Let’s get this all out in the air.

Last Friday, for reasons unclear to me, everyone started sharing their own Harsh Writing Advice on Twitter.

Inspired by some of the helpful, ironic and flat-out funny advice that crossed my timeline, I thought I would round up some great writing advice from movies, TV series and the writers of both. This is, of course, by no means a comprehensive list – there are countless movies and shows about writers and the writing process – but are some of my favorite bits.

“Thirty-Two…”

Even if it’s not something that will be performed, it helps if you sound it out and you still find it funny.

“Good writers borrow; great writers steal outright.”

Don’t plagiarize, but don’t be afraid to be overly- and overtly-influenced.

“Buy the premise, buy the bit.”

Even non-comedic material needs the audience to quickly understand the situation they’re being thrown into in order for everything that follows to work.

“I’m having a little trouble getting started…”

Always be truthful with your editors, they’re there to help you out.

“Well everyone knows Custer died at Little Big Horn…”

Don’t be afraid to go with that first big idea you have, you never know when you too might earn a sudden, unexpected literary celebrity.