Do the Opposite and Win as a Writer! (Part 3)

Welcome to Part 3 of my review of Dawn Field’s “How to Fail as a Writer” blog and why you should do the opposite to WIN as a writer.

1. Do not ever read for other writers. Critiquing will just cloud your mind and take your focus off your own work.

This is so not true. I have been running a writers’ critique group for almost 10 years and we enjoy reading each other’s work. I find that constructive criticism only makes my writing better through their feedback. And nothing beats having your work polished to the best that it can be.

2. If an editor critiques your writing, stick to your guns that it’s his fault he didn’t understand “what you really meant.”

Sometimes a third party (an editor) pointing out what’s wrong with your storyline can be a very hard pill to swallow. But the good thing is that they are objective and will make your work so much better once you get over the fact that as writer’s we don’t always know it all.

3. If a reader gives you feedback that something in the plot seems to be missing, ignore her. Better yet, prove it’s “all there” by pointing to page 224, where three words in the middle of a paragraph at the end of the chapter “explain it all.”

Readers can be very astute so as a writer you have to ensure that the plotline overs all the bases and explains the character’s motivation, etc. So instead of dismissing the reader’s feedback, writers should see how best they can address the reader’s concerns.

4. Never back up the electronic copy of your work. It’s good for your creative juices to be in constant fear of losing your book beyond the event horizon of the cyber black hole.

This is laughable. Without a doubt PLEASE do save your work.

5. Forget the idea of practicing any kind of writing other than your book. It’s just a distraction.

It’s not a distraction when you can flex your creative muscles while engaging in other types of writing other than your book. As for me, I enjoy blogging and writing book reviews. So, go ahead and flex those muscles.

6. Do not stoop so low as to take the advice of writers who have walked the path before you. You need to find your own path in your own way.

I know we all have to find our own path but why reinvent the wheel when embarking on the writing journey. If there are writers who have experienced the ups and downs of the writing industry, I think it would behoove writers not to take a few lessons from them.

7. Never show your writing to anyone.

That’s the worst thing a writer can do. You have to show and share your writing to get feedback to ensure you are on the right track in keeping readers engage. As I have said before, I run a writers’ critique group and I really enjoy sharing my work with the members and welcome their feedback too.

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