Fuck, I really hate writing advice.

I blocked the post on tumblr so I can't find it again, but it's been nagging at me since I read it (god, how I wish I hadn't). It was (I think) a professional editor bitching about book beginnings. It was a list of 13 things NOT to do at the beginning of the book, and at the end, I was like... "then how the fuck DO you start a book, exactly?!"

I just HATE shit like that, it's so negative, and of course most of us have, at one point or another, done everything on a list like that, and it's just so fucking discouraging. How about giving examples of what to do instead? I'd hate that too, but at least it wouldn't fucking feel so hopeless.

And I am really good at beginnings! I never have trouble starting a new story. I can't imagine what it would be like for writers who have trouble with that sort of thing reading that article.

Fuck writing advice, folks, that's what I say. Read/listen to it, maybe try it for yourself, but if it doesn't work? DON'T TIE YOURSELF IN KNOTS TRYING TO WRITE LIKE SOMEBODY ELSE.

God, I hate writing advice, SO MUCH.

Also, doing gishwhes. It's crazy fun. :D

Hi, dwircle, hi hi hi. :)