Five Things Everyone Says to Writers That Aren't True

After publishing six novels, I've learned a lot. And some of those things I've had to unlearn. If you've been writing for any length of time, you've probably heard plenty of advice, too—some of it helpful, some of it frustratingly misleading. While well-meaning, certain writing "rules" can do more harm than good. Here are five common pieces of advice writers hear that just aren't true.

You've probably heard this one a hundred times: If you want to be a real writer, you must write every single day. While building a consistent habit is great, the idea that daily writing is the only path to success is misleading. Life happens. Some days, thinking about your story, brainstorming, reading, or even taking a break is just as valuable as physically writing. The key isn't rigid daily output—it's sustainable commitment.

This classic advice sounds reasonable but can be limiting. If writers only stuck to their direct experiences, we wouldn't have science fiction, historical fiction, or fantasy. Instead, a better way to think about it is: Write what you can learn, research, or imagine with depth and empathy. Writing is about exploration, not confinement.

Some say the first draft is just about throwing words on the page and fixing them later. While this approach works for some, diving in without an outline, plan, theme, or even a basic sense of direction can create more work in the long run--a lot more as in years more. Writing doesn't have to be chaos to be creative—sometimes a little structure makes all the difference.

I still remember my writing teacher and author Steve Stern telling me that "cream rises to the top." I love Steve, but that's simply wishful thinking. Publishing is not a meritocracy. Plenty of brilliant books get rejected, and plenty of mediocre ones make it through. Factors like timing, market trends, networking, and sheer luck play huge roles. A well-crafted book increases your chances, but persistence, strategy, and adaptability matter just as much as talent.

Writers often hear that editing happens in three steps: developmental editing, line (or copy) editing, and proofreading. In reality, each of these can take multiple rounds—sometimes ten drafts or more! Revising isn't just about checking grammar; it's about refining structure, deepening character arcs, tightening prose, and ensuring the story resonates. A finished book isn't born in one clean pass—it's shaped over time through layers of thoughtful revision.

Writing advice isn't one-size-fits-all. The most important thing is to find a process that works for you and recognize that every writer's journey is different. If these myths have ever made you doubt yourself, take heart—you're not doing it wrong. You're just doing it your way.