Is saying “I don’t know what to…(fill in the blank)” really an invitation for others to chime in? I actually called my mother for some advice/sympathy on this one. She’s an artist, so I thought she might have gotten unasked for advice on what to paint. I have heard her many times declare that she didn’t know what to do with a canvas. I can’t say that I have ever given any ideas. Like I have any.

So why is being a writer any different. It seems that everywhere I turn someone wants to provide “helpful” suggestions to my “I don’t know what to write next.” I don’t remember asking for help or advice or ideas. Why would I use someone else’s ideas? Even when I talk about what I’m writing and I get to that point where I’m not sure where the story is going, I get unsolicited help. Again, did I invite you into my story? Did I ask for collaboration? No. And, definitely no. Perhaps I should write about an author who is plagued by helpful friends whenever the author’s work comes up in conversation.

The only solution I have to this problem is to not talk about my work. In fact, I do try to avoid talking about my storyline with anyone while I’m writing. Everyone’s a critic.