Writing Myths

Writing Myths

It’s no secret that each writer brings their writing to life in a different fashion. Our upbringing, interests and hobbies, and personal style elements are what keep writing authentic and unique. Like every hobby or profession, stereotypes easily cling to the threads of misconception. Though these misconceptions seem harmless at their cores, they undermine the time and effort that comes with being termed a “writer.” Today, I will be debunking common myths surrounding the writing process, as well as writers themselves. It is vastly important to recognize the variation amongst writers, as creativity feeds on the fire of uniqueness.


Myth 1: Writing is always a clean, clear-cut, linear process that is the same for all writers.

The first misconception surrounding writing is that it is a “robotic” process that follows a linear path and remains the same for all writers. Along with that, it is often assumed that there is one “correct” way to go about writing. This misjudgment likely exists due to the flawed teaching of the writing process to elementary-aged children, integrating a strictly linear writing process deep into their minds. As a result, this leads those who have been taught the writing process is always the same to believe that to get to a pristine, polished draft, the author had to have followed the same strict writing process they were taught. This falsely linear process is as follows: brainstorming, outlining, drafting, revising, and publishing. 

In reality, this linear process is anything but universal. Though it may work for some, for most, the writing process is messy, disorganized, and different for every writer. One writer may draft two, three, or four times before they feel as though they have a layout they are satisfied with and can move on to revisions. Others, like myself, spend a majority of their writing process brainstorming and working on a detailed outline with a variety of topics, themes, evidence, quotes, and anecdotes. For some, brainstorming and outlining take up a majority of their writing process.

writer at desk

Different writing genres involved straying away from the typical cut-and-dry writing process as well. When conducting a research paper, for example, one may spend a majority of their “brainstorming” conducting research and surveys for the build of their paper. For creative writing, character building and narrative brainstorming are crucial for having a solid story foundation. No matter the genre or writer, every writing process varies in one way or another. So, why is a linear way of writing integrated so deeply into our young minds? 

Differences in the writing process should be honored and encouraged, which involves elementary schools changing how they teach writing starting early. In theory, teaching every child the same writing curriculum saves time in the classroom and seems easier. However, in practice this causes many people to have to re-learn how to write in a way that’s individual to them later in life. Every child should have the opportunity to explore their personal writing process, not be forced into a linear writing model. According to the Colorado Department of Education, “the goal of the writing process is to teach students how to apply and transfer their knowledge,” which comes from recognizing that “writing is a messy and difficult skill to master without … the patience to allow students to find their voice, discover their style, and make authorial choices that reflects their individual creativity, thoughts, feelings, and ideas.” It is imperative that students have the opportunity to practice their writing skills in a way that is personal to them and facilitates creative growth. Forcing students to follow the same writing process every time they write is like trying to connect puzzle pieces that don’t belong together, they may fit, but they are not flush with one another. Pushing students to oblige to a writing process that does not align with the individual student harms their growth and potential as future writers. 

puzzle

I ran a survey amongst Rowan Writing Arts majors where I asked my classmates to outline their personal writing processes. By no surprise, when asked if the writing process they were taught as a child still applies to their writing process today, 80% of respondents answered “No.” Each response outlined a unique writing process that did not follow the strict linear model that is often believed to be the “correct” way to write. One respondent, Zodiac Abbott, said that their process “typically starts with some sort of internal urge to write or some sort of inspiration of an outside force” and then moves to an “explosion of words onto a document.” Similarly, Peter Wall says, “I don't worry about organization or format, just getting it on the page so that I can see it. It isn't until after I have an idea in front of me that I figure out what works and what doesn't.” Clearly, these students' writing processes are vastly different from the writing process we are taught as children. The processes are unclear, personalized, and are bound to change. Another student, Aedan Antus, describes their creative writing process in a unique way that completely voids the “outlining” step so deeply integrated into early writing education. “When I start my writing process, I tend to think about the overall plot of my story. I start with how I want the story to start, and how I want the story to end. Everything in the middle I like to see what happens while I am writing, besides maybe some major details just to keep the story on track,” says Aedan. In contrast, student Sade Ford focuses on outlining their ideas before they begin writing the bulk of their paper. Sade starts their writing process by “detailing what [they] plan on writing,” including “bullet-pointing main ideas or plot points.” Sade’s writing process may be seen as a more “typical” writing process, however, it is still individualized and changed depending on the type of genre they are writing. It is clear that though some writers may adhere more closely to the linear writing process, this is not the case for every writer. Writing is almost never clean, clear-cut, or linear, as every writer's style and personal writing preferences differ and are bound to change as they grow as writers. 


Myth 2: Writing is a “natural” talent that writers are born with.

 Many individuals, though they write (whether that be a school paper or a professional email), do not consider themselves “writers,” or feel as though they aren’t “blessed with the writing skill.” Truthfully, one's lack of confidence in their writing skills comes from a lack of proper practice, not a lack of “natural” talent. Many people believe that the most successful and talented academic masterminds are simply gifted with their smarts. Despite some rare cases of someone being a super-genius, academic skills are learned beginning during early childhood.

