Someone asked me to define
my own 'writing rules.' I prefer to think of these as hints and suggestions
which may help you determine your own.
Note: These 'rules'
are subject to editing and development.
1. Define your goals.
Do you want to be a full time
professional? Someone who writes as a hobby? Someone who just wants to see
their name in print? Short stories, novels or both? None of these ambitions are
any less valid than the others. There are a number of famous novelists who hold
down full-time jobs still. By choice. But it helps if you are clear in your
intentions.
2. Write.
This is one where I agree with
Heinlein. Many people intend to write, few actually do. It doesn't have to be every
day, just as often as you can and appropriate to your goals. Don't complain you
don't have the time - none of us do. If you want to do something badly enough
you'll make the time. I also think the rule about "finishing it" is
implicit in this rule. There's no point in only writing opening or paragraphs
unless they are exercises for practice.
3. Read widely.
Fiction, non-fiction, news, science,
classics, literature, biographies, cross-genre - even genres you would never
normally read. Take it all in and let it swish around inside you.
4. Rewrite as required
but don't tinker endlessly.
As you progress as a writer it
becomes easier to see flaws in your own work. I took an older story that
wouldn't sell, a story I loved, applied new learning to it and rewrote parts of
it resulting in a story double the original length. It sold, was nominated for
an award and has received great comments and reviews. On the other hand, don't
keep tweaking it endlessly. And don't be afraid to lose words to better the story.
Your words aren't that sacred.
5. Let it be read.
I'm amazed at the number of people
who want to be a writer but are too scared to show their writing to anyone.
I'll admit it was terrifying the first time, but you soon get used to it. Show
your work to people, submit it to markets. Get it out there. Isn't that what
storytelling is all about?
6. Learn.
Writers' groups, workshops, online
classes, writing books, writing buddies and so on. Develop your skills and
learn. Everything. Grammar is a good place to start. Strunk & White is very useful.
7. Listen to
critiques.
But that doesn't mean you need to
need to treat them all equally. A reader may be able to tell you it didn't work
for them but not be able to explain why. A writer might be able to explain why.
Remember that your story is aimed at readers. If it doesn't work for one, it
may not work for others. On the other hand, beware of advice starting with
"I would have written it like this..."
8. Be part of the
community.
Writing is generally a solitary
activity. Spend time with the community, both online and in person. Go to
conventions, meet people and socialise. It's amazing the doors that will open.
Remember networking is important, but networking is a two-way street. It's not
just about what others can do for you. If you take and never give you will soon
be ignored. Social media is supposed to be social. By all means mention a new
release, or a sale, or even the occasional writing problem or word count. But
if you're solely on Facebook to promote your work it soon becomes little more
than spam.
9. Be professional.
In all aspects of your public life -
at conventions, online and when dealing with editors and publishers. I know of
several writers whose works I refuse to buy simply because they've been rude or
arrogant towards me. And just because you've made a sale doesn't mean you're
now an expert on writing or anything else. Don't sermonise, pontificate or put
others down.
10. Have fun.
There are times you'll pull your
hair out, curse editors and publishers and declare you're hopeless and can't
write. But then there are those times you get to hold your newly published work
in your hands, or make a sale, or receive positive emails from writers. And
there is nothing like the feeling of typing the final full-stop at the end of a
piece you just know is the best thing you've ever written.
11. Don't rest on your
laurels.
Your best work is not necessarily
behind you. Keep writing.
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