EPISODE · Jan 21, 2026 · 16 MIN
S10 E01 When Smart-sounding Writing Advice Isn’t
from The First Draft Club · host By Mary Adkins | Author & Book Writing Coach
In this Season 10 premiere of The First Draft Club, I'm sharing about times when I've encountered "expert" advice that sounded smart but felt wrong—and why I now think trusting that feeling is one of the most important skills you can develop as a writer. You'll learn: • Why impressive credentials don't always mean good advice • The problem with "show don't tell" and other condescending writing rules • How to recognize when advice will empower you vs. make you feel small • Why your gut instinct is more valuable than you think (especially as a beginner) • The difference between advice that sounds smart and advice that actually helps you write If you've ever felt paralyzed by writing advice that made you feel like you'll never get it "right," this episode is for you. It's time to trust yourself. Love the show? Share it with a fellow writer or leave a review! For more resources, visit thebookincubator.com. Want to watch the video episodes? Visit https://www.youtube.com/@maryadkins Let's connect! Come say hi on Instagram: @book.incubator ( / book.incubator ) Happy writing! — Mary ======================== RESOURCES: Learn my Four Notebooks Method & get your free template: http://bit.ly/3wGmMTc A Novel in 52 Prompts - A scene-by-scene blueprint for writing your novel: https://www.thebookincubator.com/nove... Ready to write your dream book? Apply for The Book Incubator in just 5 minutes with no obligation to enroll and get my free 60-minute training HOW TO WRITE YOUR DREAM BOOK WITH A FULL-TIME JOB (AND A LIFE): https://bit.ly/3wEwrJQ
What this episode covers
In this Season 10 premiere of The First Draft Club, I'm sharing about times when I've encountered "expert" advice that sounded smart but felt wrong—and why I now think trusting that feeling is one of the most important skills you can develop as a writer. You'll learn:• Why impressive credentials don't always mean good advice• The problem with "show don't tell" and other condescending writing rules• How to recognize when advice will empower you vs. make you feel small• Why your gut instinct is more valuable than you think (especially as a beginner)• The difference between advice that sounds smart and advice that actually helps you write If you've ever felt paralyzed by writing advice that made you feel like you'll never get it "right," this episode is for you. It's time to trust yourself. Love the show? Share it with a fellow writer or leave a review! For more resources, visit thebookincubator.com. Want to watch the video episodes? Visit https://www.youtube.com/@maryadkins Let's connect! Come say hi on Instagram: @book.incubator ( / book.incubator ) Happy writing! — Mary ======================== RESOURCES: Learn my Four Notebooks Method & get your free template:http://bit.ly/3wGmMTc A Novel in 52 Prompts - A scene-by-scene blueprint for writing your novel:https://www.thebookincubator.com/nove... Ready to write your dream book? Apply for The Book Incubator in just 5 minutes with no obligation to enroll and get my free 60-minute training HOW TO WRITE YOUR DREAM BOOK WITH A FULL-TIME JOB (AND A LIFE):https://bit.ly/3wEwrJQ
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S10 E01 When Smart-sounding Writing Advice Isn’t
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