Writing Advice From... Britney Spears

Say hello to the girl that I am

You're gonna have to see through my perspective

I need to make mistakes just to learn who I am

("Overprotected" from Britney)

It can take a really long time to find your place in the writing world. Most writers excel at one genre or another and sometimes you need to make mistakes - and try out different things - before you discover just what your perspective is.

In one ear and out the other

I don’t need you

Your words don’t stick

I ain’t perfect, but you ain’t either

(“Kill the Lights” from Circus)

Always, always, always ignore negative reviews. Learn how to accept constructive criticism and brush away slander.

Stronger than yesterday

Now it’s nothing but my way

(“Stronger” from Oops!… I Did It Again)

It’s important to take a step away from your work before editing. Forget about the words you wrote and return to your manuscript at a later time. That chapter will certainly be stronger than yesterday.

Your body language says so much

Yeah, I feel it in the way you touch

(“Don’t Let Me Be The Last To Know” from Oops!… I Did It Again)

Don’t forget about body language. Dialogue and narration can only carry so much plot. Remember that your characters’ actions can say a lot about personality and motivation.

This ain’t no foolishness or f*ckery

I’m handling my business

(“Hot As Ice” from Blackout)

Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not really a writer. If you write words down on a page, then you have every right to call yourself a writer. You know your ambitions and you know why you do what you do. The amount of money in your pocket is no indication of your worth.

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Now, watch this video. Feel inspired. Write.