The Best Writing Advice I Ever Received

Posted by Teresa Slack
Nearly every time I speak to a book club or writers’ group I am asked a variation of the following question--What’s the best writing advice you ever received? I’ve received plenty of advice and inspiration over the years. But the best is often the simplest.

This advice came from country music singer Toby Keith. He said; “You can’t tell a writer to write better. You can only tell them to write more.”

Not exactly rocket science, but for me it was spot on. Don’t write better. Write more.

Regardless of our abilities or experience, there’s no excuse for not writing more. Even if it’s garbage and most of it will be edited into oblivion, we can still do it.

Imagine your doctor said you needed brain surgery. You could schedule with the guy fresh out of school who knew all the latest techniques and innovations. You would be his first patient. Or you could have the one who performed your type of surgery every day, and she was known throughout the country for her skills and experience.

You can choose whomever you want, but let me tell you, I’d pick the one who did my surgery every day.

I don’t know about you, but I am my own biggest roadblock for not writing more. Or should I say my doubts, fear—and dare I say it—laziness are my biggest roadblocks. But they shouldn’t keep me from finishing the stories I believe I’m called to write.

Whether it’s the story idea that’s been pestering you for years, the article you should’ve written last week, or the blog post you’ve put off for too long, write it. Don’t worry that it’s too long or too short or not original enough. Don’t wonder if anyone will like it or if the market will support it. Write it. And don’t write better. Write more.

What about you? What’s the best writing advice you ever received? Share it here and let us encourage one another.

Teresa Slack’s first novel Streams of Mercy, the first in her Jenna’s Creek Series, won the Bay Area Independent Publishers’ Assn award for Best First Novel. It is currently available as a free download on Amazon through May 17th. Click here to get your copy and then check out the rest of the series. Teresa’s down-to-earth characters and realistic dialog have endeared her to readers and reviewers alike. Learn more about her and her books at her website www.teresaslack.com or on her Amazon author page. Follow her on Facebook & Twitter to stay up to date with what’s coming next.