What Are The Most Important Rules for Writing?
You be the Judge
In searching for some excellent techniques for writing, I looked up the phrase “Rules for Writing.”
It’s a good thing I was sitting down as I would have virtually been buried under the pages and pages of Google sites that prophesies to have the definitive list of the most important “Rules for Writing.”
So, (I just broke one rule here) I have curated the information in what I think is a palpable list you can use when you are doing your creative work.
Some pages listed five rules, others 15, and yet more listed 25.
The first batch, a list created by Emily Wenstrom, suggests a shortcut of easily followed rules. See below:
1. Don’t judge the first draft.
My take: Always write your first draft with abandon. You can’t edit a blank page. Let your fingers fly over the keys as the ideas go from your brain through your hands. Just get it down. “That’s what revisions are for.”
2. Keep it simple.
My take: You don’t want your readers to need a dictionary to read your work. Think about how you feel when you read a book that pulls at your heartstrings or gut. Then, can you make the scene even more simplified? Give it a try.
3. Use adjectives and adverbs sparingly.
My take: OK, let’s back up. First of all, what is an adjective? An adjective is a word you use to describe a person, place, or thing: the red car, the funny clown, the cute cat.
What is an adverb? Adverbs often modify verbs and end in “ly,” such as loudly, mainly, smoothly.
In addition, verbs are also crucial in our writing. Here is what I think is a good example:
Verbs are your power words. They do the bulk of your descriptions, with adverbs and adjectives finishing off what you describe.
Don’t get put off by these detailed definitions. Don’t let the rules stop you. Keep this info handy for much later when you go back to your work for revisions.
4. Always get an outside editor.
My take: Yes. Always. We can’t see our own mistakes. We read right over them. There are many different ways to get an outside reader. If you are writing a book, you will want to hire a professional editor. Before that, you can join a critique group, and in that way, you get the experience of reading others’ work, and the group will read and comment on yours.
5. Break writing rules with intention.
My Take: If you have come up with some new way of describing something, or a speech pattern, know what you are doing and make it obvious. Each genre has its style, so know you are doing it if you plan on coloring outside the lines.
Here is another list that offers its own four rules.
1. Learn How to Write.
My take: The beauty of our online world is that it is easy to learn a ton of stuff without being limited geographically. And, you can also learn without having to be online. So, take advantage of signing up for writing classes. You may not realize how much you don’t know.
2. Be a Critical Reader
My take: To be a good writer, you must become a critical reader. And read a lot. That is a big part of learning to write. Who are the masters out there? Read them.
3. Beware the Naysayers
My take: Boy, I’ve said this a million times. Get rid of the negative people in your life. And they are out there, right? Never give up. If you believe in your work, you will have the fire in the belly to make it. Don’t listen to people who don’t support your passion.
4. Finish Your Piece and Put It Away
My take: It makes sense that once you have revised your piece, be it a book, short story, or poetry, give it a rest. There are many different points of view on how long, from a week to years. That depends on you. I have a short attention span, so the best I have ever done is a month. It does help though not looking at your work for a bit allows a fresh perspective.
If you Google “Rules for Writing,” you will find many lists with various tips, from strictly grammar rules or just style suggestions.
It’s all out here, and each list has something helpful for you to engage in, depending on where you see your weak areas.
