The 3 Worst Pieces of Writing Advice

The best writing advice you’ll ever receive is to toss the blankets (of advice) out with the giver (the critique). Don’t use adverbs, don’t use be verbs, and show, don't tell are three of the most oversimplified sayings in the writing world, and they are parroted like gospel in nearly every critique group. Here’s why they are the worst pieces of writing advice.

First, adverbs. Sure, overusing them can make prose weak or lazy, but they exist for a reason. Sometimes they capture the exact nuance you’re after. Successful writers use them all the time (even King, who is likely the perpetrator of this awful advice). The solution? Draft freely, then in revision, check each adverb. If a stronger, more powerful verb works, swap it. If the adverb nails it, keep it. Simple as that.

Second, be verbs. Too many “am/is/was/were” phrases can make your prose dull, but sometimes they’re the most natural, readable choice. You wouldn’t write “the sky exhibited blueness” when “the sky was blue” works perfectly. The fix isn’t banning them—it’s making sure you don’t lean on them as a crutch. Rephrase when a stronger option makes the sentence come alive.

Finally, “always show, never tell.” This one is the worst offender, and while it's really "show don't tell," it gets taken to the extreme, and those who constantly harp on it are implying the absolute (you know who deals in absolutes, right?). If you showed everything, your book would balloon into a thousand pages of pretentious, purple prose and empty gestures. Telling is necessary: it summarizes, transitions, and adjusts narrative distance. Balance is key. Let your pacing guide you. If the story flows and isn’t bogged down in endless description, you’ve hit the sweet spot.
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The consensus? Don’t overuse weak crutches. Prioritize clarity, pacing, and emotional impact. Good writing isn’t about following rules—it’s about telling a good story. So write first, and treat these so-called commandments for what they are: advice, not law.