Rules for Writing

Many people have basic rules for writing, and this may copy some of those rules, but I’m sure others of mine are unique. Here’s what I try to live by. (These rules are a work in progress, and will be added to…)

• RULE 1: Write – You’re not a writer if you don’t do this. And there are 100 excuses not to do it, but you need to ignore those and just… write.
• RULE 2: You are allowed to suck – If you allow yourself to write without worrying about being perfect, you will fret less and learn more about the craft, therefore improving, therefore sucking less.
• RULE 3: Ideas are cheap – it’s the work that’s hard- don’t hold tight to your ideas, never talking about them, never writing them down. Just get it out.
• RULE 4: They will not kill you and pack you in salt – meaning that you will rejected, you will survive it, and you will keep writing. The fear of rejection or critique sometimes makes sending stuff out paralyzing. Just remember you will not be killed. Or packed in salt. Or eaten.
• RULE 5: Don’t be an ass – [new!] The Internet is a very public place. More public than we think. If you complain about agents, editors, critics, or even readers, online, THEY WILL HEAR YOU. Don’t be an ass.

As discussed in ISBW #117. More rules coming in future episodes!