9 Pieces of Writing Advice That Don’t Fit My Style

The world of writing is filled with overrated advice that may not suit your unique style or goals.

In the world of writing, an abundance of advice gets passed around, hailed as the key to success.

But what many fail to realize is that not all advice is one-size-fits-all. What may work wonders for some writers might not resonate with others. It’s important to recognize the overrated advice in writing that simply doesn’t suit us as individuals.

These are a few points that don’t align with me.

Stick with the niche

The widely circulated advice of “Find your niches” has become overrated in the writing world, and I see it everywhere.

I have a curiosity that spans across many different subjects, and this advice often leaves me feeling like I’ve lost my identity because I don’t fit into a specific niche for my writing.

I don’t believe writers should be confined to just one niche. The strict adherence to a single niche can hinder creative exploration. In truth, any subject can be interconnected with others. Niches only serve to limit my creativity.

Instead, I believe we can find common threads among the various topics we explore.

Let’s say you have a passion for travel. Travel encompasses a vast range of experiences, destinations, and perspectives. For example, if you provide tips on budgeting while traveling, it relates to money and self-management. There is also an emotional aspect that can be related to psychology.

No niche truly stands alone. And we have various aspects of life that are interesting to share.

Write everyday

Since I began, writing every day has never worked for me. Last year, I made a commitment to maintain consistency in my writing. However, I found that I could only dedicate time to writing on weekdays, along with my full-time job. On weekends, I made a conscious decision to completely disconnect from any kind of work.

Getting away from writing actually helped me recharge when I returned. I Write in more detail about it here.

Sometimes you need time to chill out, find inspiration, and not focus so much on your creations.

Everyone has different schedules, commitments, and creative rhythms. It’s more important to find a writing routine that works for you, whether it’s writing daily, several times a week, or during specifically dedicated periods.

Write what others want to read

Attempting to predict and cater to every reader’s desires can be an overwhelming and ultimately futile task. Readers are diverse, with unique preferences, tastes, and perspectives. What appeals to one person may not resonate with another.

While it’s important to consider readers’ interests and engage with them on some level, staying true to my artistic integrity is equally important.

On the flip side, if there’s a particular topic that you’re eager to read about but haven’t come across yet, take the initiative to create your own version.

Try to be a chill observer when reading other people's writings. If you notice any mistakes or areas that could use improvement, don’t go on a rampage of sharp criticism online. Instead, take the opportunity to make your own writing better.

Buzzword SEO

Whenever I find myself looking for tips on writing for the online realm, one piece of advice that consistently pops up is the importance of conducting keyword research.

However, I have found that strictly adhering to keyword research guidelines can sometimes hinder the natural flow and creativity of my writing. It feels as if I am constrained by a set of rules and guidelines, focusing more on optimizing for search engines rather than expressing my authentic voice and ideas.

Rather than writing for the pure joy of self-expression, I catch myself overthinking how my content will perform in terms of search rankings.

While it’s true that keywords play a role in search engine optimization, I also learned that the quality and value of the content itself are paramount. Producing high-quality content that engages and resonates with readers is ultimately what will lead to a strong online presence and, in turn, higher rankings.

Write what you know

While there is some value in drawing from personal experiences and knowledge, strictly adhering to this advice can limit a writer’s creativity and exploration of new ideas. It can lead to repetitive and predictable stories, especially if writers feel confined to only writing about their immediate surroundings or personal experiences.

In reality, writing is a powerful tool for imagination and empathy. It allows authors to explore different perspectives, worlds, and experiences they may not know firsthand. Writing what you don’t know can be an opportunity for growth, research, and learning. With proper research and understanding, writers can create compelling, authentic stories that resonate with readers.

Moreover, if every writer were to strictly follow “write what you know,” we would miss out on a vast array of imaginative works and genres such as science fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, and more. The beauty of writing lies in its ability to transport readers to new and exciting worlds and to challenge and expand our understanding of the human experience.

Just write with flow

When it comes to writing, the advice of “just write” can sound pretty broad. It’s like saying, “Just do it, no matter what.” But for me, I need more than that. I need some sort of plan, an outline to follow.

Having an outline is like having a map. It helps me know where I’m going and keeps me on track. Without it, I tend to ramble and lose focus. My writing ends up all over the place, and that’s not what I want.

But hey, writing isn’t just about putting words on paper. It’s also about revising and editing. Those steps are important too. They help me polish my work and make it clearer and more coherent.

So yeah, “just write” is good advice to get started, but for me, having an outline is essential. It gives me direction and keeps me focused. It’s the foundation that helps me build a solid piece of writing.

Write as you speak

The whole “write like you speak” advice is something I hear a lot. But the thing is, I write in the first place to express things that I can’t easily say out loud.

Certain issues are sensitive or just plain hard to talk about. And sometimes, I struggle to find the right words or explain myself when I’m speaking. That’s where writing comes in handy. It’s like a tool that makes tackling those topics easier and expressing myself more clearly.

Writing allows me to sort through my thoughts, release pent-up feelings, and find a sense of catharsis. When I write, I can dive into complex subjects, explore my emotions, and address difficult issues that I wouldn’t be able to handle in a regular conversation.

Replicate habits of famous writers

Trying to copy the habits of famous writers may seem like a good idea, but it can mess with your writing style. Each writer has their own perspective, experiences, and strengths that make them unique, and that’s something to be celebrated and nurtured.

Writing is all about expressing yourself in your own way, not becoming a carbon copy of someone else.

No matter how meticulously you copy and paste the habits and styles of a particular author, there’s no guarantee that you’ll achieve the same outcome or level of success as them.

It’s cool to look up to successful writers and use them as role models for reference, but don’t ever try to become them.

Specific goal number

Setting specific numerical goals for my writing output just doesn’t work for me. I’ve seen many writers aiming to churn out a certain number of tweets, articles, or newsletters per month, but the truth is the time it takes to create each piece can vary wildly. I can whip up posts quickly, especially when sharing personal experiences or thoughts off the top of my head. But other topics require a deep dive into research and analysis, and those can take much longer.

It’s not just about how much time it takes, though. The depth and presentation style of the writing also plays a role. Some subjects can be covered lightly and concisely, while others need a more thorough and detailed approach. So, it’s tough for me to stick to a fixed schedule or meet specific targets when it comes to how many pieces I publish in a month.

Instead, I’ve learned to prioritize the quality and authenticity of my writing. I want to deliver well-researched, engaging content that truly adds value for my readers. And honestly, I’ve found that being flexible and allowing inspiration to guide my writing process works best for me. I’d rather take the time to produce something meaningful and impactful, even if it means I might not publish as frequently as others.

So, forget about the numbers and focus on what matters most — creating content that resonates with both myself and my audience. As long as I’m producing quality work that I’m proud of, I know I’m on the right track.

writing is an art form that allows for individuality and self-expression. It’s perfectly okay to disregard advice that doesn’t resonate with you and instead forge your own path. Embrace your unique voice, experiment with different techniques, and stay true to your creative vision. Ultimately, the most important aspect of writing is finding joy and fulfillment in the process. So, go forth fearlessly, trust your instincts, and write in a way that feels authentic to you.