7 Pieces of Writing Advice You Absolutely Shouldn’t Follow

There’s no shortage of writing advice out there. From writing books to TikTok videos to that one friend who always wanted to write a novel but never has—everyone has something to say about how you "should" write.

And sure, some advice is gold. But some of it? It’s outdated, overgeneralized, or just plain unhelpful.

Let’s take a look at seven common pieces of writing advice that get thrown around way too often—and why you should feel totally fine ignoring them.

1. “Write every day.”

Listen, consistency is great. A daily habit can absolutely help some people stay in the groove. But let’s be real—life doesn’t always allow for that, and beating yourself up over missed days only adds pressure.

If writing daily works for you? Awesome. But if you're juggling a job, kids, burnout, or just need rest—you're still a writer. Some people thrive on sprints, weekend marathons, or writing in seasonal bursts. The key is to find your rhythm, not someone else’s.

2. “Real writers write for the love of it, not for money.”

Sure, passion is important. But let’s not pretend that wanting to make money from your writing is somehow wrong.

This advice often gets tossed around like some moral purity test—but here’s the truth: you can love writing and want to make a living from it. Both can be true. Writers are allowed to have ambition. You’re building a career, not a hobby you apologize for.

3. “Show, don’t tell.”

This one isn’t bad advice—it’s just overused and often misunderstood. Yes, showing can create rich, immersive scenes. But sometimes, telling is more efficient. Sometimes, it’s better for pacing. Sometimes, it’s just... clearer.

A book that only shows and never tells? Exhausting. Learn to do both, and choose intentionally based on what the scene needs.

4. “Never use adverbs.”

Oh, come on. Are we still doing this? Yes, adverbs can be lazy if they replace stronger verbs (“ran quickly” vs. “sprinted”), but that doesn’t mean you should banish every word ending in -ly from your manuscript.

Use adverbs sparingly and purposefully. If one helps you hit the right rhythm, tone, or emotional note—use it. No one’s giving out trophies for The Most Adverb-Free Novel.

5. “Don’t write genre fiction if you want to be taken seriously.”

This one? Straight-up snobbery. Genre fiction—romance, fantasy, mystery, horror—is packed with brilliant storytelling, deep themes, and character work that rivals any “literary” novel.

Writing a cozy mystery doesn’t make you less of a writer than someone penning a Booker Prize contender. Write what lights you up. And if that includes dragons or kissing or haunted houses? Even better.

6. “Stick to one genre to build your brand.”

Branding matters, sure—but creativity doesn’t like being boxed in. Plenty of successful authors write across genres (hello, V.E. Schwab and Leigh Bardugo). If you're passionate about multiple genres, there's no rule that says you can’t explore them.

The key is to communicate clearly with your readers. Use pen names if needed. Separate newsletters or platforms. But don’t force yourself into one lane if your creativity is pulling you elsewhere.

7. “You have to suffer for your art.”

No. Nope. Hard pass.

There’s this romanticized idea that great writing only comes from pain or struggle. But the truth is, you don’t have to be miserable to write something meaningful. Writing can be joyful. It can be healing. It can be playful.

Yes, writing can be hard. But it doesn’t have to hurt. You’re allowed to enjoy the process. You're allowed to protect your mental health. You're allowed to have fun with your stories.

Final Thoughts

Writing is personal. What works for one author might completely derail another. So if you've been clinging to a piece of advice that feels more like a shackle than a tool, it might be time to let it go.

At the end of the day, the best writing advice is this: Figure out what works for you—and then keep going.

Your voice matters. Your way of writing matters. And your stories? We need them.

p.s. Want a guide to help you through the drafting process? Check out The Storyteller’s Journal. If a bullet journal, a book on writing, and a guided planner had a baby … this book would be it.