New Rules and Old Rules for Writing
Which Writing Rules to Follow, Which Writing Rules to Break, and Which Writing Rules Don’t Matter
If you only have time to read one “rule,” here it is:
Be Consistent
- If you choose to write in the first person, great. Just make sure you do that throughout your story.
- Writing in the past tense? Stay in the past tense. Don’t change to the present tense in the middle of your story if the story happened in the past.
- Like contractions? Fine. Be consistent. Contractions are casual, friendly, and readable. Formal writing doesn’t like contractions. In casual writing, such as Medium, you can use “I’ll” instead of “I will.” “You’re” instead of “you are.” In fact, sometimes it’s better.
- What about indenting paragraphs? (No worries about that choice on Medium since Medium doesn’t indent paragraphs) Indenting paragraphs is a bit old-fashioned but appropriate for books. Non-indented paragraphs give a cleaner look.
- Using Abbreviations? They’re fine as long as you stick to NY, CO, OR, GA, not NY in one paragraph and Colorado in the next paragraph.
- Wondering about the Oxford Comma? Doesn’t matter whether you use it or you don’t use it, just choose one way and stick to it. (If you aren’t sure what the Oxford Comma is, you can read more about it here.)
Paragraph Length Rules
Our English teachers dictated that paragraphs must be 7 sentences long. Some of us with gray hair took that rule very seriously. We still do in certain contexts.
Then cell phones and small tablets changed the game. A 7-line paragraph on a small phone is unreadable.
All of sudden the internet marketing folks started suggesting 1-line or 1 short sentence paragraphs. NO! Several 1-line paragraphs are lists in disguise. Occasionally a good paragraph is only 1-line or one sentence. But not one after another!
What ever happened to “happy medium”? Once in awhile a 1-line paragraph works for emphasis. But used repeatedly in a single story prevents the story from “flowing.” The writing is choppy.
Unless I’m working on a book like Oh Look . . . There’s a Squirrel, I aim for 3–4 lines for internet reading. If I post a story on Medium from a book I’m working on, I’ll shorten the paragraphs for Medium. In books including ebooks, I write 5–7 line paragraphs. I suggest you do the same. It’s more professional.
When proofreading, I check paragraph length. If you start your story with 3–4 line paragraphs, don’t change course in the middle and go back to the standard 5–7 line paragraphs.
Why don’t I love 3-line paragraphs? A paragraph indicates a thought. The next paragraph is a different but often connected thought. Can you write most complete thoughts in 2–3 lines ? Usually not.
All too often paragraphs, broken into 2 (or even 3) lines simply to make them shorter, end being split at places that don’t make sense. (I do that because I understand the reason — somebody might read what I write on a small phone — but I cringe every time!)
You Can Break These Rules
Yes, you can write in incomplete sentences. However, this is tricky. Read out loud to make sure it works. And don’t overdo. Overdoing creates choppy writing.
Yes, you can write in the first person even though your English teacher told you it was a sin. First-person writing is friendly. Using “I” in your writing makes it seem more personable.
Yes, you can use the word “you” in your writing. Using “I” and “you” in casual writing makes it feel like I am writing to you versus every reader and editor on Medium. Your readers feel included.
Yes, you can make up words. Just make sure a reader would understand them. I made up the word “ADHDers” to indicate people with ADHD. That’s one word that takes the place of three words: “people with ADHD.”
You May Not Break These Rules
No, you may not write run-on sentences. Don’t use commas when you need periods. (Proofread carefully and read out loud.)
No, you may not write long sentences. They are unreadable. (Again, read out loud.)
No, you may not use fancy fonts, different fonts in the same story except for sub-headings, or different colors. Medium takes care of that for you.
Unfortunately your word processing program and Word Press for your blog give you too many options. Avoid these options! Avoid looking like you’re a writer on psychedelic drugs.
A general rule is a serif font for text. (Serif fonts like the one Medium uses for this story and your stories have “tails” on the letters.) Non-serif fonts except for titles and sub-titles are harder to read.
No, you may not use swear words or sexually provocative words unless you’re writing fiction or poetry, and it’s ok with your specific audience.
When you’ re writing for a platform like Medium with thousands of readers, avoid words that some may find offensive — even if you and your friends don’t.
If you aren’t sure, ask if your Grandmother would approve of the word. Yes, I know some grandmothers won’t care. But I’m a grandmother, and I don’t like swear words or sexually provocative words. I’m not the only prude in the crowd.
Bottom line, don’t fret over rules, be consistent, and follow common sense. Once again, I remind you to proofread, followed by reading your work out loud.
Funny thing about reading your work out loud. If it doesn’t read well, you probably broke a rule you should have kept. If it reads well, there’s a good chance you broke several rules that needed breaking.
Read about reading your writing out loud below.
