5 Writing Myths You Shouldn't Let Hold You Back

I let myself wait far too long to start writing online.

I always dreamed of becoming a great writer and publishing a book one day, but I never thought I’d be good enough.

The idea of not being “good enough” to write a book is total nonsense.

Bestselling books come from people of all backgrounds, education levels, and writing expertise. Actors, athletes, politicians, and regular people like you and me publish books every day. I it even possible to quantify skill when it comes to writing? We can recognize it when we see it but ultimately writing is a subjective art.

All that matters in the end is if the writing is entertaining or informative.

* * *

This idea of not being good enough to be a writer was a total myth. I was letting some fictional, made-up theory prevent me from starting a life long goal of mine.

If I was struggling with one writing myth, that means other people struggle with them as well.

Here’s 5 writing myths that you shouldn’t let hold you back 👇

Myth 1: More words are better than less.

The internet has changed how writing is consumed.

Instead of full-fledged books we have to pay for or check out from a library, we can read bit-sized content with ease. Writing online is about getting to your point quickly and being entertaining or informative in a flash.

Everyone’s time is valuable, so don’t waste it.

Myth 2: Writer’s block.

The first time someone get’s the so called “writer’s block” they might just give up writing for good.

The reality is there are a million ways to come up with topics to write about. Writing prompt lists, trending news, what you had for breakfast, or what was the last funny joke you heard. Literally anything can be an article.

Go watch a Ted talk and write your thoughts about the speech. It’s that easy.

Myth 3: “I don’t have the time.”

This is a myth that arises for any hobby, side hustle, or activity.

During my MBA program I had classes with single mothers working full-time, studying full-time, AND doing a side hustle. If there’s people out here raising children, working, cleaning the house, studying, and more, then you can find 30 minutes a day to write.

Solve this myth by scheduling and dedicating a specified time each day to writing and sticking to it.

Myth 4: “My vocabulary isn’t good enough.”

My vocabulary is pretty mediocre if I’m honest.

I’m naturally more logically and mathematically gifted. The good news is writing doesn’t really require a doctorate in literature or linguistics. Writing, especially in the internet age, is about readability and digestibility.

If you can write at a 7th or 8th grade reading level, you’re golden.

Myth 5: You need a good conclusion

Article conclusions are often useless and filler.

They offer nothing new because the writer will just summarize everything they’ve already said. A conclusion is only beneficial if it closes out your piece with new information. Summaries are for academic papers, not your twitter thread or Medium post.

There’s 5 writing myths that are simply untrue and solutions to each of them. I hope you won’t let these myths stop you from making awesome content.

If you'd like some help getting started writing online, shoot me a message. I'd love to help you!