Writing Advice From... Taylor Swift

It's 2 am and I'm cursing your name
So in love that you act insane
("The Way I Loved You" from Fearless)

A writer needs to have a tumultuous relationship with a manuscript. If you don't occasionally yell at your characters or threaten to throw your laptop across the room, then you're probably not as passionate about your work as you should be.

We're happy, free, confused, and lonely at the same time
It's miserable and magical
Tonight's the night when we forget about the deadlines
("22" from Red)

Sometimes you need to take a break. If there are deadlines looming and, like Taylor Swift, you can't figure out what emotion you're feeling then take a step back. Buy a bottle of wine. Watch your favourite movie. Spend a night out on the town ( I'm pretty sure that's what the cool kids say these days...). Do anything but work on your story and it's pretty much guaranteed that your writing will be a lot better the next day.

The stakes are high
The water's rough
("Ours" from Speak Now)

Writing ain't easy. Know what you're getting into before you truly commit. Whether you dream of traditional publishing or self publishing, be honest with yourself about what those paths require from you. There are a lot of books out there.

I remember when we broke up (the first time)
Saying this is it, I've had enough
("We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" from Red)

If you've abandoned a work-in-progress, make sure you evaluate why you stopped writing it in the first place before you start working on it again. Some ideas aren't meant to be books - and that's okay.

They never saw it coming
You hit the ground running
And now you're on to something
("Sweeter Than Fiction" from the One Chance soundtrack)

Writers like to socialize. Usually on social media, from the comfort of home, because writing is a solitary thing. Be really careful about what you blog or tweet or share with other writers. You don't want to give away all your secrets or share everything about your journey from struggling query writer to published author. Surprise the world with your talent.

***

Now, watch this video. Feel inspired. Write.