This video discusses five common writing tips that are often ineffective and explains why. The speaker, Tim Gro, shares his experiences with these unsuccessful strategies and then offers three alternative approaches that proved successful for him.
The three things that worked for Tim Gro were:
Separating practice from performance: Focusing on practicing individual writing skills (like writing scenes with mostly dialogue or action) before attempting to write a complete novel.
Getting expert feedback: Receiving targeted feedback on his writing practice to identify areas for improvement.
Shortening the feedback loop: Focusing on writing scenes (which takes days) instead of entire novels (which take months or years) to get quicker feedback and make faster adjustments.
The three components of deliberate practice, according to the video, are:
Breaking down overarching skills into individual skills: Instead of focusing on writing as a whole, break it down into smaller, more manageable parts like dialogue, action scenes, exposition, etc.
Practicing those individual skills: Focus on practicing one specific skill at a time, such as writing a scene with primarily dialogue to improve dialogue writing.
Getting expert feedback: Seek feedback on the practice of these individual skills to identify areas of strength and weakness and to guide further improvement.
Tim Gro cites examples of unhelpful feedback from writing groups such as: "it was a little soft in the middle," "I didn't like that character," "it was a little long for me," and "well I don't like to read this kind of writing." He points out that this feedback is vague, subjective, and doesn't offer actionable advice for improvement.
Tim Gro argues that simply reading and writing a lot is ineffective because it often leads to mindless repetition of mistakes. He explains that without focused attention on specific skills and the incorporation of feedback, writers simply reinforce bad habits rather than improving their skills. He likens it to simply playing a musical instrument without structured practice and feedback, leading to little progress.
The "just write" approach, while seemingly intuitive, is ineffective because it lacks a crucial foundation: a clear understanding of the underlying principles of storytelling and the mechanics of writing itself. It's akin to trying to build a house without blueprints or knowing how to use basic tools. Without a plan or structure, writers often create chaotic narratives filled with inconsistencies, underdeveloped characters, and weak plots. Furthermore, simply churning out words without critical evaluation allows bad writing habits to solidify. Errors and weaknesses in the writing are repeated and reinforced, creating a negative feedback loop that hinders improvement rather than fostering it. The time spent "just writing" becomes time spent perpetuating errors and solidifying bad habits, ultimately leading to frustration and an accumulation of unfinished, unsatisfactory work. Effective writing requires a combination of planning, skill-building, and iterative refinement, not simply the production of a large volume of unpolished text.
While understanding storytelling theory—plot structures, character archetypes, narrative arcs, etc.—is undeniably beneficial for a writer, it's insufficient for producing effective writing. Knowing the theory is analogous to knowing the rules of a game; it doesn't guarantee winning. The crucial missing element is the practical application of that theoretical knowledge. A writer might thoroughly grasp the three-act structure, but if they can't translate that understanding into compelling scenes, engaging dialogue, and vivid descriptions at the sentence and paragraph level, their theoretical knowledge remains sterile. The gap between theory and practice needs to be bridged through diligent practice and focused refinement of writing skills. Simply absorbing theoretical frameworks without actively applying them and receiving feedback on the execution leads to a disconnect, resulting in stories that may be structurally sound but lack the necessary engagement and impact to resonate with readers. The mastery of writing is a craft, honed through practice and feedback, not just an accumulation of theoretical knowledge.
Consuming content created by professional writers—through books, courses, or YouTube videos—can be a valuable resource for aspiring writers. However, relying solely on passive learning from established authors has significant limitations. Many successful writers possess an intuitive understanding of their craft that is difficult to articulate explicitly. Their creative process may be deeply ingrained and subconscious, making it challenging for them to dissect and effectively convey the techniques they employ. What might seem effortless or instinctive to a seasoned writer can be a complex and elusive process for a beginner to grasp. Furthermore, what works for one writer may not work for another. Passive learning, therefore, risks becoming a collection of disjointed tips and tricks rather than a cohesive understanding of the writing process. Active learning, which includes hands-on practice, constructive feedback, and experimentation, is crucial for developing one's own unique style and voice. Simply imitating the style of others, without developing one's foundational skills and critical thinking abilities, can lead to derivative and unoriginal work. Therefore, passive learning should serve as a complement to, not a replacement for, active practice and personalized guidance.
The reliance on writing groups, while seemingly offering a collaborative environment for improvement, often falls short of expectations for several reasons. Firstly, many groups lack a structured approach to feedback. Instead of providing actionable critiques focused on specific aspects of writing, feedback can be vague, subjective, and overly generalized ("it felt a bit slow," "the character wasn't believable"). Such comments, while potentially well-intentioned, fail to pinpoint concrete areas for improvement, hindering the writer's ability to learn and revise effectively. Secondly, participation imbalance is common. Some members may dominate discussions with their own writing or advice, while others remain passive recipients of critique. This dynamic prevents equal opportunities for growth within the group and discourages active engagement from all members. Thirdly, a lack of shared goals and a coherent approach to the writing process can lead to disjointed and unproductive sessions. Without a clear structure or framework for evaluation, the feedback becomes inconsistent and less effective. Finally, the commitment level of members can fluctuate, leading to inconsistent participation and the eventual demise of the group. A well-structured writing group can be beneficial, but the absence of these elements often renders the experience unproductive and even counterproductive for individual writers.
The common advice to "just sit down and write" overlooks a fundamental distinction between practicing a skill and performing it. In most creative endeavors, the processes of learning and performing are kept separate. A musician practices scales and chords before performing a concert; a painter practices techniques before exhibiting their work. Writing, however, often conflates these two distinct phases. Aspiring novelists frequently attempt to write a full novel—the performance—while still developing fundamental writing skills—the practice. This approach places undue pressure on the writing process. The emotional investment in producing a complete, publishable work inhibits experimentation and risk-taking, both crucial for growth. The focus shifts from skill development to immediate results, preventing the writer from exploring different approaches, experimenting with style, and pushing their creative boundaries. By separating practice from performance, writers create space for iterative refinement. They can focus on honing individual skills (dialogue, description, scene construction) in a low-stakes environment, receiving feedback and making adjustments without the pressure of producing a polished final product. This iterative process, characterized by deliberate practice and constructive feedback, allows for more significant and sustainable improvement over time compared to directly attempting a major project with underdeveloped skills.
This video analyzes five common yet ineffective writing tips and offers three successful alternatives. The first flawed tip, "just write," ignores the need for foundational storytelling skills and structured practice, leading to ingrained bad habits and wasted effort. Similarly, relying solely on learning writing theory is insufficient; practical application and execution at the sentence and scene level are crucial for bridging the gap between theory and practice. Passive learning from professional writers also proves limited, as many writers struggle to articulate their intuitive processes, and their methods may not be universally applicable. Writing groups, while potentially helpful, often lack structured feedback, balanced participation, and shared goals, resulting in vague critiques and unproductive sessions. Finally, the "just write" approach to novel-writing conflates practice and performance. It creates undue pressure, inhibiting experimentation and preventing the iterative refinement needed for skill development. The speaker advocates for three successful strategies: separating practice (focused work on individual skills like dialogue or scene construction) from performance (writing the novel), seeking expert feedback to identify and correct errors, and shortening the feedback loop to a matter of days rather than months or years to facilitate quicker adjustments. This approach emphasizes deliberate practice, focusing on measurable improvement in individual skills before attempting a full-length project.
