Outdated Writing Habits Every Author Should Stop Using—and What to Do Instead

From Edie: Lori Hatcher helps writers answer the question, "Are outdated writing habits holding you back?" Discover modern writing, publishing, and platform practices every author should embrace today.

Outdated Writing Habits Every Author Should Stop Using—and What to Do Instead

by Lori Hatcher

I threw away a pair of shoes recently that were at least fifteen years old. My high school daughter and I had gone shopping one day, and we both liked the strappy sandals, but not enough to pay full price for them. We liked them enough not to want to leave them behind, though, so we compromised. We each contributed half of the cost and shared them.

She left them behind when she went to college, so they became a permanent part of my wardrobe. I didn’t wear them often, but when I did, they were perfect. Part of what made them perfect might have been sentimentality. When I strapped them on, they reminded me of my daughter and made me feel closer to her.

Eventually though, the gold dulled and bits of fake leather flaked off. I knew they’d outlived their usefulness. I wore them one more time, for old time’s sake, then tossed them. 

As writers, we’re sometimes guilty of hanging onto some thoughts and ideas we’d be better off tossing. As you take inventory of your writers’ closet, ask yourself if it’s time to let these things go.

3 Habits Writers Should Let Go

1. Outdated platforms and methods 

• Using Facebook as a way to connect with your readers or sell books. Meta’s algorithm hinders true connections and intentionally limits your reach.
• Building social media platforms instead of a newsletter list.
• Buying subscribers or followers.

2. Out-of-style writing practices

• Two spaces after a period (gone with the typewriter).
• Exclamation points. My favorite editor only allowed them when someone was shrieking or on fire. If you use one (and only one), use it judiciously.
• The semi-colon. While not technically wrong, today’s editors usually prefer two separate sentences instead.
• Purple prose. It worked in the nineteenth century, but not in the twenty-first. Adjectives and adverbs usually weaken and bog down your writing.

3. Outgrown thoughts

• The thought that says you must wait for an invitation to publish your work. This is the digital age. Start a newsletter, post long-form content on social media, or share your thoughts in a video or reel. You’ll soon connect with those who need to read or hear what you have to share.
• The thought that says because you’re not a good enough writer, you might as well quit. No one was born a brilliant writer. Hard work, a teachable spirit, and a strong writing community will help you become skilled enough to be published.
• The thought that says you can’t afford to attend a writers conference. I couldn’t afford the first three conferences I attended, so I applied for scholarships, saved my birthday and Christmas money, and looked for creative ways to earn some extra cash.
• The thought that someone else has already written a book/article about your topic, so why bother? Let’s apply this line of thinking to your family planning. Your neighbor has three children. What makes you think you should have one? Wouldn’t another child be redundant?

I felt sad when I realized it was time to part with my slightly peely, no-longer-shiny pair of sandals that reminded me of my daughter. You might lament parting with your no-exclamation-point-two-spaces-after-a-period habits, but trust me. When you purge your writing closet of outdated, out-of-style, and outgrown thoughts and practices, you’ll free up much-needed space for stylish, bold, and beautiful new components for your writing wardrobe. You’ll boost your polish and presentation and step into your next writing project looking good! (And that’s a solid reason for an exclamation point.)

Now it’s your turn. What would you add to this list of outdated, out-of-style, and out-grown writing thoughts and practices? Join the conversation below and share your thoughts.

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Outdated Writing Habits Every Author Should Stop Using—and What to Do Instead from Lori Hatcher on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Since she was old enough to read a Little Golden Book, Lori Hatcher has been fascinated by words. She’s woven them into seven devotionals with Our Daily Bread Publishing, including her latest, Lord, I Believe: 60 Devotions for Your Troubled Heart. She shares her insight at writers workshops around the country and has encouraged women’s ministry groups in the United States, Japan, Mexico, and Spain. Connect with her at LoriHatcher.com.