What it means when someone tries to tell you THE rules of good writing

[Libby Drew]

Saw this article just now and wanted to pass it along. I thought it especially relevant considering the writing advice I share on GA. The article starts with a fact I should probably reiterate far more often than I do.

 

There's only one rule for how to write a story, and that's: "Write a good story." Apart from that, anything goes, as long as you can pull it off. (And some things are harder to pull off than others.) But sometimes, people will try and teach you ironclad rules of fiction writing. Like, avoid an omniscient narrator, or introduce your main character on the first page.

 

There's only a few things it could mean when someone tries to teach you the rules of writing.

1) These are rules that work for this person, and they might work for you, too...

 

Link to full article:

http://io9.com/5978762/what-it-means-when-someone-tries-to-tell-you-the-rules-of-good-writing

 

The comments at the end are pretty interesting too if you have a chance to read them. Hope you enjoy.

 

~Libby

[Sara Alva]

Thanks for sharing

 

I try to be pretty conscious when I beta about not presenting rules as RULES, and instead more like my preferences/guidelines. Could be the anthro major in me-- nothing's ever black and white But I do think it's a good idea to gain some familiarity with the "rules" you break as a writer, so you're ready to defend your choices if asked.

Edited February 2, 2013 by KingdombytheSea

[Toast]

I like this article, especially the graphics... 400 volts of Eel rules

[Ieshwar]

It's a really great article. I think it applies to all creative fields. While reading the article, I found finding thinking not only of writing but also of designing. 

 

I personally believe in breaking the rules, to always experiment. Adhering to a strict set of rules will most often end up in bland copies of what has already been done (talking of fiction writing rules, not grammatical ones). And it's only with experimenting that you will find what you are best at. 

 

Thanks for the article.

 

Cheers

Ieshwar

[Libby Drew]

Thanks for sharing

 

I try to be pretty conscious when I beta about not presenting rules as RULES, and instead more like my preferences/guidelines. Could be the anthro major in me-- nothing's ever black and white But I do think it's a good idea to gain some familiarity with the "rules" you break as a writer, so you're ready to defend your choices if asked.

 

Great point. And being able to defend your choices as they relate to the "do's and don'ts" or the "widely accepted rules"  will take you far.

 

I like this article, especially the graphics... 400 volts of Eel rules

 

  I did stare at that one probably longer than was strictly healthy.

 

It's a really great article. I think it applies to all creative fields. While reading the article, I found finding thinking not only of writing but also of designing. 

 

I personally believe in breaking the rules, to always experiment. Adhering to a strict set of rules will most often end up in bland copies of what has already been done (talking of fiction writing rules, not grammatical ones). And it's only with experimenting that you will find what you are best at. 

 

Thanks for the article.

 

Cheers

Ieshwar

 

I couldn't agree more with this. Especially with the experimenting to find your strengths. Thanks!

[FrenchCanadian]

I do agree also... Don't we say that rules are meant to be broken anyhow?

 

The important thing to keep in mind is that writing is an art and as such there shouldn't be rules about what do to and not to do. However, you need to be able to pull it off.

[Krista]

Very nice and encouraging article. Someone starting to write probably would feel overwhelmed if they were hit with a bunch of seemingly restrictive rules or : You have to do it this way. It is all really subjective and a lot of things are over looked when the story is well written.  I found that out just by reading a few different authors and say that none of them were the same or had the same approach.

[The Pecman]

To me, the only two important rules are 1) surprise the reader and 2) make them want to read more. The best novels I've ever read have done both, in spades. I could also add a third: don't be boring. I see an awful lot of online fiction that has page after page of dialogue scenes that could've been cut down to one paragraph of description, particularly when not much is happening. "Don't bore us; get to the chorus" is often good advice. 

 

Everything else boils down the usual stuff of having a plot that makes sense, creating characters that people can understand (if not empathize with), and stir in as much conflict as you can in every chapter. To me, these are the most important rules that really matter -- after the basics of spelling, grammar, and style. 

[Sasha Distan]

don't be boring. 

 

I so agree with you. there are no rules of writing, just go and be creative and try and love whatever turns up. works for many things.

 

also, i tend to keep this in mind when people tell me HOW i should write: Well, can you write? No? off you trot then