10 Superstitions Debunked for Writers

by Vonda Skelton @VondaSkelton

Today is Friday the 13^th, a perfect day to look at 10 superstitions from a writer’s point of view.

1. Superstition: A black cat crossing your path will bring bad luck.

Writer’s Truth: Any frivolous thing you allow to distract you from your writing path will bring bad results.

2. Superstition: It’s bad luck to walk under a ladder.

Writer’s Truth: You can’t climb the ladder of success by walking underneath it. You have to get on the ladder and do the work to move up.

3. Superstition: It’s bad luck to open an umbrella inside the house.

Writer’s Truth: Getting out from under the umbrella of mentors, encouragers, and writers’ groups will put you at risk.

4. Superstition: Four leaf clovers bring good luck.

Writer’s Truth: Four basic elements of writing—writing, rewriting, editing, and submitting—will bring results you want.

5. Superstition: Leaving a house out a different door than the one you entered will bring bad luck.

Writer’s Truth: Trying new doors when others close will assure more opportunities for success.

6. Superstition: Horseshoes bring good luck.

Writer’s Truth: Hard work brings “good luck.”

7. Superstition: Breaking a mirror brings 7 years of bad luck.

Writer’s Truth: Refusing to face the truth about your writing deficiencies will doom your writing career.

8. Superstition: A rabbit’s foot brings good luck.

Writer’s Truth: Continuing to walk down the writing path when things don’t go your way will bring “good luck.”

9. Superstition: A watermelon will grow in your stomach if you swallow a watermelon seed.

Writer’s Truth: Allowing regret or pride to grow will sabotage your writing career.

10. Superstition: Throw coins into a wishing well while making a wish and your dream will come true.

Writer’s Truth: When it comes to your writing dream, you might as well throw your money into the ocean. Perseverance is what makes the dream come true.

So there you have it, 10 superstitions debunked for writers. What superstitions and writer’s truths can you add to the list?

Don’t forget to join the conversation!

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On Friday the 13th, 10 Superstitions debunked for writers - via @VondaSkelton on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Common superstitions that apply to writers as well - via @VondaSkelton on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Vonda Skelton is a speaker and the author of four books: Seeing Through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe and the 3-book Bitsy Burroughs mysteries for children 8-12 yo. She’s the founder and co-director of Christian Communicators Conference, offering speakers’ training and community for Christian women called to ministry. Vonda is a frequent instructor at writer’s conferences and keynotes at business, women’s, and associational events. You can find out more about Vonda, as well as writing opportunities and instruction at her writer’s blog, The Christian Writer’s Den at VondaSkelton.com.