Being a good writer stems from numerous different factors, tracing all the way back to one's childhood. Parents reading to their children is one of the most beneficial ways to enhance a children's overall literacy skills, hence making them more likely to retain strong writing skills. According to the National Library of Medicine, “researchers, practitioners and parents agree that parent-child shared book reading provides an important foundation for children’s later language and literacy outcomes.” Strong literacy skills, as unfortunate as it may be to admit, are commonly generational. The literacy of one's parents and the frequency of that child being read/spoken to in a sophisticated manner impacts their writing development. Alongside this, children who read more themselves are typically more advanced writers. Passed from parent to child, having a passion for reading is immensely beneficial to brain development. The National Library of Medicine again states that “children’s unique experiences with writing-related activities, such as reading, may begin to explain the wide variability in writing observed among elementary and middle schoolers on national standards tests.” Elementary and middle school-aged children tend to show the most development in their writing skills, as that is when they are typically spending the most time reading. Reading and writing go hand-in-hand, hence why those who read more frequently commonly have more advanced writing skills.

child writing at desk

Though writing itself is something that is learned and improved upon throughout one's life, having a passion for writing may be something more deeply integrated into oneself. Personally, my passion for writing has always been something that's driven me to write more often. Since elementary school, I would fill composition books with stories, diary entries, and other random snippets of writing. I always dreamed of being a professional writer someday, and though my aspirations have changed, my love for writing has not. I routinely remind myself, especially when I am facing writer's block, that even the most talented writers have to put in immense effort to produce their “best” work. American Author Richard Bach once said, “A professional writer is an amateur who didn't quit,” according to GoodReads. Every writer was once an amateur, but with time and practice, they formed into what we consider to be a “professional” in the writing field. As someone who enjoys writing, I have continued to write outside of my academic requirements for my personal enjoyment. Therefore, I “naturally” write more frequently than the average person, giving me more practice. This practice has led to my writing skills continuing to grow and improve year after year, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon! All in all, writing is not an inherent skill. One's upbringing, as well as practice, is immensely important to developing strong writing skills.


Myth 3: Writers are sad, lonely, and live a solitary life due to their profession.

Though it is commonly believed that writers spend most of their time alone, writing professionally takes an entire team to be successful. Movies and other forms of media portray writers (professional or not) as very lonely. Think back to the “olden days” of writing and how writers are depicted in books and films– isolated figures shadowed by candlelight, hunched over a messy wooden desk, scribbling with a quill in a silent room. While this imaginary scenario can be romantic in ways, it is vastly misleading. Literary masterminds, such as Emily Dickinson or Shakespeare, are often imagined as living in their own minds, writing in solitude their entire lives. This stereotype, though true for some more introverted writers, is not optimal for most, as it traps one in an echo chamber of their own ideas and limits creative potential. 

Writing is a deeply collaborative process. Group brainstorming, peer editing, and critique groups are all essential aspects of writing, especially professionally. It is also important for writers to collaborate with one another in order to learn new skills, be exposed to new styles, and different writing processes. Going back to Shakespeare, it is theorized that he, too, worked with other writers in producing his plays. History Exposes’ article, “Exploring The Marlovian Theory” dives deeper into this theory, mentioning author Christopher Marlowe, another well-known author of the Elizabethan era. It is conspired that Marlowe wrote numerous parts, or wholes, of Shakespeare's plays! Though this is just a theory, it goes to show how even the writers we imagine writing alone in a dark room for years on end, like Shakespeare, are not working alone. 

The expectation that writers must be alone in their thoughts to brainstorm has very harmful effects, as it hinders one's creative potential. Everyone's brain is wired differently through upbringing and experience, therefore everyone holds a different point-of-view on life. These interactions with other writers push writers to see their work through a new lens and explore alternate angles. Having numerous points of view when it comes to writing is immensely important to reach the full creative potential of one's piece. Collaboration should not be seen as a weakness or “last resort” when it comes to writing, but rather a vital part of how one's writing can evolve from a one-way tunnel to a vast world of creativity.

Personally, I have found that my best ideas rarely come from working alone. Frequently, I will have an idea seeded in the back of my mind, but lack the confidence to act upon it. However, once I start talking with other writers and realize they, too, see the creative potential in that idea, I feel ready to flourish and dive into my writing process. Listening to how others brainstorm, plan, and execute their own writing ideas helps me to gain inspiration or reflect on ways I can improve my writing process. When I share a piece I have been working on, I am looking less for validation and more for reflection I can use to refine my work. I have come to learn throughout my years of writing that writing the bulk of my papers alone works for me, but producing a finished piece alone does not. I am always looking for an exchange of ideas that makes writing feel alive and active.

people at desk writing

The expectation that writers must produce their writing alone for it to be considered “pure” is immensely harmful. It suggests that creativity only exists in solitude, rather than throughout flourishing connections. Of course, writing can be lonely at times. However, that does not mean all writers themselves are lonely individuals. Solitude can be a time to process and word-vomit. Isolation, especially when fueled by insecurity and fear of judgment, only stunts creative potential. Writers risk stagnation by closing their doors and being unwelcoming to helpful criticism and new ideas. The image of a lonely writer is a comfy aesthetic that the media frequently falls back upon, but truthfully, writing is fueled by colorful creativity and careful communication.

Writing has never been about fitting into a “one size fits all” box. Writing is alive! It moves, shifts, and grows through trial and error. It is indisputable that no two writers are the same, hence why these common misconceptions are wildly inaccurate, as they try to force all writers into the same box. Whether you discovered your passion for writing at 5 or 50, every approach to writing is unique and valid. Behind every word, page, and novel is a writer finding their individual style, rhythm, and refining a writing process that works for them. These misconceptions can create harmful notions that push writers away from creativity, teamwork, and further enhancing their writing skills. Identifying and challenging these common myths is the first step to dismantling stigmas that hold writers back from their full potential!


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