There are many reasons folks don’t write. Lack of talent isn’t one of them. Advice is.

All writing advice is good. For instance, I am giving some now and my intent is good.  BUT, who and where and how you are when you receive it is much more important.

The worst good advice I ever heard was in how-to books: “Write what you know.” I wasn’t old enough to know much and what I did know bored me. I became a little older, knew a little more and what I knew still bored me. Now I write to discover what I know. I am bored less often.

The best good advice I ever heard was from my editor at Chicago Tribune who said, “Don’t try to impress us. Just tell the story.” I don’t know why this was the best but who and where and how I was received it. Still do.

What good advice have you received?