Amen! Art and creativity are no place for strict rules and formulas. The best writing advice comes in the form of hard-won wisdom and insights.

I think you really nailed it with this line: "There’s no formula for consistent success, other than hard work, talent, and an open mind."

Yes, try to learn from others. Yes, keep hustling and adapting based on your experience. But don't try to blindly follow some guru's fool-proof formula for instant success. You have to make your own path.

Well said, Rocco!