Writing and Killing Unicorns

The 10 Don'ts of Being a Successful Writer

Nelly Season 1 Episode 8

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Welcome to Writing and Killing Unicorns, where I serve up the hard truth about writing, no sugarcoating, no fluff. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the 10 Don’ts of Being a Successful Writer. This is the kind of tough love every writer needs to hear (and probably needs to stop ignoring). From procrastinating like it’s an Olympic sport, to obsessing over perfection (news flash: your first draft is allowed to suck), I’m shining a spotlight on the habits that are quietly wrecking your writing career—and trust me, you don’t want to be guilty of any of them.

I’m here to call out the things you’re doing that are holding you back, whether you’re stuck in a creative rut, overthinking every sentence, or waiting for “inspiration” to show up like a magic fairy (spoiler: she’s not coming). In this episode, we’re tossing out the excuses, ditching the bad habits, and putting your writing journey on the path to success.

But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom—I’m bringing the laughs, the tough love, and the no-nonsense advice you need to stop spinning your wheels and finally get your work out there. So, grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine, because, hey, we’re writers), and let’s dive into the 10 things you absolutely should NOT do if you want to be a successful writer.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a fresh perspective, a few laughs, and more than enough motivation to stop sabotaging yourself. Ready to stop making excuses and start writing like a boss? Let’s get into it.

Remember: There are no shortcuts to writing. Only the craft.

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