Writing tips are like beer nuts.
They’re addictive.
No matter how many you have, you always want more.
But do you ever get the feeling that the writing “experts” who are dispensing the tips barely have more experience than you?
Which usually means their advice is either second-hand or second-rate.
And maybe that’s why it fails to hit the spot, and you find yourself reaching robotically for the next tip.
The thing is, sometimes you have to go back to the source to find the real stuff — wisdom borne from personal experience, not well-meaning guesswork or threadbare philosophical hand-me-downs.
So we’ve collected some truly valuable writing advice from authors whose books have achieved what few others’ have — landing on the coveted New York Times Bestseller list.
#1. There is No Muse
Source: Nora Roberts’ Top 7 Tips for Writers and Authors
#2. Ignore the Rules
Source: Lee Child and the “Long Game”: Lessons on Success From One of America’s Favorite Authors
#3. Knowledge is Poisonous
#4. Writing Is Your Exhale
Source: Goodreads: Glennon Doyle Melton Quotes
#5. No Telephones, TV or Videogames
Source: Stephen King’s Top 20 Rules for Writers
#6. Writing is Hard but Coal Mining is Harder
Source: The Art of Motherfuckitude: Cheryl Strayed’s Advice to an Aspiring Writer on Faith and Humility
#7. Everything is Relevant
Source: Interview With Anthony Doerr, 2014 National Book Award Finalist, Fiction
#8. Force Yourself to Finish, Even If It’s Garbage
#9. Never Make Them Read a Sentence Twice
Source: Ken Follett: Masterclass
#10. Stop Making Improvements and Start the Next Book
Source: Neal Stephenson’s writing advice for students (and everyone else)
#11. Everyone Has to Work a Day Job First
Source: Interview with Jim Butcher
#12. Write Even When Your Kids are Sick
Source: Kristin Hannah: FAQ
#13. Daydreaming Isn’t Writing
Source: Quora Question: Andy Weir Gives Tips for New Writers
#14. Don’t be Afraid of Radical Surgery
Source: Words of wisdom for writers from Jojo Moyes
#15. Discover Where the Lies are Buried
Source: Book TV: Michael Eric Dyson on Writing from In Depth
#16. Writing is Simply a Matter of Discipline
Source: How the ‘queen of the beach novel’ became a best-selling author after her first 4 books flopped
#17. Rearrange Your Life
Source: So you want to become a published writer?
#18. Talent Won’t Get You Published
Source: Gillian Flynn: How I Write
#19. Stop Trying to Edit Your Curiosity
Source: Malcolm Gladwell on writing
#20. Commit to a Goal
Source: 7 Things I’ve Learned So Far, by Liane Moriarty
#21. You Don’t Need a Degree in Writing
Source: Clive Cussler FAQ: Frequently Asked Question and Answer
#22. Rewrite It Fifty Times If You Have to
Source: 5 Writing Tips from Tana French
#23. Being Stumped is Essential
Source: Five Tips for Reaching Your Creative Potential
#24. Everybody Sucks at First
Source: Writer’s Digest Interview with Patricia Cornwell
#25. Abandon Good Ideas for Better Ones
Source: Feeling Stuck? Good Ideas Hide in Plain Sight, Says Novelist Jonathan Safran Foer
#26. Write, Even If People Think You’re Crazy
Source: Writing & Publishing Advice from Louise Penny
#27. Write Until the Water Runs Clear
Slipstream the Success of These Bestselling Writers
Not all writing advice is created equal. Nor every writer.
But the lessons from this list are based on countless hours of experience accumulated by writers who rose to the top of the pile.
Not every example will resonate with you, but you can be sure those that do are grounded in the practical realities of becoming a successful writer.
So it’s time to stop chasing new tips and start applying the battle-tested advice of the true experts.
Because the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll have a shot at joining this league of celebrated writers.
So… which lessons will inspire your future success?
About the Author: Glen Long is the managing editor of Smart Blogger. He lives in London with his wife and two young boys (one human, one canine). Catch him on Twitter?