Huge Lies Writing Gurus are Telling You

Summary

In this video, the speaker debunks some of the most famous but flawed pieces of writing advice. From Hemingway’s ‘write drunk, edit sober’ to the often misinterpreted ‘show, don’t tell,’ the speaker explains why these tips can hinder a writer’s growth. With examples from authors like Twain, Faulkner, and Leonard, the video emphasizes the importance of balance in writing, encouraging writers to know when to apply different techniques. Ultimately, the advice focuses on offering a more flexible, open-minded approach to the writing process, highlighting the importance of both creative freedom and critical revision.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hemingway's 'Write Drunk, Edit Sober' is popular but should be taken figuratively, encouraging uninhibited drafting and a more critical editing phase.
• 😀 'Write What You Know' limits creativity; instead, mix emotional experiences with research and imagination to craft compelling stories.
• 😀 Writing every day, as recommended by Ray Bradbury, works for some but not all writers—flexibility is key.
• 😀 John Updike's dismissal of genre fiction ignores its unique qualities and storytelling potential; writers should learn from both literary and genre fiction.
• 😀 Faulkner's 'Kill Your Darlings' advice should focus on removing parts that don't serve the story, not necessarily parts the writer loves.
• 😀 Elmore Leonard's advice to avoid 'writing that sounds like writing' promotes natural speech but overlooks the value of stylistic elements in narrative writing.
• 😀 'Show, Don’t Tell' is valuable, but telling has its place in quickly conveying information or guiding the reader's perspective.
• 😀 Many writers make the mistake of trying to edit while drafting, which can hinder the creative process—draft freely and then edit with a critical mindset.
• 😀 Writers should embrace both showing and telling, understanding when each technique is most effective for pacing, character development, and narrative delivery.
• 😀 The best writing advice is not rigid but adaptable to the writer’s style and the needs of the story, so flexibility is key to a successful writing journey.

Q & A

What does the advice 'write drunk, edit sober' really mean?

The advice 'write drunk, edit sober' is often misunderstood. While it seems to encourage drinking as a means to loosen creativity, it’s likely meant figuratively. It suggests writing freely without self-censorship and editing later with a more critical, rational mindset.

Why is the advice 'write what you know' problematic?

The advice 'write what you know' is problematic because it limits writers to only their own experiences, when fiction often thrives on creativity and imagination. Instead, writers should combine their emotional knowledge with research and imagination to create compelling stories.

What is Ursula K. Le Guin's take on 'write what you know'?

Ursula K. Le Guin expanded on the concept by saying 'write what you know, but remember that you know dragons.' This means writers can tap into their emotional truths but also draw upon creativity and imagination, allowing for a broader range of storytelling.

Is writing every day a necessity for every writer?

No, writing every day isn’t necessary for every writer. While Ray Bradbury advocated for daily writing, many writers, including the speaker, find that they work best through binge writing, where they focus intensely for short periods rather than writing every day.

What did John Updike say about genre fiction?

John Updike disparaged genre fiction, claiming that most popular fiction lacked the literary quality of traditional literary works. However, the speaker argues that genre fiction serves different purposes and can offer valuable lessons in areas like pacing and cliffhangers, even if it differs in style from literary fiction.

What does 'Kill Your Darlings' really mean in writing?

'Kill Your Darlings' was originally meant to encourage writers to remove passages that they were overly attached to, but that didn’t serve the story. Over time, it’s been misinterpreted as simply deleting passages you like, which isn't always necessary. Writers should focus on what enhances the reader’s experience rather than just removing beloved sections.

Why is the advice 'if it sounds like writing, rewrite it' problematic?

The advice 'if it sounds like writing, rewrite it' given by Elmore Leonard is aimed at avoiding overly ornate or 'purple' prose. However, the problem arises when it suggests that all writing should mimic natural speech. In reality, writing can be more expressive and artistic than spoken language, as seen in stylized dialogue in works like 'Gilmore Girls'.

How should a writer balance 'showing' versus 'telling' in their work?

The 'show, don’t tell' advice is helpful for beginners but oversimplifies the writing process. While showing is essential for creating immersive scenes, telling is an important tool for providing context, advancing the plot, and controlling pacing. Writers should know when each technique is appropriate for the story.

What is the significance of pacing in popular fiction according to the speaker?

Pacing is a key element in popular fiction. The speaker highlights that commercial fiction writers, such as Dan Brown, are skilled at maintaining a fast-paced narrative, keeping readers engaged. This makes pacing an important aspect for writers to learn, regardless of genre.

What can writers learn from reading genre fiction?

Writers can learn a lot from genre fiction, especially about pacing, cliffhangers, and high-concept ideas. Even if they don't write in these genres, studying popular works can provide insights into maintaining reader engagement and creating compelling, accessible stories.