Advice isn’t a rule or law! It’s a guide to help you; no one is making you follow it. Please do what you want lol

What the title says.

I see a lot of people on here, other subs, or just the internet in general asking for writing advice—often niche situations no less. Or they'll ask things like, "I'm in a bit of a pickle! Writing my first draft, and I am stuck, because there is a plot hole, but I'd have to go back and read my unfinished manuscript to fix it. Is this okay?"

Like yes! No one is forcing you to follow that advice like it's a law. It's very limiting when you try to fit into boxes. Writing is such a complex thing with so many variables, and allowing yourself freedom to do what works for you is the best thing.

Now, I'm not saying all advice is bad, definitely not, but sometimes thinking for yourself is the best thing to do. Steven King is not going to hide in your closet, wait for you to sleep, and beat you, simply for following what works best.

This also plays into: is X trope too problematic, or if I'm not X, can I write Y?

Though, regarding the first one. Write what you want, and do it how you want to, ask the sensitivity questions when your manuscript is done, not still an idea.

As for the second question, almost all successful authors do significant research beforehand anyway. It makes writing easier. So the question should really be: Am I willing to do the proper, extensive research to ensure I'm accurately representing a group, or time, or culture? Whatever it may be.

Please, please write what you want lol. It makes the process soooo much more enjoyable, especially if you've never written a novel before.