16, 20, 21, 30! 😘
Thanks, Isabelle! <3
16: Do you keep a journal?
Sort of, yeah. I mean, I mostly draw and doodle in it, write quotes and stuff like that. I’m trying to make it a happy thing, so no sad things are allowed in there.
20: How do you feel about your own writing?
I actually like my own writing. It’s very rarely that I cringe at something I’ve written in the past (although sometimes it happens - sometimes I go overboard with metaphors), and mostly I remember what it was like to decide to even start writing so I’m proud of myself. Yeah. That’s it. I’m proud of myself and of my writing.
I just wish I did better when it comes to writing short stories and novels.
21: What are five pieces of writing advice you’d give to a new / insecure writer?
1. Don’t compare yourself to anyone.
Not to people who have been writing for a while, people who are also just starting out - just don’t do it. You, as a person, have unique voice, thought processes and feelings. Why would your writing be any different? Respect that.
Everyone is great in their own way, and so are you.
2. Be stubborn.
There are going to be days when you feel like giving up. I mean, give up, go ahead, take your mind off writing if it’s become something that causes stress. But if writing is what you are burning to do - then do it. Do it despite rejection letters and no praise. Do it even when you are frustrated with yourself. Just do it and refuse to give up.
3. Read.
This advice is everywhere, I know, but here’s the catch - you have to read because it’s by reading that you find what feels right to you, what and how you’d like to write, too. It’s no use writing something that you don’t like. I mean, the whole world might like it, but fuck it if you don’t like it. You’re the creator.
Also, I am very against recent schools of writing thought in which people believe that they are wasting time by reading, and should write instead. You should most definitely read.
4. Forget the rules.
Rules are what you’re going to think about later. If you are just starting out then fuck the rules. Find your own thing, follow your own voice. W o r r y l a t e r!
5. Be an asshole.
If there ever comes a day when you find yourself thinking why the fuck you’re even doing it, when other pieces are more popular, when other authors are more successful etc etc - I encourage you to be an asshole. Don’t ask “Why would anyone want to read this?”
Instead, say - “I don’t give a fuck, everyone should read this thing I wrote.”
Fake it until you make it. Be an asshole (okay, not literally, but adopt some of the thought processes) and put yourself first. So many people are going to criticize you and that’s why you’ve got to be your number one fan.
Even as a beginner, even if you didn’t write anything substantial to thrust under the world’s figurative nose. Have some pride in what you’re doing. You are pure magic, for fuck’s sake. You’re creating something where there was nothing.
30: Do you have any (possibly unpopular / controversial) opinions on writing?
I really hate the writing advice that seems to treat all writers like they’re the same kind of people, and therefore should all adhere to the same rules.
And I think classics are boring. There, I said it. I think the vast majority of them are boring and while they might be significant in the sense that they are ground-breaking for the period they were written in, most of them are dreary, depressive and don’t make any sort of magic.
