The simple advice "Just write." is dished out plentifully in writing discussion boards (especially those frequented by many aspiring writers).

Although it can be hard to hear for a beginner, I believe it's worth internalizing. It is relatively easy to come up with excuses for not writing. What's hard is writing despite it all. Being able to do so is invaluable.

What are your thoughts on this mantra? Criticisms? Perspectives? Stories? I'd like to know.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] 3 points 7 months ago

It sounds like most of us are pretty close to consensus on this, and I'm not an outlier in that regard: I think it's good advice, but like Ellie said, it's not universal.

It's worth trying to "just write" but if that doesn't work (or doesn't work on a particular day or a particular mood), then there's nothing wrong with trying another approach. Like outlining, researching, organizing, etc.

I'm saying this as an amateur writer who struggles to write anything most days. Most of the time just trying is worth it, though.

  • source