, however, trust your own judgment as a writer and a storyteller.

4. Long sentences demonstrate prowess.

Using long sentences is terrible writing advice and all the worse if you’re writing for an online medium. Not only will your pieces score low on SEO, but you also wouldn’t want your readers to search for the meaning of every word.

What to do instead: Don’t complicate your writing just for the sake of looking smart.

5. Write for yourself.

Now, this advice isn’t all that bad if the piece you’re writing is just for your eyes. For instance, if you’re writing a journal entry or a work you don’t plan on publishing, go right ahead and write for yourself. However, if you’re writing a book, an article, a copy, or anything else that other people would eventually lay their eyes on, this is terrible writing advice.

What to do instead: Instead of writing for yourself, write for your intended readers. Know what they’re reading and what type of content they’re looking for.

6. Stand by your work at all costs.

It’s one thing to stand up for your work, and it’s another thing to be close-minded to feedback. After all, constructive criticism is meant to help you improve your craft and patch up psychological blindspots you may not be aware of.

What to do instead: Let go of your ego and be open to feedback. 

7. Showcase your expansive vocabulary.

An extensive vocabulary is a part and parcel of expressing yourself through words. However, there’s a difference between using the best word to illustrate an idea and just deliberately highlighting how vast your vocabulary is. 

What to do instead: Again, don’t over-complicate your writing for the sake of bragging. If you look at the best writing blogs, for instance, you wouldn’t find highfalutin words in every sentence, even if the authors are accomplished writers.

8. Write the old-school way.

Some purists believe that creative writing should only be done using a pen and paper or a typewriter. 

What to do instead: There’s nothing wrong with using old-school tools in writing, especially if it helps you feel more creative or productive. However, it wouldn’t hurt to use tech solutions such as word processing software, productivity apps, and grammar checkers to make your process as smooth and painless as possible.

9. More words equal deeper meaning.

Some advise aspiring writers to produce a minimum number of words a day. This, however, is terrible writing advice. 

What to do instead: Quantity doesn’t equal quality. That said, focus on the structure and narrative instead of the word count.

10. Outlines take away your creativity.

There are writers who advise against plotting a story or making an outline, believing it could dampen one’s creativity. 

What to do instead: Use an outline to organize your thoughts. For instance, creating an outline when writing a pitch can help ensure that you’re not missing any points on your project.

11. Stay away from adverbs.

Some writers say adverbs can weaken a sentence and make it too verbose than necessary.

What to do instead: Don’t be afraid to use adverbs as needed. However, be careful not to overdo it.

12. Don’t worry about style.

Not thinking about one’s style is terrible writing advice. On the contrary, you’d want to find and hone your voice as a writer and a creative. 

What to do instead: Reflect on a writing style you’re most drawn to and develop it one written piece at a time.

13. Cramming is productive.

Some writers say they work well under time pressure. Cramming may fuel your drive to finish the piece on time, but that doesn’t mean you’ll write the best work you can produce.

What to do instead: Create a project timeline to encourage yourself to work consistently leading up to the due date. 

14. Learning the basics is enough.

Some writers think that learning the fundamentals is enough. As a result, they don’t grow and evolve as writers.

What to do instead: Never stop learning, and don’t ever think that you’ve already learned everything you need to know about writing. Take web content writers, for instance. If they learned how to write SEO blogs in 2010 and stopped at that, they would produce pieces with very outdated SEO techniques in the current digital arena. 

15. There’s no cure for writer’s block.

Last but not least on our list of terrible writing advice is succumbing to writer’s block. Some say that when you find yourself with writer’s block, it’s best to stop writing and just wait for it to pass.

What to do instead: Some writers argue that writer’s block isn’t real. Their main point is, there must be something hindering you from writing – be it lack of knowledge in the topic, lack of confidence, emotional distress, or maybe a physical condition. Whatever the reason is, it’s best to address the matter at hand instead of charging it to writer’s block.