What writing advice do you constantly remind yourself of?

[Guest]

As a writer, I'm always looking to improve and refine my craft. Over time, I've come across various pieces of advice and tips that have resonated with me. Are there any particular writing guidelines or principles that you? Essentially, which writing advice do you consider essential and constantly bring up in your recommendations?

[Jen]

The best advice I ever got from the pros, several pros, is to read, read, read the great works of other pros.

The work of other pros is the best writing advice to follow.

And Stephen King said it is okay to copy the writing style of other writers until you develop your own. That doesn't mean copy what they write.

Among others, King followed the style of Cormac McCarthy before he developed his own.

I have writers I 'follow' and now notice my own style is peeking through.

Don't miss: Do you write poems only when inspired by something or you can just sit to write it?

[Joseph]

Professional writing is both an art and a business. If you create great art, and push forward as a business you can achieve success ($$) therefore you can keep creating art. If not, then its just a fun thing to do.

[Alyssa]

Envy is the thief of success.

[Anthony]

Let the drafts breathe between rounds of editing, revising, or rewriting. It’s always beneficial to start anew with a fresh pair of eyes.

[Shary]

I write because I love it. Not for the sales. Not for the reviews.

[Sabrina]

It doesn't need to be good; it needs to be written. AKA: You can't edit a blank page.

[Terri]

First drafts are like a sketch. They’re not meant to be pretty or perfect. They’re just meant to guide me to the finished piece.