- You must write to be a writer.
- Aside from Rule #1, take all advice with a grain of salt. Yes, even the advice I give you, and my guests give you, and even Stephen King’s advice in On Writing, which is according to many people the greatest writing book (and the greatest book on addiction and wiping oneself with poison ivy) ever written. It may not work for you. Work on recognizing that advice, and avoid it.
- Remember that if advice doesn’t work for you, it may work for someone else, so don’t be a jerk if someone uses a technique that didn’t work for you.
This morning I got an idea. An awesome idea. I was very Grinch-like with my wonderful, awful idea. My hair actually curled. I want to use the Internet to release additional content to an upcoming book, perhaps even releasing the content before the book comes out. Before I write it, even (or at least as I write it.) I won’t give details – but it’s a method that I haven’t used before.
And then I thought,
- Oh, but I shouldn’t let anyone see it before I have a solid draft.
- I shouldn’t let someone see my awesome ideas or else they might steal them.
- I might burn out and never write it if I let out early material. And then WHAT WILL THEY THINK?
Sheesh. None of those things change the fact that I’m incredibly excited about this idea. You know the new idea feeling; it’s energizing, it makes you feel a little like falling in love. It is completely overwhelming. And it might not be a GOOD idea, but you will never know unless you try. And damn, it’s exciting.
So. First, a run. Then I finish a late column (oops). Then, explore this awesome idea.
And then write, cause, you know, Rule 1.
(I’m back on schedule, by the way. New show later today.)
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3 Responses to Two pieces of advice that are never wrong.
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ISBW Endorsed Programs
New from the Murverse- ISBW Special #46 – Stonecoast Writer’s Residency January 31, 2012
- ISBW #230 – Feedback January 30, 2012
- Short Story Alert- Gimme Shelter January 27, 2012
I love the rush I get from a new idea. It’s like the rush I got when I found out I was pregnant with both of my children.
The Rules in this office change routinely. In fact they aren’t treated as Rules, but more like Rules of Thumb. It’s the difference between form and formula.
My Self-Imposed Rules for Writing in 2011 So Far
[Just to be clear: This is me talking to myself.]
1. Write what you don’t know. It’s hard to be preachy or predictable when you don’t know what you’re gonna think.
2. There’s no excuse for being at a loss for words. You’re trying to be a writer, so try using words when the words don’t come easy. Most unforgivable cliché: “There are no words.”
3. Leave stuff for the readers to fill in. Lead them to it, but let them have the touchdown. What you write is worth face value. What readers conclude for themselves has a 3x multiplier.
Interesting. I had two rules when I started this, and neither of them made it into revised edit.
Happy New Year, Mur!
Keep up the good work, Mur. I listened to the special #43 I think, today, excellent as always. You motivate me always. I understand that you need sponsors to continue, and you’re in my top 2 to support with my first infusion, whether from a sale or some other source, I need you to continue doing what you do. This much I pledge to do. Thank you.