The only good thing about being a self-taught writer who had no contact with other writers until after signing the first contract was not having to listen to this. By the time all the “You have to . . . ” people converged on me I had finished twenty-eight coloring books with exactly what I wanted, how I wanted, no lines except the ones I drew in myself.

I think the trick is to be very selective about who you let meddle with your writing process, and why. What advice out there resonates with an ongoing problem of mine? Who is offering it, and why? I’m always interested in a method a writer has come up with to address a specific problem versus all that global-sounding advice. Then even if it sounds interesting enough to try, it has to pass a practical application test while I test drive it and see if it works for me. Most of the time the advice sounds great but it generally falls apart when I try to put it in action.

And you have a point. I’m in the middle of a book and I WILL put a scene in this one just for you …

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bra scene like that.

Because most people (not in the business) believe it’s only a matter of putting words on a page of getting a book deal. Also, that all ways of getting your book in your hand is the only end goal of being published.

You know, you wouldn’t suggest to a contractor how to build a house simply because you’ve seen an episode of Extreme Home Makeover, so why do people think that by simply reading a book they’re educated enough in the publishing business to offer advice?

Most of the time when a non-writer offers me “advice” all I’m hearing in my head is the sound the adults make in the Charlie Brown cartoons. I’ve had to put my foot down a time or two and there have been a couple times I’ve just hit my head against the desk. Funny how the two examples that came to mind when I wrote the last sentence both involve self-publishers.

Also, I have my own pet peeves. Like someone not in the business or even aware of the simple things in the business giving advice. That bothers me and makes me twitch. Because it comes down the person intentionally or unintentionally belittling what I do. Some ignorance is easier to spin to make it a positive. I’ve yet to find a spin for the things that bother me. Well, I found one at least in regards to this post.