In fact, there is an entire industry devoted to teaching people how to write. Which is all good, except that it can be very confusing at times.

If you read, watch, or listen to enough writing teachers, you will end up feeling paralyzed because you don’t know what to do. This expert says to do it one way, another one says something different, and five other experts give completely different advice.

The truth is that there are a million ways to do just about anything in the writing world. If one of your heroes or mentors says there is only one way to accomplish your goal, proceed with caution.

The key is to figure out your next step, then take action. It’s always better to take imperfect action and make some progress than it is to have a perfect plan in your head but never do anything. That is a great way to stay stuck.

Carl Sandburg once said, “Beware of advice—even this.” So when you hear advice about writing, including what I’m sharing right now, don’t take it as gospel. But the one thing you DO need to take is the next step toward your writing goal, whatever that may be.

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One of the most fascinating aspects of being a writer is that lots of people are eager to give you advice. In fact, there is a giant industry of books, conferences, retreats, coaching, and podcasts (this being one of them!) devoted to giving you writing advice.

However, be careful who you’re listening to. There is a whole group of people who are eager to give advice about writing and book marketing but have not actually accomplished much.

So, before you take anyone’s advice about how you should approach your writing or your business, make sure to ask yourself whether they have done what they are teaching. Look at the results they have gotten for themselves or others.

It’s easy to have opinions about writing, but it’s much harder to actually produce something successful. Make sure those are the people you’re listening to.

Daily Writer: Who are the top 3 people you take writing advice from? Have they accomplished something worthwhile?

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