10 Writing Lessons from Friends

Posted June 3, 2016 by Jennifer Ellision in Lists, Writing / 0 Comments

friends writing lessons

So, no one told you life was gonna be this way.
*clap, clap, clap, clap, clap*
Your job’s a joke. You’re broke. Your love life’s DOA.

Is it possible the Friends theme song secretly describes writers?

Today, I want to revisit a post from my old blog, Almost Grown-up, to talk about some basic writing rules-of-thumb… with the cast of Friends. Because I think its proper home is here and, to be honest, any post with Friends references is a better post, in my humble opinion.

1. If you’re a pantser, like me, beginning a new draft can feel like this:

writing friends 1

And that’s okay.

2. That can sometimes lead to a little of this:

writing friends 2

But that’s what revisions are for.

3. The thesaurus is a wonderful tool! But be sure not to overdo it.

writing friends 3

4. PACING matters

writing friends 4

5. Get into your characters’ heads!

writing friends 5

6. GRAMMAR ALSO MATTERS.

writing friends 6
writing friends 7

7. I know naming things is hard. But make sure the name suits the character (because saying the wrong name is awkward for everyone).

writing friends 8

8. Don’t take ten words to accomplish what you could say with five.

18 pages front and back friends

9. Don’t abandon your own work!

writing friends 9

10. Finally, a big revision goal should be:

writing friends 10

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