14 Lies We Tell Ourselves about Writing

Every writer has done it at some time: we’ve lied to ourselves about our writing. These lies might bring us much needed confidence, they might set us up on lofty heights, but they will soon get us into a tangle and hold us back. Below are some examples:

1. I can only write when I’m inspired.
2. If it’s acceptable to break the writing rules, then I don’t need to learn the rules in the first place.
3. I know all I’ll ever need to know about my craft. 
4. Reading is an indulgence that wastes my time when I should be writing.
5. I don’t need to go to writing conferences or workshops.
6. I don’t need a critique partner. 
7. I don’t need to build a network. My writing will speak for itself.
8. I can finish a novel in just two drafts.
9. Editors don’t know what they are talking about. They just want to change my work for the sake of changing it.
10. Marketing? I don’t need to know about marketing. My book is so great it will fit into the market without the need for research.
11. I don’t need to check the submission guidelines. I know the manuscript format agents and publishers want.
12. Single spacing my manuscript saves money and the environment. The publishers will understand.
13. Blogging is only good for promoting my own work.
14. Once I get accepted for publication I can finally sit back and relax.

Have you told yourself any of these lies? Can you think of other lies writers tell themselves?