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Fantasy: September 27, 2017 Issue [#8522]

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Fantasy


 This week: Writing Advice
  Edited by: Robert Waltz Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Good advice is always certain to be ignored, but that's no reason not to give it.
         -Agatha Christie

When you encounter seemingly good advice that contradicts other seemingly good advice, ignore them both.
         -Al Franken

The only thing to do with good advice is to pass it on. It is never of any use to oneself.
         -Oscar Wilde


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Letter from the editor

Recently, a forum post linked to this page of writing advice:

http://ocwriters.network/2017/08/29/top-10-writing-myths-holding-back/

If you're so inclined, take a look at that list (it's Part 1; the link to Part 2 is down below the comments). But I'm not going to address the specific points that author makes; what I have to say this week is more about advice in general.

In the years I've been doing these newsletters, I've given plenty of advice. I've even taken my own advice from time to time. Thing is, though, I've found that few people are willing to take someone else's advice - even if they asked for it. Sometimes, especially if they asked for it.

It's even worse for writers, I think. Writers are, after all, readers, and if there's one trope that holds true across all genres of fiction, it's this: In a story, advice given is never taken.

Think about it. Have you ever read a book, or seen a show, in which someone gives well-intentioned advice, and the advisee actually follows it? I can't think of any examples, myself, but I'm sure you can think of plenty of examples of advice not taken.

"Don't stray from the path."

*Characters stray from the path.*

"Don't wander off."

*Characters wander off.*

"Whatever you do, don't press the red button."

"You mean this one?" *Click*

In fact, if someone in a story gives someone else some advice, and the advice gets followed, well... that would leave the reader hanging, wouldn't it? We all want to know what happens.

So we writers, conditioned to this trope, probably tend to ignore advice at a higher rate than the general population.

I've always wanted to put a sign on a door in my house going, "Never open this door!" On the other side, of course, would be nothing but a motion-activated camera so I can catch people opening the door. But they don't have to know that. For all they know, I have clowns hidden away in there. Or spiders. Or clown spiders. Anyway, not going to happen because I never have guests anymore (probably something to do with the spiders).

So, knowing this, I have just one sentence of advice for you:

Never take any writing advice, ever.


Editor's Picks

Some writings for you:

The Legend of the Bloodstone Ring Open in new Window. [13+]
Professor Waylon Sparks finds an odd (and dangerous) ring in a long-forgotten mansion.
by C. M. Nuckols Author Icon


 The Curse of Rose Petal-revised. Open in new Window. [13+]
A story of two tween girls and a cursed soul.
by WordyRob Author Icon


The Puffy Ink'd Unicorn Open in new Window. [E]
“Please, use your words to set me free!” A Pink Fluffy Unicorn Contest Entry
by 🌕 HuntersMoon Author Icon


 Do Unto Others Open in new Window. [13+]
A pupil of a dark Goddess seeking one from the light.
by Joe Author Icon


 Flowers for the Urban Fae Open in new Window. [13+]
How do you call the urban fairies to visit?
by ridinghhood-p.boutilier Author Icon


 
At the Well Open in new Window. [18+]
Enchanted One drunk on my spell, follow my song to my well...
by Fictiøn Ðiva the Wørd Weava Author Icon


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by A Guest Visitor

 
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Ask & Answer

Last time, in "Preparing for NaNoWriMoOpen in new Window., I suggested that NaNo participants might want to do some world-building in September.


Quick-Quill Author Icon: I've been tempted to join Nano again. Maybe this story will keep me writing to the end. I'm not sure if it will be an official Nano or just doing it on my own. Maybe just join the WDC version and not the other.

         The choice is entirely up to you *Smile*


Mummsy Author Icon: Physics . . . mathematics? I'm doomed! *Laugh* And here I was planning to write a fantasy for NaNoWriMo this year. Wanna be my tutor? *Smirk*

         I dunno. My cheerleading duties might conflict with that. Rah.


That's all for me for September - see you next month! Until then,

DREAM ON!!!

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