Help! The more I learn about writing, the less I know. I've hit a brick wall.

I think this is a common problem among writers, especially with the inexhaustible availability of information out there. Hundreds, maybe thousands, of online classes, authors' websites, blogs, and how-to articles proliferate the Internet—everyone of them talking, teaching, and voicing opinions about the craft of writing. All sorts of rules abound: do this, don't do that; start a story with action, don't use flashbacks, don't use prologues, etc. Many of the "rules" contradict each other, causing more confusion.

For five years, that was my very own personal problem. Before I "knew" anything, writing was a joy. Every morning, I couldn't wait to get on the computer to write. I watched the pages of each manuscript grow until I came to the end and then started the process all over. Ah, ignorance was bliss.

Then I started attending conferences, workshops, and online seminars; I read countless articles on authors' websites and books on craft. My brain was in hyper drive, my creativity in dry dock, and my confidence shattered. The more I was learning, the less I seemed to know. This doesn't mean writers should not hone their craft. Knowledge is power, but don't let it stop you in your tracks. The best way to learn the craft of writing is to write.

Then one day something inside of me rebelled. I decided to allow my subconscious writer's brain to have at it. It was time to "forget" all the rules and write the kinds of stories I liked to read, and write them how I wanted to write them. I put my faith in my subconscious brain to access the required data as needed, and let it flow through my fingertips to the keyboard and onto the page. Writing is magical and mystical anyway. Why not allow it free rein?

I don't want to jinx myself, but I have rediscovered the joy. Once again, I look forward to sitting at the computer and immersing myself into the story I'm writing. Why don't you give it a try? What can you lose?

Happy Writing!!!