What is the Worst Writing Advice You’ve Ever Heard That People Still Use?

One piece of advice that crops up repeatedly in the world of writing, especially within genres like historical romance, is the notion that you should create your story "on the fly," often encapsulated in the phrase "wing it". This misguided approach suggests that having a coherent plot isn't crucial and that making things up as you go along is sufficient. However, while creativity is essential, neglecting research can lead to inaccuracies that can seriously undermine the authenticity and credibility of your work.

Common Misconceptions in Historical Writing

At a writers' group, a common piece of advice often given is "Don’t do more research than you need to." This misguided advice is perpetuated despite the importance of accuracy. The problem lies in the assumption that if you know little or nothing about a subject, you can muddle through with minimal investigation. This can lead to glaring inconsistencies and errors that break the reader out of the story.

Horrific Examples of Historical Inaccuracies

Furthermore, there are numerous examples of books that contain egregious errors due to a lack of proper research:

A book had gas street lighting in a 16th century city, which is historically inaccurate as it wasn't widely used until much later. An 18th century English gentleman in London drinking bourbon, which is anachronistic as bourbon was not invented until the 19th century. Beau Brummel noted for introducing restraint and elegance to male wardrobes wearing a red cravat, which is incorrect since red cravats were not in vogue during his time.

Even in seemingly innocuous details, such as the presence of scones at tea tables, there are accuracies that must be maintained. Tea tables of the late 18th century were not designed for large scones, as scones as we know them hadn't been invented yet. The real scones of the time were unleavened griddle cakes limited to Scotland and Ireland.

The Importance of Thorough Research

Thankfully, research in the digital age has never been easier. With the internet, finding answers to questions is rarely a challenge. In fact, the only time I've failed to find an answer in the past decade was when searching for information about a pre-1820s jail in Carlisle, Cumberland, UK. This instance was not critical to the story and wasn't truly necessary for the plot. However, knowing the timing of the assizes in the 18th century was crucial, as the major crimes were tried in late summer.

Advice for Modern Writers

My advice to all writers, especially those working on historical or contemporary settings, is to thoroughly research the subject matter. If you're not "writing what you know," do extensive research to get a background understanding and then question details. It's unwise to assume that historical lanterns are the same as modern ones or that contemporary cultural norms apply to past eras, such as the American Civil War.

Conclusion

Ignoring the importance of research can turn a potential bestseller into a forgettable misfire. It's crucial to maintain the integrity of historical or contemporary settings by doing your due diligence. Whether it's learning about the intricacies of tea table etiquette or understanding the specific cultural practices of a period, the time spent on research will pay off in a more engaging, believable, and captivating story.