[This is part of the series: 20 Writing Tips From John Erickson]
Don’t write things that would shame your mother – is just good advice.
Of course, this is not only true for writing.
It’s true for everything else too.
Honestly, my wife and I encourage each other frequently in this respect.
We find ourselves reminding each other to:
“Never say anything about a person that you would not be comfortable saying to their face.”
“Never say anything in an email that you would not be alright with everyone at work seeing.”
Or:
“If you have something negative to complain about, vent to your spouse at home, and keep it to yourself at work.”
It all boils down to being careful what you say.
All in all it’s pretty simple: If in doubt, keep your mouth shut.
I say it is all a heart issue. But that’s me.
20. Don’t write anything that would shame your mother.
-John Erickson, Story Craft (Amazon)
