There is a terrible trend online that involves regurgitating formulaic talking points from aspiring failed writers. This disease has risen from the depths of lazy grammar software (like Grammarly) and innumerable YouTube channels of self-proclaimed "writers". In addition, writing magazines and even high-profile authors have spread this intellectual morbidity with their condescending and hypocritical advice. Indeed, self-proclaimed "aspiring authors" are the worst kind and should be ignored until they actually take themselves seriously. For these people are the spreaders of unoriginality and staleness. My own warning to new writers is this: Only look to your favorite authors and stories for advice. Please, look not to YouTube videos or articles about "writing tips," as they will only hinder your progress. Moreover, do not ask advice from writers who have not even made an effort to establish themselves or a professional image of their works. More often than not, they'll only spit back the useless information they heard from so-and-so's YouTube channel or Writer's Digest.
I'm saying this as a reader, and not a writer. And here's why. I've noticed that almost always, authors I read do not follow the stupid, juvenile, arbitrary "tips" that one sees constantly vomited by writer YouTubers or smug authors on "writing" websites. Why is that? Well, the truth is that most famous and successful authors learned from the authors they, too, loved.
What are some examples of the nauseating lies perpetuated by these talentless phoneys?
"Never use adverbs."
"Rarely use detailed descriptions."
"Never use passive voice."
"Only write simple, quick sentences."
"Only use 'said,' 'asked,' and 'yelled' at the end of dialogue."
"Never write in first person."
"Only use simple words."
Regrettably, the list goes on.
Naivety is a disease that CANNOT be cured.
It is important that one recognizes the issue with the statements above. First, the world is NOT a place of utter simplicity. Language is an art used by humanity to convey the essence of objects, actions, emotions, atmospheres, phenomena, and other living beings. A story solely composed of simple words (words that fail to describe the varying degrees of a specific event, place, action, or emotion) can destroy its impact on the reader. For instance, there is a VAST difference between "sad" and "mournful". Likewise, "said" or "asked" always proceeding a character's dialogue will crush the impression of irritation if they're annoyed. A verb such as "snapped" would suffice. And YES, sometimes an adverb such as "impatiently" is entirely acceptable (contrary to what the dogmatic failures would have you believe).
The "passive voice" is another issue above I must bring up. Sometimes it is quite necessary to use it, as one risks writing an unnatural series of sentences. When it comes naturally, allow the passive voice to emerge... And by the way, please stop putting your writing through Grammarly (which marks every sentence with "was" or "were" as passive, and therefore, an error). Grammarly is a lazy way to edit your writing and suggests you lack any grammatical knowledge whatsoever. There is no excuse to use an A.I. instead of your (or someone else's) human brain.
Next, first person must be addressed. There is nothing wrong with writing a story in the first person. Like third person, first person has its advantages and disadvantages. First person is an excellent way to let the reader experience the narrator's journey. I've read plenty of stories in the first person that were thoroughly engaging. Similarly, I've read plenty of stories in the third person that were gripping. Again, one is not superior to the other. They all have their place in the literary realm.
Lastly, don't even trust the advice from famous writers themselves today in the 21st century. Seldom can one find authors following their own advice in their works. Stephen King says the road to hell is paved with adverbs, yet the evidence of his overwhelming hypocrisy is stained within the pages of his most popular books.
Ultimately, one can only learn from reading and writing what they love. Maturity and a unique voice will be reached as long as this process continues uninterrupted by the hypocritical fools echoing each others' lies across the internet.
Remember: E-Writers are not real writers, nor will they ever be.
