Unadvice for Writers

“I am not one of those who in expressing opinions confine themselves to facts.” – Mark Twain

When I have posts about writing, they are simply my reflections on the craft based on my experience as an author. Although they work for me, they may not -- and probably won't -- work for you.

For those who are writers, or aspire to be writers, there have been countless opinions expressed about this creative endeavor in books, magazines, newspapers, radio, television, conferences, websites, webinars, conversations, blogs or whatever means you seek advice.

And, no doubt, there will be countless more suggestions and recommendations offered on the writing process in the years to come. As the crude saying goes, opinions are like… everyone has one.

I have a bookshelf and more of books about writing. I subscribe to several writing magazines and blogs. I occasionally attend lectures, seminars and conferences about various things pertaining to writing.

So what’s my point in this post? First, I don’t take anything as gospel. Second, I try to take nuggets of information from various sources. And third, sometimes I find grains of salt. It's kind of a collective process for me in picking up bits and pieces from many sources.

That’s what I hope you take from my posts.

We all have our own methods of writing. We all have different time constraints. We all have different things going on in our lives. We all have different interests. In other words, we’re all different in many ways that affect our writing in many ways.

I believe my only sound pieces of advice are to read and write.

But do it your way.

One more thought about advice, this from Virginia Woolf: "Literature is strewn with the wreckage of men who have minded beyond reason the opinions of others."

Until the next time...